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Family Safety
Refugee and migrant families face unique challenges. You may have been through a long separation from loved ones. Or you may have family members who are suddenly navigating unfamiliar roles and responsibilities.
Our friendly and professional team at ARA understands the importance of supporting refugee and migrant families to transition from the way of life in your homeland, to a different lifestyle in Australia while maintaining your own culture
ARA offers a range of guidance and support to help you and your family settle, feel safe and thrive in your new Australian community, including through:
- Case management
- Peer groups
- Crisis support
- Family and relationship counselling
- Parenting workshops
- Cultural support groups
- Community engagement activities.
Case Management and Counselling for Individuals and Families
Individual and Family Case Management
ARA offers support, information and referrals to services that can help people from refugee and migrant backgrounds in a range of areas, including family relationship issues, child safety concerns, health and well-being, housing and financial aid.
Multicultural Family Support Services (MFSS)
At ARA, we want children to feel safe, families to be together and the intervention of Child Protection Services to be a last resort.
Our Multicultural Family Support Services supports families to address any issues that could escalate and result in an unsafe environment for children in the home. Often, these issues may have been there over several generations.
The program is prioritised for:
- Infants at risk,
- Young parents,
- Teenagers who have experienced significant trauma,
- Families facing safety concerns related to issues including family violence, substance abuse, mental health, physical health or housing instability.
Through case management we work proactively to recognise the challenges and access help for situations that would otherwise worsen. We always respect the right of families to make their own choices.
By recognising the strengths of each family member and acknowledging any past traumas, families get better at communicating openly, making decisions and setting goals together. With a happier, stronger family comes the confidence to connect with cultural and community resources.
This service is funded by the Department of Human Services as a Strong Families, Strong Communities program, to help keep children safe and well in their family, community and culture.
Case Management for Domestic and Family Violence
ARA offers a dedicated case management service for individuals facing domestic and family violence from refugee and migrant backgrounds
Our caring case managers provide you with intensive case management support and prioritise your family’s unique needs, working to connect you with crisis services and other support organisations.
We work alongside you for as long as it takes, with empathy and understanding every step of the way.
This program funded by the department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) and the Office For Women.
Early Access to Support and Engagement (EASE)
We offer specialised support for individuals and families dealing with domestic and family violence or at-risk who wish to remain in their relationships and require professional assistance. Our Early Access to Support and Engagement (EASE) program provides a range of supportive services and resources tailored to address their unique needs and help them move forward positively.
EASE is a collaborative effort involves the Australian Refugee Association (ARA), Women’s Safety Services SA (WSSSA), Nunga Mi-Minar, and Centacare Catholic Family Services – Limestone Coast
The program is funded by the Office For Women- Department of Human Services.
Family and Relationship Counselling
ARA offers family and relationship counselling to support people who have experienced or are at risk of, family or domestic violence. This service can also support you if you’re facing a relationship breakdown.
We provide a safe and nurturing space where you can seek guidance, strategies and healing, as we work together toward a brighter, more resilient future for you and the people you care most about.
Counselling promotes healthy family relationships and can enhance the well-being of both parents and children, leading to stronger communities all round.
This support is provided in partnership with the Uniting Communities.
Community Engagement
Communities for Change Project
Communities for Change is a powerful initiative aimed at preventing family, domestic, and sexual violence within refugee communities.
Collaborating with volunteer community educators recruited from more than 15 refugee communities, we are committed to raising awareness and promoting positive change.
Educators then plan, promote, and deliver workshops within their communities, providing vital information and sparking discussions that encourage gender equality, respectful relationships and a safer future for all.
This vital program is possible thanks to the Department of Home Affairs through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) and the generosity of ARA’s financial donors.
Strong Men Stronger Families (SMSF)
The SMSF project promotes healthy behaviours and relationships while addressing cultural and community concerns regarding domestic and family violence. The project is facilitated and delivered in collaboration with Community Educators, key community leaders and members through a series of workshops tailored to the needs of each community.
This project is funded by the department of the Premier and Cabinet and the Office For Women.
Parenting Workshops
‘Parenting in the New Land’ is a program aimed at establishing healthy relationships between parents and their children by focussing on development and bonding in the early years of childhood.
The parenting course is run during school term and consists of 3-4 sessions, each lasting 2-3 hours for each community or a one-day workshop per community that happens in a supportive, inclusive and nurturing setting.
ARA is proud to deliver this valuable program to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups thanks to Communities for Children and our partnership with The Salvation Army.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.