Family Support Services
Intensive Family Support (IFS)
Together, we'll find a way to improve the wellbeing of your children and family.
Overview
Intensive Family Support (IFS) is a free and confidential service available to families who have children aged 0–18 years in their care. This voluntary, supportive service is designed to build on family strengths and improve family relationships. IFS provides a lead practitioner for your family who will offer support to achieve your case plan goals.
If IFS is recommended to you by the Department of Communities, Housing and Homelessness Services, Education or Health, we will contact you to discuss whether you would like to participate. The program is completely voluntary, so you do not have to participate if you choose not to.
Who is this service for?
IFS is for parents and families who need support to increase the safety and wellbeing of their children (aged 0-18) and family.
At my lowest points she has been compassionate, shown great empathy and helped me keep going one day at a time.
Just want to express my gratitude for our caseworker. This year she has been an amazing support for myself and my children during some difficult times.
Her visits and check-ins have at times helped me get through days I didn’t think I could, and at my lowest points she has been compassionate, shown great empathy and helped me keep going one day at a time.
Her non-judgemental approach has allowed me to accept help and trust her, which is not something I do easily. I just wanted your service to know what an absolute asset she is to you and how grateful I am that your service exists.
V, 42
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IFS client
How can I access IFS?
If you decide to participate in IFS, we will arrange a time and place to meet that is suitable for you and your family.
The Benefits of IFS
- Improve parenting skills
- Assistance with budgeting
- Build confidence as a parent or care-giver
- Improve the relationships within your family
- Better manage household duties, such as cooking and cleaning
- Develop coping skills for dealing with difficult family issues or crisis
- Encourage children to attend and do their best at childcare and school
- Access health and welfare services, including doctors, counsellors, drug and alcohol services, sexual health services and child health specialists.
