Supporting Children after Separation Program
Helping young people and children when their parents have separated.
The Supporting Children after Separation Program is funded by the Australian Government to help children and young people if their parents have separated. The Program gives you a chance to talk about any family issues and to have a say in decisions that might affect you.
How can the Supporting Children after Separation Program help me?
The Program can help you in different ways. This might include one-on-one counselling or group work with other young people. It can help you to share your ideas and feelings with your parents or provide you with useful information. If you think you need help with any other problems, the people running the Program can also help you find the right place to go for help or advice.
Is the Supporting Children after Separation Program only for young children?
Anyone under 18 can use this Program. The activities in the Program suit either teenagers or little children. This means you won’t be doing the same things as little children or working in groups with them, although brothers and sisters might go to some sessions together to share their feelings and ideas.
Can the Program help the rest of my family?
This Program is only for people under 18. The people running this Program can refer adult family members to other services. So if you think your parents, grandparents or carers need some support, you can talk to staff running the Program about it. You can also visit Family Relationships Online to find out more about services for adults.
Is what I say at the Supporting Children after Separation Program private?
Yes. Everything you say in the Program is between you and your counsellor. Counsellors won’t tell your parents or family anything you say, unless you want them to. If you do want to tell your family how you are feeling then the counsellor will help you, but it’s your decision.
Sometimes a counsellor might have to tell someone about something you’ve said in counselling. This only happens if there is a serious threat to someone’s safety or health. A counsellor must report any child abuse.
What if I don’t feel safe?
All the services that run the Supporting Children after Separation Program have a plan for keeping clients and staff safe. If you ever feel threatened or unsafe for any reason, you should tell staff as soon as you can.
What will it cost?
Sometimes a fee will be charged for the Supporting Children after Separation Program.
The fee depends on how much money you or your parents have. You can tell staff if you don’t have much money and they can make sure you can still get the help you need.
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 Supporting Children after Separation Program nearest to you. If there is no Program near you, then the Advice Line can tell you about other helpful services nearby.
You can also visit Family Relationships Online to find out about other Family Relationship Services. This website has helpful information for teenagers about families and other issues.