Burnside South West Sydney Supporting Vulnerable Families through Building Community Connections

Brighter Futures Program Brighter Futures is a voluntary, targeted program for families experiencing problems that impact on their ability to care for their children. Funded by FACS Targets families with children 0-9 years Families are experiencing the following vulnerabilities: mental health, drug and alcohol, domestic violence and lack parenting skills, families with parents with an intellectual disability Brighter Futures South West Sydney covers the geographical regions of Macarthur, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee local government areas

How do Families access the Brighter Futures Program? Families can be referred to Brighter Futures: By a community based agency or professional such as a GP, health professional, welfare worker or childcare worker By the NSW child protection Helpline Families can also contact us to refer themselves

BRIGHTER FUTURES Service Components Case Management Childcare FAMILY Brokerage Parenting Program Home based

Communities in which we work are large, diverse and have limited formal support service options for very vulnerable and isolated families We need to understand the communities in which we work with families, to be able to best meet their needs Connecting with our Congregations – Why is it important?

What are we doing? Sharing with each other: knowledge, information, resources, our passion for social justice and compassion for people Community activities Partnership projects Learning and Training

Example of partnerships Teddy Bears Picnic UnitingCare Burnside Macarthur Brighter Futures Community Support Picton Uniting Church Teddy Bears Picnic

What have been the Outcomes? A case study:

Why is it Working?

What are we Learning? Focus on shared commonalities and values Developing a common language to describe each other Workers are increasing their skills, knowledge and understanding of the importance of community development within a child protection context

Any questions? Thank you Presented by: Louise Smeaton, Manager Brighter Futures and Early Childhood Programs Macarthur, UnitingCare Burnside Nicola Leng, Early Childhood Facilitator, Brighter Futures Macarthur, UnitingCare Burnside