Firstchance has the unique opportunity to provide Family Workers as part of a collaborative Transdisciplinary Team. Family Workers can provide additional support for parents/carers as part of their child’s therapy, through building the knowledge and skills of parents/carers so that they can continue to support their child outside of paid therapy time. Family Workers address specific goals or issues with NDIS funded families in a time-limited way. Rather than functioning as a Key-Worker, Family Workers focus on the well-being of the whole family.

Family Workers are passionate about breaking down any barriers that might interfere with your family’s ability to enjoy life and support your child who has a disability or developmental delay. If you choose Firstchance to provide your child’s with support then you can request Family Worker visits as part of our service to your child (this is usually completed in the Firstchance Agreement of Service meeting).

 Our family is very happy with our support team.

How a Family Worker can help your family......

• Help you when you’re feeling overwhelmed to clarify the options you have and the next possible step forward;
• Explore ways for you to build your relationship with your child that is relevant for your family’s needs. Family Workers draw from a variety of ongoing and current training such as Circle of Security, Tuning into Kids and the Coach Approach;
• An understanding of grief and loss particularly related to disability;
• Build on strengths that your family already has and support parents/carers to advocate for themselves and on behalf of their child for e.g. in school meetings and with service providers;
• Support for siblings in terms of providing information, suggesting resources, strategies etc;
• Culturally sensitive support. Family Workers actively build professional relationships with Aboriginal and Multicultural Service providers, regularly attend interagency meetings and professional development. This assists Family Workers in understanding the diverse needs of families;
• Support access and provide information about other disability services for specific needs outside of our provision for e.g., Community Participation/Respite Services, Support/Personal Care Workers, Disability Advocacy, Counselling/Family Therapy Services, Centrelink-Disability related Payments, Disability Specific books and resources;
• Support access and provide information about mainstream services to support families outside of our provision for e.g., Grief and Loss Counselling/Support, Housing, Centrelink, Financial Counselling services, Family Casework providers, Drug and Alcohol Services, Domestic Violence Services, Mental Health Services, Intensive Family Support Services for families at high risk of breakdown etc.