2017-2018 Annual Report
Transforming lives for stronger communities
Who We Are Family Life has been working with vulnerable children, families and communities since 1970. At the core of our organisation is our vision to build capable communities, strong families and thriving children. We take an all of family, all of community approach to build resiliency and healthy relationships and are committed to improving responses to child vulnerability and family violence by achieving better outcomes for survivors and communities. Family Life recognises the importance of ensuring that voices of children are heard and that their best interests are always served. This is driven by an evidence-based response to the needs of traumatised children and their families.
Our Vision Capable Communities
Adults, young people and children learn and participate within supportive communities.
Family Life works in partnership with communities to understand and address place-based needs. When communities work together, families are strengthened, communities are connected and inclusive and individuals have a positive sense of culture and belonging. Community members support each other and participate in work, education and volunteering. Children and young people grow up in safe and supportive neighbourhoods.
Strong Families
Families experience positive wellbeing and strong and respectful relationships.
Family Life recognises the importance of individuals’ wellbeing and relationships and its impact on families. When individuals are healthy and resilient they lead a full life and can overcome personal challenges. They form and sustain positive relationships with family, friends, peers and intimate partners. Individuals are safe and conflict and violence are reduced.
Thriving Children
Children and young people experience optimal development and are safe from harm.
Family Life recognises that for children to thrive, their physical, mental, emotional and social needs must be met. When parents are skilled and confident they form a warm and secure bond with their children and meet their developmental needs. Parents create a nurturing environment for their children to grow up in, that is free from violence. Children and young people achieve developmental milestones, feel good about themselves and have a strong sense of self-identity. 2 Family Life 2017-2018 Annual Report
Our Services Family Life is a place-based organisation that works across state and federal jurisdictions to build communities, support families and keep children safe. Responding to issues identified through academic analysis, government strategy and global and community trends, Family Life has grown exponentially since its beginning. Our ability to respond to the needs of the communities we support, has seen us deliver programs across a broad range of areas in the sector. All our work is delivered with a trauma informed focus and prioritises the identification of vulnerable children, young people and families as early as possible. When people come to us for help, we offer to work with their whole family in an integrated approach across the organisation. In this way, we support long term sustainable changes and build resilience for families through strengthening connection with community supports. Below is a snapshot of some of the areas that Family Life works within: Transition to Employment
Governance
Collective Impact
Sharing Our Expertise Through Training Creating Capable Communities Social Enterprise Op Shops
Incubating New Ideas
Advocacy for Social Change Trauma Informed Practice
Unlocking Community Capacity
Partnerships for Innovation Men’s Behaviour Change Program
Young Leaders for Change School & Community Programs
Evidence Based Response
Family Life Foundation
Mediation and Dispute Resolution
Parenting Support Services
At-Risk Student Support Specialist Infant Support
Individual/ Couples/Family Counselling Women and Children Family Violence Recovery Services
Therapeutic Support for Children
Post Separation Parenting
Family Engagement Program
Community Volunteering
Adolescent Violence Support
Supervised Child Visits Mens Support Services
Children's Wellbeing
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Highlights: Delivering Better Social Outcomes
380
600
participants in trauma informed school communities
volunteers created 14 jobs through social enterprises
979
PeopleWorx participants provided with work experience and job pathways
client cases were family violence focused
522
police L17 cases received for an innovative specialist family violence response service
66
83,304
15,047
volunteer community service hours
people we’ve supported this year
30% UP
28,461
hours of integrated family support work
413
UNITE referrals for interim service delivery
1,161
family members engaged in Family Dispute Resolution
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5,254
client cases were provided with a focused intervention
727
children and their families helped by SHINE children’s mental health program
Chair’s Report Our Continuing Response to Community Needs Throughout 2017/18 our achievements have been recognised with increased government contracts and philanthropic support. We are working closely with government to reduce family violence through early intervention and prevention programs as well as providing evidence based therapeutic responses where violence has occured. Family Life continues to respond to emerging issues in the communities it serves, such as the increasing vulnerability for women over 55 which impacts many Family Life volunteers. We understand that investing in our workforce and new infrastructure is essential. Such investments require discretionary income and hence the Board has committed to an increased focus on the Family Life Foundation and Futures for Children Fund, as well as social enterprise income earning activities. These efforts require strong volunteer engagement and pro bono expertise.
Over 400 individuals volunteered with Family Life last year through services, social enterprises and as advisors for critical strategy, legal and property management issues. I thank them all for their commitment and passion. As we look to the future, the Board continues to value partnerships which ensure integrated responses to the often complex, diverse issues confronting people who need our help. We congratulate management on its successful work with government, community organisations, universities and businesses seeking to address the root causes of social problems. I am grateful for the privilege of chairing the Board this year and thank my fellow Board members, the CEO and staff for their support. Lesley Coleman Chair
CEO’s Report A Big Year for Collaboration, Community and Growth 2017-18 has been another big year for Family Life in developing groundbreaking resources and expanded services for its communities. In the past year Family Life has implemented government reforms for better outcomes for vulnerable children and families and improved responses to family violence. Family Life has played a significant role in the new Orange Door Support and Safety Hubs and we are committed to the success of these reform initiatives. Our role in seeding and delivering Together We Can, a Collective Impact family violence prevention program, has been recognised nationally as effective and innovative, resulting in a 16 percent reduction in Police Family Violence Reports in Cardinia Shire. This year Corrections Victoria contracted Family Life to assist prisoners to improve and maintain relationships with children and partners prior to release. We continue to advocate for improving Family Law processes to benefit children and value
working holistically with families in the context of their communities for long term change and wellbeing. As more parents struggle with the demands of adult children with complex problems, and caring for aging or disabled family members, Family Life has widened its lens to ensure we are inclusive and respond to needs as they are presented to us. This requires increased collaboration with service partners and advancing the use of new technologies to automate systems and processes. Our university partnerships help us translate evidence into and from practice, and accreditation with The Child Trauma Academy in the US ensures we consistently bring science to the art of, and passion for, community service. It is my pleasure to share with you the Family Life Annual Report for 2017/18. Jo Cavanagh OAM CEO
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Forward Plan 2017-2020: KPIs 2017/18 and Priorities for 2018/19 The following areas are our strategic objectives for 2017-2020:
Families Benefit
Families have improved social and economic outcomes from our model for prevention and earlier intervention, integrated whole of family services and community support.
Progress to July 2017/18
• 30 percent increase in reach of direct services • 30 percent increase Creating Capable Communities Participation
• 33 percent increase in new government funded services
- Family Violence therapeutic response, vulnerable Children, Infants and Youth
Priorities for 2018/19
• Expand services and enterprises in Mornington Peninsula Shire • Develop an innovation centre to serve Infants, Children and Parents in Bayside Peninsula • Expand service integration across Child Protection, Family Violence and Family Law jurisdictions
• Parents preparing for release from corrections
• 16 percent reduction in Family Violence reports in Cardinia Shire
Evidence and Outcomes
All services are implemented to the requirements for evidence informed practice, transparent performance and measured outcomes.
Priorities for 2018/19
Progress to July 2017/18
• 70 percent increase in client feedback returned • Completed trauma informed Theory of Change across three programs to support measurement of outcomes and change
• Impact reporting for Social Enterprise - project with Swinburne Centre for Social Impact
• Expanding outcome measurement for individual programs, schools, Heartlinks services and professional development trauma training
Social Change
Through collaboration and communication we work to support better outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged families and children in diverse communities in Australia.
Progress to July 2017/18
Priorities for 2018/19
• Leadership and participation in Victorian Government reforms - Roadmap for Reform: Strong families, safe children
• Priority focus on vulnerable young parents and infants
• Submissions to the Australian Law Reform Commission
• Progress opportunities for digital transformation of operations and services
• Leadership and participation in Family Violence regional and statewide forums for opening The Orange Door Support and Safety Hubs • Industry partnership with Swinburne University Technology for digital services innovation
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Knowledge and Skills
Outcomes are achieved by an engaged workforce resourced to deliver the best customer experiences for diverse beneficiaries and stakeholders.
Progress to July 2017/18
Priorities for 2018/19
• Training other professionals for Trauma Informed Services across diverse human services professions and volunteers
• 117 percent increase in trauma trained practitioners employed by Family Life • 15 percent increase total employees
• 117 percent increase volunteers and pro bono advisors
• Continue strong recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff in line with service expansion and industry growth
Innovation
We contribute thought and practice leadership embracing new technologies and approaches to solving complex social problems.
Progress to July 2017/18
Priorities for 2018/19
• 42 percent funded proposals return rate on submissions
• Scale community engagement / Collective Impact expertise in two local government areas
• Launched innovation strategy and pipeline from ideas to implementation to expand volunteering and support for vulnerable family members
• Expertise for community led social change documented for scaling
• Grow impact investment in Family Life innovations for preventing social problems
• $1,785,180 seed funding for Innovations
Financial Resilience
We have built the financial sustainability of our purpose by diversifying income, connecting with empowering networks and ensuring best value business systems and processes.
Progress to July 2017/18
Priorities for 2018/19
• Expanded social enterprise retail and Heartlinks services and products for increased impact and income
•
• Three year Foundation Strategy commenced for growing discretionary income
• 30 percent increase spending budget
• Outcomes of tenders and submissions for contract retention with all levels of government Readiness for payment by outcomes contracts with government to increase child safety and wellbeing in the care of the families and communities - change the families to their families
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Trauma Family Life Delivering Specialist Assessments and Interventions “Traumatic events are extraordinary not because they occur rarely, but because they overwhelm the ordinary human adaptations to life.” (Herman [1992] 1997:33) We, as a society, are becoming more aware of trauma and how common it is. The 24 hour news cycle, social media as well as published research bring the reality of trauma to us on a daily basis. Trauma can be simply defined as overwhelming stress. It can include physical and emotional abuse, neglect, as well as living with the impacts of community and family violence. Many people live with the ongoing effects of past and present trauma. We know that children and adults who do not receive the support they need to recover are often left struggling with their health and well-being throughout their lives. Trauma is so common that even if we don’t experience it directly, trauma can still affect us. A society in which large numbers of its population experience the effects of trauma cannot be healthy. To support families who experience trauma in the communities we support, Family Life has undergone site certification in Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) through The ChildTrauma Academy, USA. NMT training enables our staff to have access to the required knowledge and tools to conduct specialist assessments and design interventions that respond to the unique impacts of trauma on individuals, families and communities. Family Life has embeded this trauma knowledge into all its programs and services offerings. We have established ‘Strength 2 Strength’, a program which offers trauma informed therapeutic services for women and children who have experienced family violence. ‘Strength 2 Strength’ offers Children’s Occupational Therapy, Family Therapy, Women’s and Children’s Psychology, Sexual Assault Counselling as well as social work support throughout the therapy process. Outreach services are also available.
In collaboration with partners, our Reboot program, is another example where our trauma informed process is meeting the needs of at-risk youth. Reboot is a multi-faceted, wrap-around response to young people who have perpetrated family violence in the home. Reboot combines early intervention and the identification of local referral pathways for an immediate and comprehensive response. Our trauma knowledge provides a strong foundation for us to deliver our Theory of Change: capable communities, strong families and thriving children.
“It is clear from many studies that interpersonal violence is more likely to have long-term consequences than natural disasters or accidents.” (Bloom & Farragher 2011:67)
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Case Study: Trauma Informed Practice Sophie* was born at 26 weeks gestation and is currently two years of age. Due to being born prematurely, Sophie was unable to be held for the first six weeks of her life and was only handled by nurses and doctors. Sophie’s family was referred to Family Life when she failed to reach expected developmental milestones. The below graphic demonstrates how Family Life was able to assist Sophie and her family. *not client’s real name *the image is representative of a child the same age as *Sophie
Capable Communities
Strong Families Sophie’s parents had a history of substance abuse. As a result, there were periods of Sophie’s early life when her mother and father were absent or unable to provide consistent and stable care giving. In an effort to overcome Mum’s lack of confidence caring for Sophie, her case manager referred her to the Circle of Security program. This is an eight week program that helps parents and caregivers better understand and interpret infant/child cues. It provides guidance and understanding around the role of caregiver and how best to look after themselves and support their child.
Both Sophie’s Mum and Dad were introduced to the Keith Street Community House drop-in sessions. Keith Street Community House gives parents an opportunity to build connections with other parents of young children within their own community. The opportunity to make connections creates a feeling of belonging in the community, whilst also providing an opportunity for staff and volunteers to assess Sophie’s progress in a gentle and informal manner.
Thriving Children Throughout each of Sophie’s appointments and contact with the family, Family Life staff were able to use their training in Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) to underpin their approach. This meant that Sophie was assessed on her potential trauma exposure and how that trauma may have impacted on brain development and cognitive functioning. Once an assessment was conducted, Sophie’s treatment was tailored to best suit her, and her family’s, needs.
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Children and Early Years Our Hopscotch Approach “Human beings become a reflection of the
world in which they develop. If that world is safe, predictable and characterised by relationally and cognitively enriched opportunities, a child can grow to be selfregulating, thoughtful and a productive member of family, community and society.
“In contrast, if the developing child’s world is chaotic, threatening and devoid of kind words and supportive relationships a child may become impulsive, aggressive, inattentive and have difficulties with relationships.” (Perry 2004) Neuroscience is continuing to teach us about the importance of the early years of life. Through Family Life’s work with Dr Bruce Perry and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) we use world leading research on how the brain develops and the principles of neurodevelopment to guide our response to children and families. By using the NMT process, a NMT Metric is generated. Using this information Family Life’s trained therapists are able to complete a structured and thorough assessment of a child. They do this by recording developmental responses. Using the recommendations from the NMT Metric, staff are able to formulate a current picture of brain organisation and functioning creating a thorough picture of brain mediated strengths and weaknesses. This information is then used to aid staff planning a child’s recovery process through ongoing treatment. The brain needs frequent repetitions of the ‘right’ developmental experiences at the right time for healthy development. When these experiences do not occur, their absence can lead to developmental delays. In some cases, the brain allows for children to ‘catch up’ after missed developmental opportunities. However, some parts of the brain are less elastic than others and children may require frequent repetitions in a positive relational context to repair. The brain functions in a state-dependent manner; the more fearful or alarmed we are the more
difficult it is to process information, reflect, engage in abstract thoughts and to plan. When children remain at a level of hyperarousal over a period of time their baseline for calm may become altered and the ‘state’ of hyperarousal may become a trait. In response to this, Family Life has established a program called Hopscotch, a specialist trauma team that works across key programs with the goal of implementing a specialist, evidence and trauma informed approach to assessment and intervention with clients. Hopscotch has been designed to support children and parents who are accessing Family Support, Community Bubs, Family Violence and Family Law Support Services. It tailors specialist services for parents who need additional support to recover and overcome the impact on intergenerational trauma and neglect. Hopscotch strengthens current models of child protection by focusing responses on cumulative harm and in particular the impact of intergenerational trauma. The program seeks to focus effective decision making on the long term placement and recovery of children in child protection. It provides targeted parenting access and skills development. Furthermore it supports the movement of vulnerable families from Child Protection to Community Services. This process works to reduce requirements for repeat service engagement. The program also refocuses on all-of-family by assisting adult caregivers to recover from their own trauma experiences and as a result change the outcome for children in their care by stopping the continuation of trauma ‘inheritance’. This model is strength-based and focuses on building on the family’s capacity for recovery. It uses internationally evidenced best practice around trauma assessment and case planning, along with localised, place based attachment repair services that have a long history of operation and success.
“When communities and families are strengthened, children experience safety and security and can achieve optimal development. “ (Perry 2004)
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Case Study: Children and Early Years Combined with Cross Organisation and Community Support *Christine is a single mother with three children. She was unexpectedly relocated to the Mornington Peninsula to get her away from an abusive partner. Christine approached Family Life to help her through this difficult period. The below graphic demonstrates how Family Life was able to assist Christine and her family. *not client’s real name *the image is representative of a family, but is not an image of *Christine or her children
Capable Communities When Christine first attended Family Life and the reasons for her move were established, the Support Service Team developed a comprehensive safety plan. The sudden move to a new area meant that Christine had lost all her community connections. As a result of these therapies Christine’s eldest son is growing in confidence and both the toddler and infant are both re-building a healthy attachment with their Mum. Volunteer staff and other parents were able to comfort her and provide advice. The Support Service Team also worked to help Christine enrol her son into a new primary school and assist her to develop relationships in a safe and supportive neighbourhood.
Strong Families Family Therapy Sessions provided by Family Life helped Christine and her children to rebuild trust, connection and care. Counselling sessions with a Women’s Psychologist also allowed her to work on issues related to anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
Thriving Children Family Therapist sessions were essential in restoring the connection between Christine and her eldest son and helped him rely on her once again. In a supported playgroup Christine was able to discuss the struggles she had faced in a more open environment. She was taught strategies to show her love more freely and reduce her feelings of anger. Occupational Therapy assisted her toddler and infant to reach developmental milestones. As a result of these therapies Christine’s eldest son is growing in confidence and both the toddler and infant are both re-building a healthy attachment with their Mum.
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All of Family In a new initiative in partnership with Corrections Victoria - Department of Justice and Regulation, and in recognition of the importance of family relationships, Family Life, along with our partners, has designed a program to strengthen and maintain prisoners’ relationships with family during their incarceration. The program is called Unite and has been developed to support prisoners’ transition and reintegration into the community upon release. Historically, programs have provided practical support for prisoners and their families, such as assistance with travel arrangements for visits. Whilst this remains important, the Unite program provides a great deal more to help prisoners maintain these important relationships.
Our Program to ‘Unite’ “The most important property of humankind is the capacity to form and maintain relationships. These relationships are absolutely necessary for any of us to survive, learn, work, love and procreate.” (Perry 2004) Family Life knows that children thrive when they grow up in families where parents are able to actively promote their positive growth and development. It is often difficult for families to do this important work without help, support and additional resources. We also know that childhood experiences, both positive and negative occurring in the context of family, have a tremendous impact on future violence, victimisation, perpetration and lifelong health and opportunity. Family Life’s work with families includes individual and family counselling, family mediation, support for families where separation has occurred and helping families where there are concerns in relation to parenting, family violence, mental illness, isolation and disconnection.
Unite uses a variety of methods to support prisoners and their families and help them navigate the inevitable challenges that are faced when a family member is imprisoned. Components of the program include group information sessions, education programs and the development of Family Action Plans for some participants. Printed resources, supporting these programs, are also available. This program is an acknowledgement of the importance of positive family connections for prisoners and the vital role they play during both the incarceration and reintegration period upon release. To enable prisoners to seek, develop and maintain strong family connections, that ultimately support their reintegration, it is imperative to facilitate supports for prisoners and families that empower them to meet the challenges of their corrections journey. Unite is available at five prisons across Victoria; the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Tarrengower Prison, Melbourne Assessment Prison, Metropolitan Remand Centre and Port Phillip Prison.
“Human relationships take many forms but the most intense, most pleasurable and most painful are those relationships with family, friends and loved ones. Within this inner circle of intimate relationships, we are bonded to each other with ‘emotional glue’ bonded with love”. (Perry 2004)
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Case Study: Utilising Services Across the Organisation *Peter had a history of family violence against his partner, which was witnessed by his son. These actions led to Peter being removed from the family home. Peter was referred to Family Life. The below graphic demonstrates how Family Life was able to assist Peter and his family. *not client’s real name *the image is representative of a family, but is not an image of *Peter or his children
Capable Communities After being removed from the family home, Peter became estranged from his son. Following Family Court proceedings, supervised visits were ordered which Family Life were able to facilitate. Peter’s parents also sought to reconnect with their grandson. Through Family Life Dispute Resolution Services, they were able to re-establish regular contact with their grandchild without having to go back to Court. Once an agreement was reached and child-focussed spend-time was arranged, Family Life’s Children’s Contact Services facilitated grandparent visits.
Strong Families Peter made every effort to repair his relationship with his son. As a part of this process he engaged in intensive psycho-educative sessions, group work and a Men’s Behavioural Change Program through Family Life. Seeking support for ongoing access and coparenting, Peter and his ex-partner attended a Parenting After Separation Workshop to help them remain focused on the best interests of their son. This process enabled Peter, his ex-partner and son move toward self-managing their visiting arrangements.
Thriving Children The family engaged with a Child and Family Counsellor from Family Life’s Parenting Orders Program (POP) to support and assess the child’s anxiety and distress. Completing several months of therapeutic counselling (individual and parent/child/family sessions), the program helped the child develop and strengthen positive relationships with both his parents. Providing integrated support to the extended family allowed a progressive move from high levels of conflict and dysfunction to child-focused parenting arrangements.
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Creating Community Connection Trauma Transforming
The ‘powerful’ regulating effects of healthy relational interactions on the individual are at the core of relationally based protective mechanisms that help us survive and thrive following trauma and loss. (Dobson & Perry 2010).
It is widely known that people are social beings that thrive on connection and a sense of belonging. Research tells us that individuals who lack social connections or report frequent feelings of loneliness tend to suffer higher rates of morbidity and mortality, as well as infection, depression and cognitive decline. People who live alone, have a limited social network and don’t participate in social activities experience chronic health concerns which have been compared in magnitude to the well-known dangers of smoking cigarettes and obesity. However, recent work in the area of neuroscience shows providing support services around isolated families can do much to improve health and quality of life. Family Life recognises that while integrated services with wrap around supports are critical, to break cycles of intergenerational trauma and disadvantage a sense of belonging and hope are equally important. This is the role of community. From our extensive experience delivering Creating Capable Communities, we know that by taking a collaborative approach with community partners, including local schools, local business and local government we can maximise understanding, increase community engagement and support positive lasting change. Unlike other services for those experiencing disadvantage, that focus primarily on crisis response, Family Life places the emphasis on community as the enabler for growing resilience and ending, often intergenerational, cycles of disadvantage. Creating Capable Communities is trauma transformed. A program of family and community strengthening, integrated programs targeted to engage the most vulnerable families in communities.
It recognises the prevalence of trauma in disadvantaged communities and that social support is essential for recovery. Evidence from neuroscience (The ChildTrauma Academy, Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics) underpins Creating Capable Communities, translating research into practice; building local cooperative groups where people make friends, learn new skills, grow in confidence, experience neighbours helping each other and then progress to becoming valued volunteers, and increasing readiness for employment. This change in social status is transformative for adults who have previously not seen themselves as valued members of the community. Children begin to experience security as parents are more engaged in the school community. Parental involvement in their child’s school community has been proven to increase the likelihood of long term school success (Hirst et al, 2011). Family Life‘s Creating Capable Communities is a community strengthening program that demonstrates, through evidence collected since 2000, how parents, students and residents can be empowered to lead change, and include vulnerable and disadvantaged members to meet the needs of the children and families in their local community.
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Case Study: Importance of Services Connected with Community *Chelsea and her children, who attended Doveton College, experienced the sudden and tragic loss of a parent. Chelsea’s family was referred to Family Life through the school program. The below graphic demonstrates how Family Life was able to assist Chelsea and her family. *Chelsea is client’s real name. This is a photo of Chelsea - click here to visit our YouTube channel AUFamilyLife to hear Chelsea’s inspirational journey in person
Capable Communities Family Life, via the SHINE team, is part of a holistic system of support services at Doveton College. Chelsea was assigned to a dedicated Family Life team member who was able to facilitate wraparound support services for the family. By collaborating with other local services, the school’s Wellbeing Coordinator, teachers and external supports Family Life was able to ensure the family was able to receive comprehensive and ongoing community support.
Strong Families The SHINE program provided Chelsea with a Family Action Plan to support everyday family functioning. This is an integral component to SHINE’s case management. Chelsea became more confident and resilient, enabling her to manage her own grief as well as be a strong role model for her children. This new found strength empowered her to undertake self improvement where she successfully completed a Certificate 3 in Child Education.
Thriving Children Through the services offered by Family Life, Chelsea and her children were able to have their trauma and grief acknowledged and addressed. They each received individual therapy sessions which guided their recovery. By collaborating with other support services the children were able to manage their grief, to improve their resilience, and to grow and develop in a supportive environment.
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Working Across Systems incidents were recorded per day in the municipality in 2014 - 2015, with many more going unreported. In 2015 Family Life formally commenced a three year partnership to implement Together We Can (TWC), to address this pressing need. Family Life had been pioneering Collective Impact as a collaborative model to solve complex social problems and using this methodology was able to deliver Together We Can.
Collective Impact Creating Sustainable Change “Rarely does one person hold all the skills, connections or solutions required. This is why multi-sector collaboration is such an important component of community change efforts. Only by working with others will a change-maker be successful in driving their vision and change forward.” (Liz Weaver, Tamarack Institute)
With the support of partners, Family Life developed TWC in 2015 and ran the first three year pilot in Cardinia Shire from 2015 to 2018. This project has shown promising outcomes, contributing to a 16 percent reduction in reported incidents of family violence over the life of the project. The Collective Impact process allowed Family Life to guide Cardinia Shire, creating the processes required to draw on the experience and understanding of family violence from multiple partners simultaneously and capitalise on its strong linkages to the community. Collective Impact aligns with the Victorian Government’s Free From Violence Strategy, which advocates working with the whole of community to co-design local solutions for change. Collective Impact is now an established tool within Family Life’s suite of Creating Capable Communities key prevention initiatives.
Complex trauma work presents multiple needs. No one organisation can respond effectively on its own. Leadership is key in creating partnerships that can connect the dots towards achieving a common agenda of change. As an organisation that works with community, we work across and within systems to support community to heal itself.
This year Together We Can was elected as the winner of the Prevention and Community Safety category of the Australian Government’s National Awards for Local Government, sponsored by the Department of Social Services.
In 2013, when Cardinia Shire presented to Family Life, the Shire had the second highest number of recorded family violence incidents in Melbourne’s southern metropolitan region. An average of three to four
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) sponsored National Local Government Innovation Awards, also nominated Together We Can for the Gold Award as part of their Re-Ignite Conference.
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Case Study: Bayside Peninsula Integrated Family Violence Partnerships Enhanced L17 Triage Response Police had been called to the *Thomas Family home after the father had physically assaulted the mother. Police instigated an Interim Intervention Order (IVO). The Thomas family were referred to Family Life. The below graphic demonstrates how Family Life was able to assist the Thomas family. *Thomas not family’s real name *the image is representative of a family, but is not an image of the *Thomas family
Capable Communities Following an IVO being enacted, Family Life was able to help Mrs Thomas with a Safety Plan. An eco-map was developed and then used to explore her current informal and formal supporters. As Mr Thomas had a history of alcohol use, the L17 Enhanced Response Team agreed to refer him to a TaskForce AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) Program.
Strong Families To reduce stress and the need for her to re-tell her story Mrs Thomas was referred to Family Life, with team members visiting Mrs Thomas in her home.
Thriving Children As the assault occurred in the home, Child Protection attended the home to assess the safety of the the Thomas’ son.
To ensure Mrs Thomas had a thorough understanding of the legal pathways open to her and importance of reporting breaches to the IVO, she received education and support from the Family Life team.
To avoid a drawn out assessment period, the L17 Enhanced Repose Team agreed Family Life Integrated Family Support (IFS) would be provided, with Child Protection available for further support if necessary.
Mrs Thomas also attended a Making Choices Women’s Group and individual Family Violence Counselling which helped her to know she was not alone, to believe in herself and regain control of her life. Following completion of the AOD program, Mr Thomas attended Family Life’s Men’s Behaviour Change Program which offers men the opportunity to learn and use alternatives to behaving in a violent or abusive manner.
The future safety in the home was assessed and safety planning, incorporating the child, was conducted. Psycho-education was also provided to increase Mrs Thomas’ awareness of the impact of family violence on children. Family Life, through a Care Team approach with the child’s school, implemented strategies with the teaching staff to support the child’s wellbeing.
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Supporting Community Needs Through our Social Enterprise work we are able to provide many great opportunities for our community. Not just a means to generate income, these opportunity shops and services tackle broader social issues and provide an opportunity for members across the community to form connections, become less isolated and feel a sense of empowerment. We understand that social, emotional and economic wellbeing are connected. While our 360 volunteers support our work, they also create a network of connection, strengthening their sense of community and learning new skills which can lead to employment opportunities. When communities are connected and inclusive, people have a greater sense of culture, safety and belonging. Our innovative real-life training programs, such as PeopleWorx, creates opportunities for people who need assistance by developing, confidence and skills to gain employment or return to the workplace. Family Life has achieved certification by Social Traders, Australia’s leading organisation connecting social enterprises with social procurement opportunities. This certification provides assurance to business and government that Social Traders has endorsed Family Life as a legitimate social enterprise.
Social Enterprise Retail
Family Life has five unique social enterprise opportunity shops. These community-hubs are vibrant community spaces. Each shop playing an important role in the lives of the community of which they are a part. Whether it’s receiving generous donations that local donors know go back into their local community, supporting friendship and a sense of purpose for volunteers, or for a welcoming space for a chat; the sense of community is very apparent. Our newest shop in Cheltenham has become well known for its large range of quality furniture as well as an extensive book department that encourages customers to sit down to read or meet a friend for a chat and our community rooms upstairs are a space for hosting discussion groups and craft classes. Our retail presence also provides an opportunity for staff and volunteers to advocate and share details about Family Life programs and services with the community. It is a soft entry point for those in need to find out about services available in the community.
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PeopleWorx
PeopleWorx is a vocational training initiative that helps people who may have barriers to gaining employment. In a real-life work environment, participants receive one on one support with a volunteer mentor and are encouraged to develop a range of skills. The program builds a skill base that gives participants the tools to be economically independent. During the past 12 months, PeopleWorx has supported 66 participants some of whom have a learning difficulty or disability, mental health issues, recent redundancy, graduated high school or are undertaking further study. The program operates predominantly within our social enterprises from our retail outlets and warehouse.
Heartlinks
Now in its second year, Heartlinks is going from strength to strength. The program has delivered individual counselling sessions, parenting workshops, a free community seminar and professional development training courses.
Building on Family Life’s strong history of supporting local families, Heartlinks is establishing increasing confidence within the greater bayside community as a destination for family and relationship support. We provide a credible, trustworthy and cost effective range of services to support families with their parenting, communication and relationship challenges. With a focus on sharing Family Life’s expertise, Heartlinks has also offered tailored professional development workshops to other organisations and individuals. Trauma Informed Practice Training, and Mental Health in the Workplace are two such workshops meeting wider community need.
Bayside Children’s Contact Service
The Bayside Children’s Contact Service helps children to develop positive relationship with their other parent (or extended family/ significant other) following separation, in a safe, neutral and childfriendly environment. Families are supported
to move from high levels of conflict to workable, child-focussed parenting arrangements. It is a childinclusive practice, staffed by qualified practitioners who can support parents and link them into other Family Life programs and services if required, including counselling, post separation programs, parenting programs and children’s programs. Set in one of Family Life’s Community Houses, Bayside Children Contact Service is a home-like environment which is available to families for as long as they need support (there is no maximum number of visits). Families are also able to access the service very quickly as there aren’t long wait lists which other government funded services experience. The Bayside Children’s Contact Service is a social enterprise; so by choosing to use Family Life’s services, shared value is created as any surplus is invested back into Family Life’s programs for transforming the lives of children, young people and families in our community.
19 Family Life 2017-2018 Annual Report
Partnering for Innovation Family Life has a strong history of thought leadership and innovation. We have designed cutting edge programs, influenced by our extensive research and clinical trauma work and seek out opportunities to collaborate with those outside the organisation to grow our impact.
“Leading innovation is not about getting people to follow you to the future; it is about getting people to co-create it with you.” (Hill & Donham 2016 online). Below are some of our innovative partnerships which have improved outcomes for families, children and young people:
Leadership for Social Change
Together We Can is a collaboration between Family Life, Cardinia Shire Council, The University of Melbourne and Victoria Police under the guidance of the Tamarack Institute, Canada. Through a Collective Impact approach, Together We Can has brought together all sectors of the Cardinia community in response to alarming rates of family violence in the Shire. This large scale social change response is making promising inroads to combat this complex social problem.
Trauma Transformation
Under the guidance of The ChildTrauma Academy, USA, Family Life has applied a trauma-informed lens across all our work. We have established a framework for supporting clients towards trauma repair, called Hopscotch. Family Life has also developed Strength 2 Strength, a state government funded integrated family violence response for
Family Violence
Family Life and the Salvation Army Family Violence Services have joined forces to develop and implement a rapid and significant response to police intervention in cases of family violence. This innovative triaging of risk and management addresses many of the concerns highlighted in the Royal Commission into Family Violence and the Coroner’s Report. Family Life has also taken a leading role in the establishment and functioning of the Frankston Orange Door service, which is a new multi-service integrated response to family violence for women, children and young people.
Specialist Infant Services
In 2003 the Cybec Foundation funded a pilot program which provided intensive holistic support to families with infants at risk. Since then, Cabrini Health and the Barr Family Foundation have made significant contributions along with Cybec’s continued support, ensuring the development and continuity of the program, which is now known as Community Bubs. Research proving its efficacy has led to an expansion of services on the Mornington Peninsula and to long term state government funding for vulnerable infants and children through our Cradle to Kinder program, in partnership with VACCA.
women and children, in partnership with Good Shepherd, South Eastern CASA, Peninsula Health and the Salvation Army. In partnership with TaskForce, we have developed Reboot, a traumainformed response to increasing incidents of adolescent family violence in the home.
Community Enable Innovation Here4U
Here4U is an innovative Family Life initiative which piloted a family violence community support and advocacy program. Comprehensive training program equipped volunteers to respond to gender inequality and promote community inclusion. Here4U is a result of the collaboration and support of a number of local community groups working together for community led change, including the Rotary Club of Beaumaris.
20 Family Life 2017-2018 Annual Report
Partnering with Swinburne to Grow Our Impact Evaluating Our Impact Family Life has been selected to collaborate with researchers from Swinburne’s Centre for Social Impact to pilot a tool for evaluating and sharing the social and economic effects of social enterprises and enterprising community initiatives in Australia. The Social Enterprise Impact Lab three year project will involve evaluation design and implementation to more effectively measure the social and economic impacts of Family Life’s social enterprises. Technology Enabled Services for Vulnerable Young Parents Family Life is participating in a 12 month research project with Swinburne University of Technology and Life Without Barriers to explore how the application of technology can better support vulnerable teen parents and infants. The project will draw on Family Life’s extensive work in this area, and with the expertise and
ICT capabilities of the Swinburne Social Innovation Research Institute, will explore assistive technology for transformational change for this vulnerable group. Partnering for Change Through Our Graduate Programs Swinburne’s Centre for Social Impact is partnering with Family Life to develop and deliver its new Social Venture Development Unit as part of the Masters of Social Impact. As part of this process Family Life provides working case studies for students to develop venture-based responses. Their first proposed venture was in response to the growing issue of housing and financial vulnerability amongst older women in our community. This innovative approach to learning brings social impact practice into the classroom and will enrich our thinking when designing new responses to social problems.
Innovation Within Schools Family Life has a long history of working alongside schools to deliver innovations for better health and wellbeing outcomes for students, their families and the wider community.
Kingston to build their capacity to support students at risk of disengaging from education. Funded by the state government the service involves collaboration between a range of local services.
Map Your World Family Life is the Australian partner for internationally developed Map Your World, a digital and experiential learning curriculum that supports young people to make real change in their local communities. Map Your World students are supported by Family Life and school staff to become ‘change agents’ as they identify issues of concern and develop local projects in response.
Our Coordinators are trained in the Neurosequential Model in Education, an internationally acclaimed framework designed to teach educators about the adverse effects of childhood trauma on the brain and on behaviour.
Wellbeing in School Communities Through Family Life’s Creating Capable Communities and SHINE programs, Family Life’s practitioners work closely with Tootgarook Primary and Doveton College to implement evidence informed strategies and interventions to engage the most vulnerable students, while building the resilience of their families and their communities. Building Capacity in Schools School Focused Youth Service (SFYS) Coordinators work with schools in Frankston, Bayside and
The service works with many local organisations to ensure students can access all the services they need. What makes Family Life’s SFYS different is that our Coordinators are trained in the Neurosequential Model in Education (NME). NME is an internationally acclaimed framework designed to teach educators about the sequential nature of brain development, how adverse childhood experiences can affect the brain and behaviour in students, and strategies for teachers to better support and engage with students in the classroom. Family Life provides training in NME to teachers and other education staff on the core concepts of NME. This training can build the capacity of schools to incorporate a trauma-informed lens to their learning environments and practices.
21 Family Life 2017-2018 Annual Report
People and Culture Our people are the engine of Family Life. Our most valuable asset. They serve our communities and positively impact lives with the work they do. Family Life recruits staff from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds which enables us to truly connect with the equally diverse communities that we serve. We strive to be innovative and ensure that our staff are given every opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. By empowering our staff to learn more about their fields of expertise, we invest in our future. We strive to innovate, to do better for the children, young people, families and communities we serve. Family Life seeks out best practice so those people who seek our help will be better off. Education and training around the impact of trauma, including the effect of trauma on the development of
the brain during infancy continues to be a focus for the organisation over the last year. Family Life has completed its Certification in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. As part of Family Life’s relationship with The ChildTrauma Academy, staff have been participating in webinars and training. Recognising our people are at the centre of everything we do, Family Life has created six principles which guide our behaviours and the way we work – The Family Life Way. The Family Life Way embodies our organisation’s purpose and provides staff with a defined framework for how we strive to stay true to the Family Life values. It reinforces how each individual makes a vital contribution to the Family Life family and directs them as to how they can best support the communities we serve.
The Family Life Way
Create Safety
Stewardship: We honour our heritage by being socially, financially and environmentally responsible.
Be Real
Integrity: We carry out all our work with the greatest responsibility and accountability.
Celebrate Difference
Respect and Recognition: We respect the lived experience of others and highlight their strengths.
Dream Big
Working together: We work with a shared understanding and purpose to achieve our goals.
Be Bold
Embrace Everyone
Passion for excellence: We embrace continuous improvement and change. We are bold, creative and innovative.
Diversity: We value and celebrate the richness inherent in differences.
Learning, Development and Quality Leadership During 2017-18 (this past year) Family Life has continued to go beyond compliance and has expanded its quality leadership with a focus on integrating compliance, continuous improvement and practice quality with plans to further connect with outcomes measurement.
22 Family Life 2017-2018 Annual Report
2018 Treasurer’s Report Family Life completed external audits and achieved full compliance with governance and management standards. In addition, we closely monitor recommendations from the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission and the Australian Institute of Company Directors to ensure our future readiness as a social purpose organisation to benefit vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and families. This has required strategic application of our finances for new technology for business efficiencies and effectiveness as well as a review of property and assets. Financially this strategic approach to invest for the future and grow our impact is reflected in our expenditure of $12.3 million, an increase of 31.7 percent, tracking closely to our income which increased 34.4 percent to $12.4 million, up from $9.2 million in 16/17. The planned deficit of $92,000 in 17/18, was mitigated with an end of year surplus of $53,234 achieved by increased Victorian Government contracts. Program establishment and staff recruitment processes contributed to a surplus at year end as our operating expenses reduced relative to our increasing income. Management achieved revenue and service footprint growth with innovations to support government reform directions. In this financial year government funding increased by 41.2 percent or $2,991,746 (the previous year increase was $427,298 or 6.2 percent). Family Life management contribute leadership and expertise to support the major reforms underway in response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence and Victorian Government Roadmap for Reform to improve outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and families. These reforms concern the core work of Family Life and new contracts are enabling expansion of successful innovations already in place within the organisation, which were previously developed with donated and enterprise income. Family Life social enterprises deliver employment, social inclusion, environmental recycling and income results. The PeopleWorx program works to improve the social and financial well being for participants and the community. The income raised from our retail social enterprise Opportunity Shops grew by 9.8 percent on last year from $1.2 million to $1.3 million. Volunteers contributed hours of service estimated to the value of $2.4 million.
Social Enterprise income supports Creating Capable Communities, PeopleWorx and Volunteer Management, all reliant on non-government sources of funding and essential to our Family Life all of community model to strengthen families and communities. Family Life continues to prioritise generating untied income to fund innovations. This enables the translation of research into earlier responses to social needs, and working with the community to reduce and prevent social problems, like family violence and social isolation. These are important investments core to our purpose which deliver real results for our donors. The Board and management have maintained a strong cash balance and overall balance sheet and Family Life was solvent as at 30 June 2018. The Board expects this trend will continue. We invite you to share in our meaningful work for transforming lives for stronger communities by making your personal tax-deductible donation. Jeff Phillips Treasurer
23 Family Life 2017-2018 Annual Report
Financials: A Strong Result in 2017-18 Family Life Limited Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 June 2018 2018 $
2017 $
INCOME FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 3,999,726
Federal Government Funding
3,911,099
6,194,432
3,279,580
Non-Government Grants
301,799
325,219
Voluntary Contributions
22,257
22,679
State Government Funding
67,696
Local Government Funding
Donations
117,798
Public Fundraising
47,100
Social Enterprises
79,429
140,727
41,129
1,317,747
1,200,202
55
182
Service Income
76,668
Interest
92,788
77,925
Other Income
177,832
94,116
12,415,898
9,236,610
227,532
273,794
18,356
16,070
Membership Subscriptions
TOTAL REVENUE
64,323
EXPENDITURE FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Depreciation of Fixed Assets
24,412
Audit and Accounting Fees Bank Charges
13,575
Finance Costs
Staffing Expenses
23,290 16,330
8,841,739
7,273,488
339,138
216,159
Program Expenses
1,501,994
Property Expenses
1,395,918
1,150,018
12,362,664
9,388,996
53,234
(152,386)
Other Comprehensive Income
3,445
1,519
Total
3,445
1,519
56,679
(150,867)
Operating Expenses TOTAL EXPENSES NET (DEFICIT)/SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME FOR THE YEAR
419,847
The accompanying notes form part of this financial report. A complete copy of Family Life Limited audited financial statements are distributed at our AGM. Our Annual Financial Report – For the Year Ended 30 June 2018 is available on our website with the detailed financials. This is the report Family Life Limited submit to our regulatory bodies.
24 Family Life 2017-2018 Annual Report
Family Life Limited Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2018 2018 $
2017 $
CURRENT ASSETS 252,821
Cash and Cash Equivalents
1,531,670
3,466,667
2,262,264
Receivables - Trade and Other
156,557
95,830
Other Current Assets
274,645
120,429
4,185,339
4,041,397
Property, Plant and Equipment
3,221,264
2,905,904
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
3,221,264
2,905,904
TOTAL ASSETS
7,406,603
6,947,301
Trade and Other Payables
587,307
305,682
Accrued Expenses
474,034
335,059
Unearned Income
815,789
943,531
13,901
12,236
640,693
440,600
257,440
298,316
2,789,164
2,335,424
258,568
318,792
79,353
70,246
337,921
389,038
TOTAL LIABILITIES
3,127,085
2,724,462
NET ASSETS
4,279,518
4,222,839
3,670,984
3,617,750
608,534
605,089
4,279,518
4,222,839
Held-to-Maturity Investments
34,649
Available-for-Sale Investments
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
31,204
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Interest Bearing Loan Provision for Employee Entitlements Provision for Employee Entitlements - LSL TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Interest Bearing Loan Provision for Employee Entitlements - LSL TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
MEMBERS’ FUNDS Accumulated Funds Reserves TOTAL MEMBERS’ FUNDS
25 Family Life 2017-2018 Annual Report
Our Volunteers On the Rise For many, volunteering is a way to re-enter the workforce. This year through Family Life’s activities, 19 people have secured employment. With a proud volunteer legacy, over the past (nearly) 50 years, many volunteers have joined Family Life as employees. We are delighted to share that this year six volunteers have transitioned into permanent employment with Family Life (four of whom are pictured below).
Family Life was founded by volunteers in 1970 and they continue to be an integral support to Family Life’s work with families, children and young people. Above is a group of original volunteers and staff from the 1970s, whose strong connection has continued for almost 50 years. This year we have seen a six percent increase in volunteering hours up to 83,304. This is the equivalent of 42 full-time employees and equates to over $2.4 million in-kind hours contributed to the local economy, growing our social capital and building a stronger community. It’s a reciprocal benefit because volunteering provides a sense of belonging in the community, development of lasting friendships, building confidence whilst providing essential work experience. Pictured below at the annual Volunteers ‘Thank You’ luncheon are five of a team of more than 50 volunteers from our new Hampton Op Shop.
Family Life is very grateful for the contribution to innovation that volunteers have made in the last 12 months. Many loyal and enthusiastic volunteers have participated in the program development of two exciting projects; Catch Up and Here4U. We look forward to sharing more information about these initiatives, in the meantime, for more information please visit our website.
Board Members Family Life is a not-for-profit incorporated company limited by guarantee, governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. Director and Chair of the Board Ms Lesley Coleman
Directors Mr Mark Vassella, Mr Grant Douglas, Mr John Dickinson, Mr Steve Walsh, Mr David Stewart, Ms Michelle Thompson.
Patrons
Director and Vice Chair Mr Len Gill, Ms Georgina Cohen
Dr Roger Riordan AM, Mr Graeme Disney OAM, Ms Heather Spooner LLB
Director and Treasurer Mr Jeff Phillips
Biographies of Family Life Board Members and Patrons are available on our website.
Director and Company Secretary Mr Steve Walsh
Donor and Supporter Acknowledgements Family Life gratefully acknowledges the financial grants received from federal, state and local governments as well as funding support from philanthropic trusts, businesses, service clubs, community groups, schools and individuals. We would also like to acknowledge the pro-bono support of our professional services partners who have donated in-kind hours, the equivalent of $400,000 to the work of Family Life. The full list of supporters may be found on our website. This list demonstrates the breadth of our relationships. Australian Communities Foundation Australian Government - Attorney General’s Department - Department of Social Services Victorian Government - Department Health and Human Services - Department Education and Training - Department of Justice and Regulation Balfe and Webb Barr Family Foundation Bayside City Council Bayside Community Hub Brighton Masonic Charitable Foundation Cabrini Health Cardinia Shire Council CE Family Lawyers City of Casey City of Kingston Cybec Foundation Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Doveton College
Dr Roger Riordan AM EACH Social and Community Health Gladys Hilton (nee Richards) Estate Good Start Early Learning Centres Herbert Smith Freehills HWL Ebsworth K&L Gates Life Without Barriers Lions Clubs Lowe Construction and family Monash University - Social Work Department Mornington Peninsula Shire Council MRC Foundation Mr Edward Ong Mr Fred and Mrs Monica Hofmann Mr Geoff and Mrs Jane Thomas Mr Jeff Phillips Mr Len Gill Mr Malcolm Parks Mr Sam Miller Myer Stores Community Fund Rotary Clubs Sandringham Golf Club Associates Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC) Swinburne University Tamarack Institute The Brighton Theatre Company The ChildTrauma Academy The G.P. & M.D. Farrell Foundation The University of Melbourne Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) Victoria Police Victorian Women’s Trust
27 Family Life 2017-2018 Annual Report
In relation to Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services funded programs: ISO 9001
SERVICE
Nuggetty
Children’s Contact Services Community House Opportunity Shop Outreach Partnership
Sunbury
Service Centre Warehouse
Ravenhall
Ringwood
West Melbourne Truganina
UNITE Prison Program
Metro Melbourne
Hampton East Hampton Highett Sandringham Moorabbin Black Rock Cheltenham Chelsea Berwick Frankston
Dandenong Doveton
Cardinia
Hastings Tootgarook info@familylife.com.au Phone: +61 3 85995433
www.familylife.com.au Family Life delivers services across the state, with local, national and international partnerships for knowledge sharing, advocacy and policy advice.
Family Life Limited ABN: 37 712 782 209 ACN: 606 542 590 Copyright Š Family Life 2018
Family Life and all the individuals who make up our organisation respectfully acknowledge all Aboriginal people and their ancient and ongoing connections to culture and country. In particular we wish to acknowledge the Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung-Wurundjeri people of the larger Kulin nation in whose ancestral lands Family Life provides services to the Melbourne community.