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Eastern Family Services

These are free community based family support programs for families with children under 18 years of age.

People who can access these services

Blackburn and Croydon Family Support Services:

City of Maroondah
City of Whitehorse
City of Monash
City of Boroondara
City of Manningham

Families can contact Connections by telephone to self refer or by calling into our Blackburn and Croydon offices in person and asking to speak with the Intake/Duty Worker.

How family services work

Blackburn and Croydon Family Services are staffed by qualified and experienced professionals who work together with families to develop a plan to assist them to meet their needs.

Counselling for individuals, families and couples
In-home support that can assist families to develop their parenting, coping; and household management skills. Family Service Caseworkers can also link families with specialised support from other professionals and organisations
Case management is also offered to families with many services in their lives to ensure that all services work together to best meet the family's needs

These services are flexible and can be provided in families' homes or at Connections offices.

How clients can benefit from this service

We support families experiencing a range of difficulties that may impact on their parenting and family life. These difficulties can include problems associated with household management, relationship stresses, personal difficulties and parenting challenges. Families can benefit from accessing therapeutic case-work that provides an emotional component, as well as a practical component to the development of parenting and problem solving skills in the context of their family life.

How this service benefits the community

The aim of Family Services is to promote the safety, stability and development of vulnerable children, young people and their families, as well as to build capacity and resilience for children, families and communities. The skills that parents develop can flow on to a more secure family life, which can enhance their children's social and emotional wellbeing and also assist them to take advantage of educational opportunities that may benefit them in later life.