Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains will continue its mission of supporting vulnerable children and families by extending its partnership with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
Catholic Care WSBM has been selected to deliver its comprehensive Families Together program – an important initiative focused on keeping children safe at home by strengthening family relationships and building long-term stability within local communities.
According to the department, the “primary objective of Family Preservation is to keep children safe at home with their families, and prevent removal, placement in out-of-home care, and future contact with the child protection system. Family Preservation also aims to support children and families to achieve wider social benefits, including better educational attainment and improved health and wellbeing indicators.”
The program provides early intervention, practical support, and compassionate care aimed at creating safe and nurturing environments where children and their families feel supported, can address concerns and reduce the number of children entering care.
“Our Families Together program reflects a shared commitment between Catholic Care WSBM and DCJ to place children’s wellbeing at the centre, while recognising the dignity and potential of every family,” Helen Emmerson, managing director of Catholic Care WSBM, said.
“Keeping families together safely has been our focus for the last few years, and I am pleased to expand our services to the many people who require our help.
“Last year alone, we supported over 510 clients across our whole family services – most from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and First Nations families.
“There is a real need in the community, which is why Families Together will provide tailored, strengths-based support, helping families address immediate concerns while also building the skills and confidence needed for long-term stability.”
Fr Fernando Montano, Parramatta Diocese’s episcopal vicar for social services, highlighted the strong alignment of the program with the Church’s mission in local communities.
“In Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, we see both incredible strength and real need within families. This program reflects the Church’s ongoing commitment to accompanying people in those moments of difficulty, and to ensuring that families are supported to grow in safety, dignity, and hope.”
The partnership with the DCJ is for another five years allowing for growth and stability of the Families Together program to ensure that children are supported to remain safe, connected, and nurtured within their homes.
FULL STORY
Catholic Care welcomes new government partnership to keep families together across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains (Parramatta Diocese)
