Contents About us 1 Early intervention mental health 6 Parenting programs/ courses/groups8 Community engagement/ development12 External programs/services 13 Useful contacts 24 Accessibility25 © Australian Capital Territory, Canberra 2014 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the Territory Records Office, ACT Government. ACT Publication No. 150107 Enquiries about this publication should be directed to: Child and Family Centres ACT Community Services Directorate GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601 Telephone Email Web 13 34 27 (Canberra Connect) [email protected] www.act.gov.au/childandfamilycentres Find your local centre About us Gungahlin Symbol Address 51 Ernest Cavanagh St Gungahlin ACT 2912 Gungahlin Contact Marketplace (Woolworths) T 6207 0120 F 6205 5084 E [email protected] Tuggeranong Symbol Address 159 Anketell St Greenway ACT 2900 Tuggeranong Hyperdome Contact T 6207 8228 F 6207 0540 E [email protected] West Belconnen Symbol Address 6 Luke St Holt ACT 2615 Kippax Uniting Church Contact T 6205 2904 F 6205 4318 E [email protected] KIPPAX FAIR 1 About us The early years of a child’s life set the foundation for their future health, development and learning. The Child and Family Centres are a ‘one-stop-shop’ supporting families during this important time. The centres are staffed by professionals including social workers and psychologists, and are designed to provide a range of support programs to assist parents and children. The services and support provided through the centres focus on children pre-birth to 8 years, however selected services can be offered to children up to 12 years of age. Drop-in parenting support Parents are invited to visit their local Child and Family Centre to chat with a trained professional about parenting, ask questions and to get information. This can lead to ongoing, one-to-one support with a child and family worker. drop-in free pa healthy children su ppor child & family ce This service is free of charge and available without an appointment. Where When 9.00 am–5.00 pm Monday to Friday How Drop-in or call your local centre Who For parents and carers of young children 2 renting ilies t ed f am ntres | AC T -in in FO info informat stron ger communit ies Staff are available to speak with parents and service providers — Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, either in person or by phoning your local centre — about a range of issues including: ■■ general parenting ■■ adjusting to being a parent ■■ family relationship issues ■■ your child’s behaviour. dR OP ion About us Ongoing support Child and family workers are available to provide ongoing support for children and families. No two families are the same so child and family workers will provide a tailored service to your child and family. Child and family workers work with families in many different ways. For example, workers can: ■■ help coordinate services that might be involved with your family ■■ help develop strategies to manage your child’s behaviour ■■ assist with access to other services. Child and family workers can meet with children and families at the centre, at home, at school or another convenient location. This service is FREE of charge and available by visiting or phoning your local centre. 3 About us IMAGE BY DALE HUDDLESTON AND WEST BELCONNEN COMMUNITY MEMBERS Frequently asked questions 4 ■■ Can I just drop in to chat with someone? A professional staff member is available to speak with parents and service providers Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, either in person or by telephoning ■■ Gungahlin 6207 0120 ■■ Tuggeranong 6207 8228 ■■ West Belconnen 6205 2904 This service is available without an appointment. ■■ What services are provided at the centres? A range of services are offered through the centres, including: ■■ Drop-in parenting information ■■ Therapy ACT physiotherapy and speech clinics ■■ ACT Health services — immunisations, child health checks, Maternal and Child Health nurses, midwifery, new parents groups, sleep clinics. Detailed listings of services are outlined from page 6. ■■ Is there a fee? All services provided by the Child and Family Centres are free to ACT residents. About us ■■ Can I have my own worker who can help me for a while with some parenting and family issues? Yes. A child and family worker will meet with you to discuss your situation. This may mean that a worker could work with children and families on an individual basis, it could be a referral to a parenting group, or referral to another service that may be more appropriate. All options are discussed with parents to ensure the right response is provided. If parents feel they would like ongoing support and assistance in their parenting role, a worker may be provided to support them. ■■ Can any ACT resident use the Child and Family Centres services or do you have to live in Gungahlin, Tuggeranong or Belconnen? The centres primarily support children and families who live in the Tuggeranong, Gungahlin and Belconnen communities. ACT parents outside these regions are welcome to contact any Child and Family Centre. For more information about programs and services available at the centres you can phone, drop in or visit www.communityservices.act.gov.au 5 Early intervention mental health Children’s Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing Clinic Consultation clinics for parents of children under 8 years to provide information on child development, behaviour management strategies and support to address concerns. Where Who How Parents with children under 8 years Contact your local centre FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES Circle of Security relationship-based parenting program This international and widely researched program provides opportunities to develop and enhance a secure relationship between parents and their children. Parents will learn how to recognise, understand and meet their children’s emotional needs in order to prevent and manage behavioural and emotional difficulties. This is an 8-week, small group program which uses observation, reflection, practice and discussion. The group is appropriate for parents of children aged 0–8 years. Where Who Parents of children aged 0–8 years How Call your local centre FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES 6 A group for primary school children aged 8–12 years, focusing on teaching them better ways to manage anxiety. Where Who Children aged 8–12 years How Contact your local centre FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AT GUNGAHLIN AND WEST BELCONNEN. BUNGEE AT TUGGERANONG Cool Little Kids A group for parents of children aged 3–8 years, helping them learn strategies to assist their anxious child. Where Who Parents of children aged 3–8 years How Contact your local centre FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES Early intervention mental health Cool Kids Health in Mind—Child Mental Health Service Health in Mind — Child Mental Health Service is a free counselling service for children under 12 years of age who are experiencing a mild to moderate mental health condition. The service can provide up to 12 free counselling sessions for children with mild anxiety or depression, who experience difficulties at school, or bullying. To be eligible, a child requires a referral and completed Mental Health Treatment Plan from their GP and be facing financial barriers to gaining other treatment options. Where Who Children under 12 years of age How Speak with an intake worker at any of the Child and Family Centres or contact 6287 8090 (Medicare Local) for assistance or further information. A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN ACT GOVERNMENT AND ACT MEDICARE LOCAL 7 Parenting programs/courses/groups General programs/courses/groups Developing Kids Group A supported group for children with mild to moderate developmental delays who are ineligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Facilitated by qualified Early Childhood teachers, the group is for children 2 years to school age. Parents are engaged with their child for group sessions. To access the group, a child must be referred via Therapy ACT. Where When Weekly during school term Who Young parents under 25 years How Contact your local centre or Therapy ACT FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES 8 A group for young parents under 25 years where parents can meet new friends, tap into creative skills, play with their child/children, connect with support and find out useful parenting tips. Where When Friday mornings during school terms Who Young parents under 25 years How Contact the centre FACILITATED BY BELCONNEN COMMUNITY SERVICES AND WEST BELCONNEN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE Learn, Giggle and Grow Parents and children have the opportunity to interact and play in a safe and supported environment. The emphasis is on encouraging parents to engage with their children in play, enrich the parent-child relationship and help parents build confidence. Groups run from weeks 2–9 of each school term. Where Who How Parents and children birth to 5 years Contact your local centre Parenting programs/courses/groups GET UP (Group Engaging The Under 25 Parents) FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AND PARTNERS Parents as Teachers A montly home visit program to help parents recognise everyday learning opportunities in their child’s lives. During visits, trained parent educators provide parents with practical information and guidance to help their child develop skills essential for later learning. Emphasis is placed on developing children’s thinking and curiosity, language, motor and social skills. Support can start later in the prenatal period and continue until a child reaches 3 years of age. Where When By appointment Who Families with a child under 2½ years of age How Contact your local centre FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES 9 Parenting programs/courses/groups POPPY (Parents Opportunity to Participate in Play with their Young) A supported group for mums and dads with mental health issues where parents can meet other parents and share experiences while having fun playing with your children. Where When Who How Tuesday mornings during weeks 2–9 of school term Parents with mental health issues with children birth to 5 years Contact your local centre FACILITATED BY ACT MENTAL HEALTH, RICHMOND FELLOWSHIP AND CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES Tuggeranong Young Mums and Kids The program is offered to young mothers under 25 years living in south Canberra, with either their first or second child (up to 2 years of age). It aims to educate and support young women to enhance their health, well-being and parenting knowledge. Where When Who How Monday morning Young mothers under 25 years living in south Canberra, with either their first or second child (up to 2 years of age) Contact the centre FACILITATED BY YWCA CANBERRA AND TUGGERANONG CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE 10 Atfaal Family Playgroup A group for Muslim families with children under 5 years living in Gungahlin. The group aims to build links with the community and provide access to parenting information and services. Where When Tuesday mornings from week 2–9 of school term Who Muslim parents and children under 5 years How Contact the centre FACILITATED BY GUNGAHLIN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE Multicultural Group A playgroup to assist multicultural families with children from birth to 5 years to settle into the community by providing them with a variety of support services. The playgroup also supports families by nurturing their child’s development through play. Where When Who How Parenting programs/courses/groups Multicultural parenting programs/courses/groups Thursday mornings from week 2–9 of school term Parents and children birth to 5 years who are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background Contact the centre FACILITATED BY THE SMITH FAMILY AND TUGGERANONG CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE South Sudanese Group A group for South Sudanese families with children from birth to 5 years. The group aims to build links with the community and improve access to parenting information and services. Where When Who How Wednesday mornings from week 2–9 of school term South Sudanese families with children from birth to 5 years Contact the centre FACILITATED BY THE SMITH FAMILY AND WEST BELCONNEN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE 11 Community engagement/development Growing Healthy Families Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities Each Child and Family Centre offers a range services to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities. These include: ■ case management ■ group programs ■ community activities and events ■ links to other services and community ■ advocacy ■ school-based programs. Where How Contact your local centre for current programs or more information FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES 12 Gungahlin T 6207 0120 Tuggeranong T 6207 8228 West Belconnen T 6205 2904 Drop-in Clinics Drop-in clinics provide parents in the ACT with an opportunity to discuss issues about their child’s communication skills with a speech pathologist. Parents can also discuss issues about their child’s gross motor development and posture, movement and walking with a physiotherapist. External programs/services ACT Community Services Directorate: Therapy ACT The clinics take the form of an informal discussion and screen of skills — it is not a formal assessment. No appointment is necessary. However, for speech pathology drop-in clinics, an approximate timeslot will be provided upon arrival. Further information about drop-in clinics including timetables can be found at: www.act.gov.au/therapyactdropin For concerns in older children, please contact the Therapy ACT Intake Line 6205 1246. Physiotherapy Where Who Children from birth to the end of primary school Speech therapy Where Who From birth to the end of kindergarten Gungahlin Tuggeranong West Belconnen 13 External programs/services 14 ACT Community Services Directorate: Women’s Information Women’s Information Officer A Women’s Information Officer can put you in touch with services and providers who offer assistance and advice across a diverse range of subject matters including domestic violence and sexual assault, childcare, social interaction, further education, multicultural networks, and mental health support networks. Where WhoWomen How orTheo Notaras Multicultural Centre Level 2, North Building London Circuit, Canberra City Contact a Women’s Information Officer to arrange an appointment: T 6205 1075 or 6205 1076 E [email protected] W www.act.gov.au/women Maternity Midwives offer outreach services for antenatal check-ups, information and advice for parents scheduled to give birth at Calvary Hospital and the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children. Where Calvary Hospital Antenatal Clinic, and the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, and antenatal breasfeeding sessions Calvary Hospital Antenatal Clinic, and the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children BOOKINGS PHONE NUMBERS: External programs/services ACT Health Directorate: Hospitals Calvary Hospital Antenatal Clinic 6201 6359 The Birthing Centre 6201 6880 Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Birth Centre (Canberra Midwifery Program) 6174 7341 Birthing Suite 6174 7444 CatCH (Continuity at Centenary Hospital) 6174 5800 Antenatal Clinic (bookings include breastfeeding sessions) 6174 7625 15 External programs/services ACT Health Directorate: Women, Youth and Children Community Health Program Maternal and Child Health (MACH) Nursing Service Bookings for MACH Nursing Services should be made through: Community Health Intake 6207 9977 8am–5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). CHILD HEALTH CLINICS (babies and young children to 4 years) Health checks, immunisations, information and advice on parenting issues, including development, lactation, feeding, sleeping and settling for babies and young children to 4 years. Where DROP-IN CLINICS (brief consultation) No appointments required. These clinics are best suited for quick questions and updates, not comprehensive health checks. Self weigh facilities are available to weigh your baby. The time allocated to each child is 15–20 minutes. Where EARLY DAYS (babies up to 3 months) Group sessions to assist parents with babies up to 3 months, with early issues with feeding and settling their baby. Where FUSSY EATERS GROUP A free drop-in group for parents (and carers) of fussy eaters aged 12 months to five years. A dietician is available to answer questions and offer suggestions to help make family mealtimes easier. Sessions go for 1½ hours from 12–1.30pm. Where When Contact your centre for details NEW PARENTS GROUPS (first time parents of babies up to 4 months) MACH nurses facilitate sessions for first-time parents of babies up to 4 months, offering support, information and advice over 5 weekly sessions. Where 16 Free service for children, young people and their families. Dietitians can provide advice on a range of nutrition topics including fussy eating, introducing solids, weight management, food allergy and intolerance, disordered eating and healthy eating during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Where ORTHOPTIST (from birth to 6 years) A secondary screening clinic for children, birth to 6 years. Referrals through MACH and kindergarten screen. Where SLEEP AND SETTLING GROUPS (3 months to 3 years) MACH nurses run groups to help address sleep and settling issues. The three age specific sessions are: 3–8 months; 9–18 months; 19–36 months Where External programs/services NUTRITION Community Paediatric & Child Health Service Specialised services for families with concerns about their child’s development. Referrals accepted from GPs, maternal and child health nurses, allied health professionals, teachers and school counsellors. Where How Book through Community Health Intake 6207 9977 8am–5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public hols) Women’s Health Service Nursing and counselling services to support women’s health and wellbeing. ■■ Counsellor services only at Tuggeranong and Gungahlin. ■■ Nurse and counsellor services at West Belconnen. Where Who Women experiencing significant barriers to health service access How Phone 6205 1078 17 External programs/services ACT Dads’ Playgroup For fathers and grandfathers and their children A playgroup for fathers and/or grandfathers and their children. Activities include games, craft, singing and reading. The playgroup also provides an opportunity for fathers to share ideas about caring for their children. Where When First Saturday of each month Who Fathers and/or grandfathers and their children HowE [email protected] T 0415 532 115 ACT Playgroups Playing Together (special needs playgroup) A playgroup providing a fun time and an opportunity to meet with other parents who have a child with special needs. Guest speakers will speak on topics relevant to those attending. Siblings under 5 years welcome. Where & when Who How Gungahlin: Thursday mornings Tuggeranong: Friday mornings West Belconnen: Monday mornings Parents and children birth to 5 years who have a disability, developmental delay or chronic illness. Siblings welcome. Contact ACT Playgroups 1800 171 882 or your local centre FACILITATED BY ACT PLAYGROUPS AND MYTIME PLAYGROUPS Australian Breastfeeding Association Support and advice to breastfeeding women Counsellor-led meetings to provide support and advice to breastfeeding women. Where WhenMonthly group meetings Who Breastfeeding women How E [email protected] Facebook: Australian Breastfeeding Association-Tuggeranong Group 18 Cool Kids — Worry Busters and Circus A program for children and their parents to help them to manage anxieties. Worry Busters and Circus incorporates activities drawn from the Cool Kids program. Parents meet fortnightly to discuss the parental component of the Cool Kids program. Where When Who How Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. Bookings essential Children aged 9–12 years, with parent/ guardian participation T 6264 0232 E [email protected] FACILITATED BY BUNGEE AND INSTRUCTORS FROM THE WAREHOUSE CIRCUS Mandarin for Fun External programs/services Belconnen Community Services (Bungee) Chinese Cultural Playgroup This is a mixed age and cultural background playgroup. Members are from both Chinese and non-Chinese backgrounds with children aged from birth to 5 years. Where Who Parents and children birth to 5 years How E [email protected] T 0410 981 788 Marymead KAYAKS (Kids And Youth Are Kool post Separation) Program KAYAKS is a program for children aged 4–12 years and young people aged 13–18 years whose parents and caregivers are separated or divorced. Where When Friday mornings Who Children and young people aged 4–18 years of separated or divorced families How Enquiries and referrals from parents, caregivers, other service providers, the Family Court and legal practitioners. Phone 6162 5829 or email [email protected] 19 External programs/services Migrant and Refugee Settlement Service (MARSS) Outreach A free outreach service that provides casework, including referrals and advocacy for clients. Clients may be assisted with completing forms for Centrelink or migration documentation. Please note MARSS are not migration agents. Referrals to services such as financial, legal, education, employment and counselling services, including writing support letters for clients for organisations, such as Housing ACT. Where When Gungahlin: Tuesday 11.30am–1.30pm West Belconnen: Wednesday 12.30–2.30pm Who Refugees and humanitarian visa holders, some family stream and other permanent visa holders are eligible to access SGP services. How Drop in during MARSS outreach session or call MARSS reception and make an appointment in advance. Phone MARSS 6248 8577 or email [email protected] We use the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) if required. Paint & Play Outdoor playgroups Join us for some fun in the park! It’s free! Paint and Play is a fun time for kids to paint, do puzzles, meet other kids and play games. Don’t forget to bring your hats, sunscreen and a snack. Where Various Canberra locations during school terms. When Who 20 For contact information and to find out when the next event will be held in your area visit www.act.gov.au/paintandplay Kids (birth to 5 years) with mums, dads or carers. Relationship Counselling Relationships Australia provide counselling on relationshipbased issues Where When Fortnightly Who Families using the Child and Family Centres How Referrals through your local centre Kinship Counselling Where WhenFortnightly Who Kinships carers How Bookings through Relationships Australia 6122 7100 External programs/services Relationships Australia Street Law Outreach Legal Service Street Law is a free service for clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It is generalist legal service that can talk to clients about most areas of law. They can also provide clients with a referral to other services. Where: When:Fortnightly How: Contact the centre for appointments The Smith Family Learning for Life The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program is a student support program set up to assist financially disadvantaged young Australians to make the most of their education. Where How Contact The Smith Family 6283 7600 21 Child, Youth and Family Services Program (CYFSP) The Gateway 1800 647 831 Monday to Friday 9am–5pm [email protected] www.thegateway.org.au The Gateway is a service for children, young people (up to 25 years) and families who are looking for help with the tough stuff, but are not sure where to go. We have links to all kinds of programs and services that can support people to have the best chance to stay on track in their lives. The Gateway is also for children, young people and families who might be (or are) involved with Care and Protection Services or Community Youth Justice, and would like support to work through what’s happening. Canberra Connect Canberra Connect is an integrated service provider connecting the ACT community with the Government of the Australian Capital Territory for information, payments, services and emergency support. Mon–Fri: 7am–8pm,Sat: 8am–5pm,Sun: 9am–5pm 13 22 81 www.canberraconnect.act.gov.au 22 R IE S HAB I TS FA M I L BE I NG S AT A PA R E N T TH W O SLEEP RK RI G H T FR UT BIE A G SCHOOL TIN BA ST ABO WEL L O M TH E S TAR T SA F ET Y FOR CHILDREN is a FREE service of the ACT Government Community Services Directorate. ParentLink aims to increase the confidence and skills of parents by supporting and linking them to information, ideas and community services. ParentLink guides are full of practical information and tips to manage parenting challenges, including sibling rivalry, sleeping, blended families and grandparenting. Whatever your child’s age, you will find lots of good ideas. Now every parent can be well connected ParentLink guides from Child and Family Centres www.parentlink.act.gov.au 23 Useful contacts Contact details for a range of emergency, health, social and support services. 24-hour services Ambulance, Fire, Police 000 ACT Police Assistance 13 14 44 Alcohol and Drug Helpline 6207 9977 Calvary Hospital 6201 6111 Calvary John James Hospital 6281 8100 Canberra Hospital 6244 2222 Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 6247 2525 Domestic Violence Crisis Service 6280 0900 HealthDirect 1800 022 222 Lifeline 13 11 14 Mental Health ACT Triage 1800 629 354 Mental Health Service (Queanbeyan) 1800 677 114 Poisons Information 13 11 26 (life-threatening or time-critical emergency) Child protection (reporting) Care and Protection Services (where the child is in the ACT) General public 1300 556 729 Mandated reporters 1300 556 728 Child Abuse Prevention Service Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm 1800 688 009 NSW Department of Community Services (where the child is in NSW) 24 24hrs 13 21 11 Parenting Australian Breastfeeding Association 1800 686 268 Barnardos Parenting Outreach Program 6228 9500 Child and Family Centres ACT Gungahlin Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm 6207 0120 Tuggeranong Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm 6207 8228 West Belconnen Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm 6205 2904 Childcare Access Hotline Mon–Fri: 8am–9pm 1800 670 305 Child, Youth and Family Gateway Community Health Intake Karitane Careline 1800 647 831 Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm 6207 9977 24hrs 1300 227 464 Maternal and Child Health Nurse Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm 6207 9977 PANDSI (Post and Antenatal Depression Support and Information) administration 6287 3961 support 6288 1936 Parentline ACT 6287 3833 Queen Elizabeth II Family Centre Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm 6207 9977 Tresillian Parent Help Line 24hrs (02) 9787 9855 freecall outside Sydney and within NSW 24hrs 1800 637 357 Women, Youth & Children Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm 6207 9977 Young Parents Program (outreach support and accommodation to young families who are homeless — 16–25yrs) 6234 7376 ACCESSIBILITY ACT Government is committed to making information, services, events and venues, accessible to as many people as possible. If you have difficulty reading a standard printed document and would like to receive this publication in an alternative format — such as large print or audio —please telephone 6205 0619. If English is not your first language and you require the translating and interpreting service — please telephone 13 14 50. If you are deaf or hearing impaired and require the TTY typewriter service — please telephone 6205 0888. ACT Interpreter Service — for the deaf and blind — please telephone 6287 4391. 25 www.communityservices.act.gov.au
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