Famliy+Supports

Reconnect works with young people and families wanting assistance to improve their relationships. Reconnect will work with young people aged between 12 and 18 who either live, work or study in the areas of Maribrynong, Brimbank or Moonee Valley



Referrals : Family Programs worker on 9363 1811.
 * PARKAS** Parents Accepting Responsibility Kids Are Safe. PARKAS is an **eight week**, two tiered group program for children **aged between 8 -12 years** and their mothers or carers who have **experienced family violence.**

Parent - Child **Mother Goose Program**. the program is open all mother's / carer's and their children living in Brimbank, in particular those who have / are experiencing Family Violence : Social Isolation: Mental Health in particular Depression.

 ** SERVICES – MELBOURNE FAMILY RELATIONSHIP CENTRE  **  Do you work with newly arrived families?  For culturally diverse families, understanding the family law system in relation to separation and children can be difficult.  What happens when families separate?  Arrange a free information session at your organisation or community group and find out about: · The changes to the Family Law Act and what they mean for separating families · What happens if parents want to go to court? · Family dispute resolution and how it works · The impact of separation on children · Services offered at the Melbourne Family Relationship Centre  Sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of your organisation.  For further information contact Hilda on 03) 8625 3666 or email :   __<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">hquiroga@melbournefrc.org.au __ <span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">  ** <span style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9.5pt;">IMPROVING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES  **  <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9.5pt;">    <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9.5pt;">StrongBonds, developed by the Jesuit Social Services, is a website with resources for parents and carers of young    <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9.5pt;">people, and for workers who are supporting young people in a family context. <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9.5pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9.5pt;">Help sheets are available in English, Arabic and Vietnamese on topics ranging from the role of child protection <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9.5pt;">services and the justice system to dealing with health and wellbeing issues. <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9.5pt;">Fact sheets are available at __ [] __. <span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> **<span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">The following information has been provided to help parents and carers of other cultures support their teenage young person through hard times. The help sheets have been written for parents and carers who's first language is not English. ** **<span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Each help sheet is currently available in English, Arabic and Vietnamese. ** **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Settling into a New Country ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;">               <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Moving countries can be stressful. It may also bring new joys and opportunities. When families work together they can support each other. Together they achieve more than if they just work alone. <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Improving Communication ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Sometimes it seems that whatever you say to your child, it is taken the wrong way. Sometimes they will not talk to you at all, or only when they want something. You may feel angry if they will not talk to you with respect. <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Adolescent Development ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Adolescence can be a challenging time. Young people go through huge changes physically and emotionally. It can help if parents understand the behaviour and reactions they can expect from their children in these years. <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">What are Complex Problems? ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Some young people have problems that are complicated and it is difficult to find the right help for them. Hopefully some of the information in this sheet might help. <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Getting the Right Help for Young People with Problems ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Some young people have problems that are complicated and it is difficult to find the right help for them. Hopefully some of the information in this sheet might help. <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Your Child's Education ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Education is important for children and young people. There are many ways parents can support their child's education. The information in this sheet provides you with some ideas. <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Mental Health Problems ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Mental health problems are very common. These days there are treatments, help and support available for most mental health problems. <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Drug and Alchohol Use - What Can Parents Do? ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">You cannot make your teenager stop using drugs or drinking alcohol. There are things you can do, however, which will help you to cope with the situation much better. <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Drug and Alchohol Treatment ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">There are a number of different approaches to treating drug and alcohol problems. It may take some time for your young person to find the right treatment approach for them. <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Breaking the Law ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Some young people break the law in order to take risks; some because they have little self-control; and some because they have no support. Most young people learn from their mistakes and don't continue to commit crimes. Young people who do continue to commit crimes need help and guidance. <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Child Abuse ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">We all need to make sure that children are kept safe and looked after. If there are concerns that a child might be being neglected or abused, the government may become involved through child protection services. <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Young People in Out of Home Care ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">If there are concerns that a child might be being neglected or abused, the state government may become involved through child protection services. The role of child protection services is to protect children and young people from harm or neglect. <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Dealing with Conflict ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">All families have conflicts. Disagreements and anger are part of life. We need to find good ways to handle disagreements and express anger. We need to be able to get over arguments and continue relationships. <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> **<span style="color: #f0608d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Dealing with Violence ** <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Violent behaviour is not okay. If you or your teenager are behaving violently you need to find better ways to deal with your feelings.

<span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #004a80; font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none; textunderline: none;">