NSW Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney officially launched the Mt Druitt Family Referral Service on July 14, a new pilot service to support the safety and wellbeing of children and families. Family Referral Services were also launched in Dubbo and Newcastle.

Ms Burney said: “The role of Family Referral Services is to connect families to services in their local area. They will support families who make direct contact asking for help and they will also support families who have been referred by others in the community such as schools, hospitals and childcare facilities.

The Mt Druitt Family Referral Service is a telephone-only service and is the only metro-based service. The service provides telephone referrals to family support services, mental health services, housing, supported playgroups, drug and alcohol treatment programs and domestic violence services among others. They will also maintain contact with the families to review progress on the situation.

Anne Hollonds; CEO Relationships Australia NSW said: “Our primary focus is on prevention and early intervention for vulnerable families to reduce the likelihood of the situation becoming more serious.”

Mt Druitt FRS contact details:
All callers: 1300 403 373
Opened from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday

For further information on the Keep Them Safe initiatives go online to:
www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au
www.health.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/kts/frs.asp