The Community and Family Support (CAFS) - Wellbeing and Safety Program provides targeted, flexible and intensive early support for young people and families who are experiencing challenges that may impact their safety, wellbeing or development. We work in ways that are culturally safe, trauma‑informed, family‑centred and strengths‑based, ensuring families feel respected, empowered and supported.
What we do
Wellbeing and Safety services are designed to help families build stability, strengthen relationships and create safe, nurturing environments for children and young people. Our support focuses on:
- Improving child and youth wellbeing
- Strengthening parenting skills and confidence
- Responding early to concerns about safety, family violence or development
- Ensuring children grow up safe, supported and connected
- Helping young people build resilience, healthy relationships and positive life pathways
We do this through tailored, wraparound support, delivered in community spaces, online or through outreach - whatever is most accessible for the family.
Who the Program Is For
The program supports young people (10–18), parents and caregivers who may be experiencing:
- Parenting challenges
- Family stress, conflict, or violence
- Developmental or behavioural concerns
- School disengagement
- Mental health needs
- Social isolation
- Barriers to accessing services
How the Service Works
✔ Holistic Support - We look at the wellbeing of the whole family - not just the presenting issue.
✔ Family-Led & Strengths-Based - Families guide their own goals and plans; we build on strengths already present.
✔ Culturally Safe & Trauma-Informed - Support honours culture, identity, family, healing and safety.
✔ Flexible Delivery - Support is provided in community spaces, online, or through outreach - whichever removes barriers.
✔ Integrated & Collaborative - We partner with health, education, family violence, disability and youth services to ensure families get the full range of supports they need.
How to Access the Service
The Wellbeing and Safety program is:
✔ Free - No costs, no Medicare card, no diagnosis required.
✔ Easy to Access - You can connect with the service through: Self‑referral, schools, health services or community organisations, DCJ or other professionals.
✔ Designed to Remove Barriers - Support can include: Outreach, Interpreters and translated materials, Referral pathways into specialist services, Brokerage or practical support for urgent needs.
Contact us
Cessnock Office
22 Vincent Street, Cessnock NSW 2325
Maitland Office
3 Elgin Street, Maitland NSW 2320
Email: [email protected]
The Community and Family Support Wellbeing and Safety Program is funded by the Department of Communities and Justice.