Children and Families #
Support families with respect, cultural humility and a strengths-based approach while ensuring children remain safe and connected to appropriate services.
At a glance #
- Settlement can place additional pressure on family life and parenting.
- Respect different parenting experiences while recognising Australian child safety expectations.
- Seek appropriate professional support when families need additional assistance.
- Follow mandatory reporting requirements where child safety concerns arise.
Supporting families during settlement #
Forced migration and the challenges of settling into a new country can affect family wellbeing and parenting. Families may also be adjusting to parenting expectations that differ from those in their country of origin.
CSGs should approach these conversations with empathy and cultural humility. While members may have good intentions, unsolicited parenting advice can feel overwhelming for families who are already adapting to significant change.
When additional family support is helpful #
Where there are no concerns about a child’s safety but parents would benefit from extra assistance, consider referring the family to a local family support service.
These services may provide practical and intensive support, including home visits, parenting support, assistance navigating Australian systems, subsidies for children’s activities and guidance for families adjusting to parenting in a new cultural environment without their usual extended family networks.
Child safety responsibilities #
Concerns about child safety should never be managed solely within the group.
“Supporting families begins with respect for their strengths, culture and experiences, while ensuring every child remains safe and protected.”
