2. Families with Adolescents Support Project Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre Inc. Phone: 02 49798504 Email linda@jesmond.org.au

3. FUNDING BODY Families with Adolescents is funded by the Department of Community Services (DoCS) to meet the current needs of families with teenage children..

4. DoCS funded Adolescent & Family Counsellors Regional Meeting August 2009

5. Target Group Families with adolescents living in the in the Newcastle Local Government Area. Experience that may require Family problems Abuse - violence Challenging – risky behaviors Illegal activity Alcohol & other drugs Depression & other mental health issues School avoidance & anti-social behaviors

6. Goals of FASP To maintain an interest in our community. Research current needs of families & work to-wards meeting those needs. Share knowledge & skills on parenting. Provide current information & support to families & teenagers. To work with parents & teens to reach established goals for effective living for all family members.

7. Outcomes Sought To establish the current needs of families with adolescents & strive to meet those needs by providing appropriate services to enhance effective living for all family members in our constantly changing society.

8. Key Activities that support delivery of these outcomes Listening to consumers Researching needs Networking with appropriate organizations Co-service provision Education & training of service providers Providing parenting information Adolescent information Advocacy Appropriate referral

9. Activities Cont. –Counselling –Provision of a genuine, committed, non- judgmental & confidential caring service. –Flexibility –Adherence to guidelines, policies & procedures of DoCs & JNC. –Respect for all consumers who present at JNC.

10. Highlights It is a privilege to be afforded the opportunity to listen to client’s, hear personal stories & have the opportunity to support & guide them in positive life changes. Highlights are a continual part of the role of working with families & adolescents, it is a pleasure to witness & be a part of client’s reaching their personal goals of change.

11. Barriers to service delivery Lack of financial resources creates barriers with many aspects of service provision. For example: problems with technology – computer – printer – internet -limited staff, Time constraints. Paperwork

12. Points for Stakeholders to Understand Referrals come from: Self – the person seeking the service Friend School Counsellors Doctors Allied Services Centrelink

13. Questions!!!! –Any questions????

14. Where will we go from here? Continue to provide a user friendly service & strive to meet the individual & unique needs of our families with adolescents. Remain flexible & open to positive change!!! Wherever the road takes us as professionals committed to families in our community.

15. The World Health Organisation, 2008, says that: Parenting is the most demanding & fulfilling role we will ever take on. The goal of parenting is to raise children to become happy responsible adults who feel supported & loved.

16. We are here to listen, understand & support our community to the best of our ability. “Embrace your demons & follow your heart.” Russell Harris. M.D.