Supporting Children after Separation Program

Help for children when their parents have separated..

The Australian Government funds the Supporting Children after Separation Program to help children who need support when their parents have separated.

What is the Supporting Children after Separation Program?

The Supporting Children after Separation Program provides support for children who need some help coping with their parents’ separation. Children can come to the Program at any time during or after the separation process.

How do I know if my child needs some help?

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your child needs help. If your child continues feeling distressed, angry or sad, you might like to find someone they can talk to. If your child’s behaviour changes a lot during or after the separation process, they might need a bit of extra support to help them understand what is happening.

All children need time to adjust to the new situation, but if you are worried that something is not quite right, you can ask for help.

What happens at the Supporting Children after Separation Program?

The Program can help your child in a number of ways. This might include one-on-one counselling or group work. Your child might also get some help to share their ideas and feelings with you or they might be given some useful information.

Is the Supporting Children after Separation Program only for children?

Anyone under 18 can use this Program. Activities have been designed to suit children of different ages and stages from young children through to teenagers. Teenagers won’t usually be doing the same things as young children, or working in groups with them, however brothers and sisters might go to some sessions together to share their feelings and ideas.

What help is there for me and the rest of my family?

Other programs are available for adults. If you need some help for yourself, the staff at the Program can refer you to the right service. Other family members, like grandparents or carers, can also be referred to support services. You can also visit Family Relationships Online to find out more.

Are the things my child says at the Supporting Children after Separation Program confidential?

Yes. Everything your child says at a counselling session is confidential. If your child wishes to tell you anything they discuss during the Program, then a counsellor will help them to do so. The Family Law Act states that anything said in family counselling is confidential. You can talk about any issues of privacy or consent with the people who run the Program.

A counsellor might have to tell someone about what your child says if they believe there is a danger to someone’s health or safety. A counsellor must report any child abuse, or if there is any risk of abuse, to the authorities.

What if I feel unsafe, or I think my child is unsafe?

If you are worried about your safety or the safety of your child, you should let staff know as soon as possible. The organisations running the Program have arrangements in place to keep clients and staff safe.

What will it cost?

You may be charged a fee for the Supporting Children after Separation Program. The fee will depend on your financial circumstances.

You can tell staff if you are on a low income or experiencing money problems so they can make sure your child can use the Program.

How do I contact the Supporting Children after Separation Program?

You can call the Family Relationship Advice Line on 1800 050 321 between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday (except for national public holidays). They can help you find the nearest Program to help your child. If there is no Supporting Children after Separation Program near you, then the Advice Line can tell you what other helpful services there may be nearby.

You can also visit Family Relationships Online at www.familyrelationships.gov.au to find out about other Family Relationship Services. This website has lots of helpful information about families and other issues.