BETTER Place Australia launched its new children’s contact service (CCS) for families living in Sale and Gippsland last month.
The Sale centre, which opened on January 9, is its second children’s contact centre, in addition to wider family services offered in Gippsland through the Traralgon Family Relationship Centre.
The centre, co-located at the Sale Neighbourhood House, expands on CCS services currently being delivered by Better Place Australia at the Narre Warren location, and complements existing services offered in Morwell and Bairnsdale.
Funded by the federal Attorney-General’s department, the CCS supports children to maintain their relationship with their parents and family members in a safe, supportive and child-focused environment.
Sale Children’s Contact Service Manager, Helen Skinner, said the centre had spent the past month setting up and publicising the service.
“We’ve had a number of people contact us and a number of families are already engaging with the service,” she said.
“Better Place Australia is really excited to have opened this centre in Sale. We think it’s going to be a valuable service to families in the area.”
Ms Skinner said that it was critical for families in regional areas to be able to access family services that are local and affordable.
“Separation and relationship breakdown can be a stressful experience, and for families facing complex parenting arrangements, there are greater challenges,” she said.
“The children’s contact service supports children to have supervised visits and facilitated changeovers with parents and family members following separation.
“For children, adjustment can be especially difficult, and the service can really help. We provide a safe, fun and neutral environment where children can spend time with the parent they no longer live with. We don’t take sides.”
Drawing from more than 35 years of experience providing family meditation and counselling services at Better Place Australia, families will also be able to access a variety of wraparound services that include mental health support and parenting programs.
Better Place Australia chief executive, Serge Sardo, said strong and healthy relationships play a vital role in building the ongoing health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and the broader local community.
“The ability to access services that remain close to where they live and work cannot be understated,” he said.
“Currently, many families do not have access to a child contact centre in their area, and wait times in others further afield sees them waiting long periods to see their children.
“This vital service for families living in the Sale and Gippsland area will enable families and caregivers to connect with their children safely, securely and locally.”
Families wanting to use the service can phone Better Place Australia on 1800 639 523 or visit betterplaceaustralia.com.au
