Service Providers

What is Family Connect and Support?

Family Connect and Support (FCS) is a service that can help you and your family connect to the right services and supports at the right time. FCS is available across NSW.

The service is the same state-wide.

FCS assists families who may be experiencing issues or concerns including financial, parenting, substance use, mental health, domestic and family violence, housing and homelessness. FCS connects families to the right supports before their concerns escalate.

FCS helps families identify their strengths and address underlying issues and needs.

Who is eligible for Family Connect and Support?

There is no formal eligibility criteria for Family Connect and Support. In most cases however there must be a child/young person aged 0 - 18 in the family or household.

FCS also has some specific target groups that will be prioritized for service delivery. These are  

• Aboriginal children, young people and their families
•  families with young children (0 – 5) and
•  Families with children/young people affected by mental illness.

How can FCS help families?

Through an initial consultation, an FCS worker will get to know the family and their individual circumstances.

The FCS worker can give the family information and advice and help connect them to the services in their area.

FCS will develop a case plan in partnership with the family, if needed. The service also offers:

• Family Group Conferencing
• Practical Support including brokerage
• Referrals to other services

FCS will also provide feedback to you about the steps taken to support the family and the outcome of the engagement.

FCS will stay connected to families if there is a wait for services.

How do I refer a family to FCS?

You can refer a family by contacting the local FCS provider who covers the area the family you’re referring lives in.  Find out the contact details of the FCS provider in your area.

You can also make an initial enquiry to a local FCS provider through this website. Simply find the FCS provider in the family’s area here, click on the ‘Make an enquiry’ button and fill out the form.

The local FCS provider will contact you or the person you have nominated to discuss the enquiry and how they can support the family’s needs and preferences.