Release date: 24/03/23

An intensive service to support families facing increasing cost of living pressures in northern Adelaide will be run by AnglicareSA using State Government funding of $3.5 million over two-and-a-half years.

The unique social service works with families and support them to create a safe home environment for their children and reduce the risk of removal to out of home care.

Part of the service will assist with household management and budgeting to tackle the growing impact of cost-of-living pressures on struggling families.

AnglicareSA has been appointed through an open tender process to provide the specialised 24/7 service, which will provide customised, flexible support to improve family functioning, child safety and wellbeing.

The organisation’s broad reach of emergency assistance services including food, financial counselling and new clothing is available to its Northern Family Support Service clients.

The state government and other agencies know that financial stress increases pressure and burdens on already struggling family homes, increasing the need for early intervention services such as this one.

The service is expected to support around 125 northern Adelaide families through to 30 June, 2025. Based on the latest evidence and best practice, the program sees specialist support workers liaise with families intensively over several months.

With help from AnglicareSA workers, families taking part in the program are empowered to address safety risks and to develop the skills and tools they need to best care for their children.

This type of focused family program is one of a number of evidence-based services, of varying intensity and duration, that make up South Australia’s Child and Family Support System which works to keep children safe and well at home in family, community and culture.

Quotes

Attributable to Nat Cook


Many of us know that parenting is rewarding and fulfilling but can be incredibly stressful and difficult at the same time. It can sometimes be seen as off-limits to complain and seek help, but I think it’s fair to say that all of us struggle at some stage on our parenting journey.

Many families do it tough, and some do it even tougher, especially if you add in some complex and challenging circumstances facing families such as cost of living pressures and certain family dynamics.

Through this type of intensive, individualised support, we have the best chance of achieving good outcomes for more families and children. Support workers will get to know their families and will be able to help find ways to address or manage each particular one’s unique dynamic.

I’m delighted respected non-government organisation AnglicareSA has been appointed to provide this intensive support program to keep families safe.

A 24/7 service is a safeguard for families because most of the bigger problems will happen after hours or on the weekends. These are often the times families really need support.

Attributable to AnglicareSA Community Services Executive General Manager Nancy Penna


AnglicareSA has been supporting families, children, and young people in Adelaide’s northern suburbs for several years through community-based services that help build resilience, confidence, and social inclusion.

We are pleased to continue this connection with families and children in the north of Adelaide through this intensive family support program which will assist, engage, and grow the capacity of struggling families.

Every family wants the best for their children, and, where it is safe to do so, we will work collaboratively with families and tailor support to keep children safe and families together.

Web resource
Adults Supporting Kids is a website where people can find support. It connects families to information, free local support services and someone to talk to – go to www.adultssupportingkids.com.au