NSW Department of Communities and Justice / Family Connect and Support - Western Sydney - 1-11486378166

Family Connect and Support (FCS) is a whole–of-family service for children, young people and their families experiencing or at risk of experiencing vulnerability in NSW. It is for families who could benefit from support to address and prevent the escalation of current issues. Primarily FCS is for those families with identified concerns that fall below the threshold of statutory child protection intervention.

FCS is primarily for families facing current concerns that have not reached ROSH but may include families who have been subject to a low level ROSH report (less than 10 days response) but for whom no other supports are available. These are cases where there is no active child protection case plan and/or active case child protection involvement. The program is not for families with support needs that can be managed with the help of professionals they are already working with. FCS providers prioritise the following groups in the locations they are funded for:

1. Aboriginal children, young people and their families
2. Vulnerable young children aged 0-5
3. Children and young people affected by mental illness

As an early intervention and prevention service, the FCS, helps families to identify and address underlying issues and needs from a holistic perspective. FCS services will work with families to assess their support needs and provide information, referrals and practical assistance to help them access appropriate support services in their local area (including through the use of brokerage). It is vital that FCS services underpin their service delivery with principles such as innovation, flexibility and responsiveness to ensure service delivery is tailored and meets the needs of individual service user(s).