Family Relationship Services for Carers
Where families caring for a family member with disability need support, the Australian Government funds community-based organisations through the Family Relationship Services Program to assist them.
What services are available to me?
Family Relationship Services for Carers provide mediation and counselling to assist families who are:
- concerned about the future of their family member with disability
- thinking about making arrangements for the future care of their family member with disability, or
- experiencing disagreement around the future care needs of a family member with disability.
Services are tailored to family circumstances and may be delivered in individual, couple or family settings.
Who can use these services?
The services are available to families caring for a family member with disability. Priority is given to families:
- who are considering the future care of their family member with disability,
- experiencing conflict or at risk of breakdown,
- caring for a family member with severe disability,
- considering financial planning for future care needs.
How can I benefit from these services?
Family Relationship Services for Carers provide an impartial person to assist families to take into account the needs and interests of the whole family unit when considering future care arrangements.
When can I access these services?
You can access these services if your family needs support, counselling, mediation or information when dealing the the care needs of a family member with disability.
Is it confidential?
Family Relationship Services for Carers are confidential except where staff may feel a duty of care to report a suspected threat or harm to someone.
What will it cost to use these services?
Family Relationship Services for Carers are free of charge.
How can I contact these services?
Family Relationship Services for Carers are provided under the Family Relationship Services Program. Services are located across every state and territory. You can call the following organisations to locate a service near you. Please note some organisations’ trading names listed may vary between states and territories and may be affiliated with religious groups. However, in delivering Family Relationship Services for Carers, these organisations must commit to a non discriminatory and equitable approach to service provision.
ACT
CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn
Service name: Family Counselling and Mediation Service
(for carers and families supporting a person with disability)
02 6162 6100
NEW SOUTH WALES
Interrelate Family Centres
Service name: Disability Family Services
02 8882 7800
QUEENSLAND
Centacare
Service name: Carer's Mediation
and Counselling Service
1800 337 552
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide Inc
Service name: Carer's Mediation and Counselling
08 8202 5190
TASMANIA
Relationships Australia Tasmania
Service name: Disability Carers Program
1800 002 222 or 1300 364 277
VICTORIA
Eastern Access Community Health Inc
Service name: Family Relationship Service for Carers
1300 303 346
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Anglicare WA Inc
Service name: Counselling & Mediation for Carers
08 9263 2050
NORTHERN TERRITORY
CatholicCare NT
Service name: Family Relationship Service for Carers
08 8944 2000
Alternatively call Mensline Australia, a 24-hour information, referral and counselling service, on 1300 789 978 for the cost of a local call.
*Available 8.00am – 8.00pm Monday to Friday and 10.00am – 4.00pm Saturdays (except national public holidays).
Brochure orders
To order additional brochures contact 1800 050 009 between 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday (except national public holidays).