Families with Adolescents Support Project

Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre Inc.

Phone: 02 49798504Email linda@jesmond.org.au

FUNDING BODY

• Families with Adolescents is funded by the Department of

Community Services (DoCS) to

meet the current needs of families

with teenage children..

• DoCS funded Adolescent & Family Counsellors

Regional Meeting August 2009

Target Group• Families with adolescents living in the in the

Newcastle Local Government Area.Experience that may require

Family problemsAbuse - violenceChallenging – risky behaviorsIllegal activityAlcohol & other drugsDepression & other mental health

issuesSchool avoidance & anti-social

behaviors

Goals of FASP

• To maintain an interest in our community.• Research current needs of families & work

to-wards meeting those needs. • Share knowledge & skills on parenting.• Provide current information & support to

families & teenagers.• To work with parents & teens to reach

established goals for effective living for all family members.

Outcomes Sought

To establish the current needs of families with adolescents & strive to

meet those needs by providing appropriate services to enhance

effective living for all family members in our constantly

changing society.

Key Activities that support delivery of these outcomes

• Listening to consumers• Researching needs• Networking with appropriate organizations• Co-service provision• Education & training of service providers• Providing parenting information• Adolescent information • Advocacy • Appropriate referral

Activities Cont.

– Counselling– Provision of a genuine, committed, non-

judgmental & confidential caring service. – Flexibility– Adherence to guidelines, policies &

procedures of DoCs & JNC. – Respect for all consumers who present at

JNC.

Highlights

• It is a privilege to be afforded the opportunity to listen to client’s, hear personal stories & have the opportunity to support & guide them in positive life changes.

• Highlights are a continual part of the role of working with families & adolescents, it is a pleasure to witness & be a part of client’s reaching their personal goals of change.

Barriers to service delivery

• Lack of financial resources creates barriers with many aspects of service provision.

• For example: problems with technology – computer – printer – internet -limited staff,

• Time constraints.

• Paperwork

Points for Stakeholders to Understand

Referrals come from:

• Self – the person seeking the service

• Friend

• School Counsellors

• Doctors

• Allied Services

• Centrelink

Questions!!!!

– Any questions????

Where will we go from here?

• Continue to provide a user friendly service & strive to meet the individual & unique needs of our families with adolescents.

• Remain flexible & open to positive change!!!• Wherever the road takes us as professionals committed

to families in our community.

• The World Health Organisation, 2008, says that:• Parenting is the most demanding & fulfilling role

we will ever take on.• The goal of parenting is to raise children to

become happy responsible adults who feel supported & loved.

We are here to listen, understand & support our community to the best of our ability.

“Embrace your demons & follow your heart.”Russell Harris. M.D.