Kinship Family Services

Provides a timely and flexible response for kinship families or kinship family members, which focuses on supporting them to deal with a current issue or barriers effecting family functioning. Referral to family services is through the Child FIRST Team.

Training and Support

Support Groups, a Kinship “drop in” service, and training opportunities are provided at different times and venues across the region, including Benalla, Wangaratta and Wodonga. Please contact either Child FIRST or the Kinship Services Team (02) 6055 8000 at UMFC for further information.

Kinship Placement and Support Services

This service is available to kinship families under a formal arrangement with the Victorian Child Protection System. Support is via case management – either through a six month intervention, or longer ongoing case management. Referrals are received only through the Department of Health & Human Services.

The First Supports Program

Provides support for Kith and Kin carers in the early stages of caring for a child or young person. This is to ensure carers are supported and equipped with advice, information and financial support to be able to smoothly transition children into their home, and build relationships with people familiar to them.