Family Assist helps families by:
- reuniting children from out-of-home care with their families.
- preventing children from entering out-of-home care
- providing referrals to wrap around support services
- providing up to $850 to help search for and secure a property
- providing up to $5000 to help set up a new home, build capacity and undertake employment, training and/or education
- gradually reducing the amount of subsidy we pay, to help build independence.
Where to access Family Assist
You can access Family Assist in the following regions:
- Sydney
- South East Sydney
- Western NSW
Who can access Family Assist
Family Assist is for clients who:
- are at least 18 years old
- live in NSW
- have an active restoration order or preservation case plan
- are referred by a caseworker from Homes NSW or a Homes NSW funded agency supporting restoration or preservation services, who will case manage the client while they receive the subsidy
- are engaged with their caseworker and willing to stay engaged
- are on low income
- can sustain a tenancy, with or without support
- are homeless or at risk of being homeless or have unsuitable housing for their children
- are committed to pursuing education, training and employment during the final three years of the subsidy.
Referring clients to Family Assist
Clients cannot apply for Family Assist directly. Referrals must be made by a Homes NSW caseworker or a Homes NSW funded NGO caseworker supporting restoration or preservation.
How to refer a client
To refer a client you must:
1
Complete the application form
Complete the Family Assist referral form.
2
Send
Return your completed application to Family.Assist@facs.nsw.gov.au.
When you return the form include, please include:
- Consent to exchange information between support workers/service providers
- Income confirmation scheme online form
- a current restoration order, preservation case plan, court orders or family action plan.