Bethany's Innovations Case Work Program provides a range of support for families who are experiencing significant difficulty in caring for their children. The program provides an environment that meets all their needs by providing timely intervention for families at risk of entering or re-entering the Child Protection system.

Working in collaboration with other local services to support and strengthen families and their links with the community, the program also provides longer-term case management support to families on an assertive outreach basis.

The Innovations Case Work Program is a key component of the Bethany Family Support Innovations program and is funded by the Department of Human Services

Services provided
The Casework Team offers a broad range of assistance, which includes practical in-home support, access to services, child behavior management, parent-child interaction, parenting strategies, outreach support and casework intervention.

The program also provides access to a range of child and parenting focused groups, trained and skilled volunteer workers who provide additional in-home support, limited brokerage assistance to meet children’s needs as well as parenting goals and specialist assistance to parents with intellectual and or learning difficulties.

The Disability Case Management Program has been incorporated into this area, providing the full range of casework services to parents who have an intellectual disability or supporting families who have a child with an intellectual disability  which is impacting upon the family functioning.

Parent Education Support Program

The Parent Education and Support Program offers groups to parents who are experiencing challenges and difficulties in their role as parents.

Programs are delivered both at Bethany and are available to be operated at local schools to develop a local parent group with the focus on improving parenting skills, developing stronger links with the community and peer relationships.

This program provides a range of groups and workshops to assist parents to explore specific issues, through discussion, videos, fun activities and guest speakers.

Groups are designed to reflect the needs and interests of the group participants and may include:

• Improving communication with your children
• Building self-esteem and confidence - for both parents and children
• Setting fair limits - and sticking to them
• Encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles
• The importance of play and family time
• Getting connected with your community
• Confident parenting

Access
The program is voluntary and available for families with a child under the age of 18 who are facing significant difficulties in meeting the child’s needs.

Referrals can be from a wide range of services including self-referral, other Community Support Organisations, Schools, GP’s, Department of Human Services, Family Support Services and Disability Services.

Should you require assistance or are working with a family who you believe could benefit from this program call the Barwon Coordinated Intake Services on 1300 55 1948

For all enquiries regarding this program please contact

Lyrae Love

Manager - Parenting and Family Services 5278 8122