Children, Families, Youth

Safe and Together – delivering outcomes for families through evidence-based practice

Written byBrooke Billett
Published on22 Aug, 2025
family wading in the ocean, mum, dad and toddler

Summary

Our Children, Youth and Families team is committed to delivering the very best in child-focused family interventions. Adoption of the Safe and Together Model, an internationally recognised, evidence-based framework, further equips Social Futures’ Children, Youth and Families team to deliver gold-standard practice in child-focused family interventions.

At Social Futures, we know that strong, thriving communities begin with safe, supported families. Our Children, Youth and Families team is committed to delivering the very best in child-focused family interventions, and at the heart of this commitment is one of our core values: Learning.

A large proportion of the people we support are, or have been, impacted by Family and Domestic Violence. Our Signs of Safety approach ensures that safety planning is strengths-based and collaborative, putting families at the centre of decisions.

Safe and Together Model is helping kids stay safe and connected to supportive adults in their lives

Adoption of the Safe and Together Model, an internationally recognised, evidence-based framework, further equips Social Futures’ Children, Youth and Families team to deliver gold-standard practice in child-focused family interventions.

“Systems that touch on domestic violence and coercive control are often blind to the choices of perpetrators as parents. They are siloed in their practices and do not have the training or skills to work holistically in collaboration with other agencies in the domestic violence ecosystem for solutions that keep children safe and together with their non-offending parent.” https://safeandtogetherinstitute.com/the-safe-together-model/, accessed 21 August 2025

The Safe and Together Model is designed to address the complex dynamics that can arise in homes affected by domestic and family violence, helping practitioners maintain a clear focus on the needs of children while supporting the non-offending parent. This means we can ensure children remain safe, stay connected to the supportive adults in their lives, and continue to thrive despite challenges. It also empowers families to strengthen protective factors, build resilience, and develop practical strategies to create a safer, more stable home environment.

Family Connect and Support offers tailored and practical solutions to complex situations

Whether a family is dealing with financial stress, mental health concerns, housing instability, or conflict at home, we focus on practical solutions that meet their unique circumstances through our Family Connect and Support Service, proudly funded by the NSW Government.

By connecting families with the right services and strengthening their existing networks, we can prevent issues from escalating and help children remain safe and connected to their community.

When we put children’s safety and wellbeing at the centre, families are better able to overcome challenges and build a stronger future.

First Nations and CALD partnerships underpin our culturally responsive approach

Strong partnerships are critical to success. Our participation in Safety Action Meetings, Communities of Practice, and collaborations with Aboriginal and multicultural organisations ensures that every family receives the right support, from the right people, at the right time.

As a culturally responsive, accessible and inclusive service, Family Connect and Support integrates cultural humility into every interaction, reflecting participant values, choices and definitions of safety.

How does Family Connect and Support help families?

Our Family Connect and Support worker will get to know the family and their individual circumstances.

They will develop a case plan in partnership with the family, if needed.  Family Connect and Support offers:

  • referrals to other services
  • practical support including brokerage

We will also provide feedback to you about the steps taken to support the family and the outcome of the engagement.

Family Connect and Support  can connect you to local services that can help with:

  • building strong family relationships
  • access to housing, health care or other community and government services
  • understanding and managing your child’s behaviour
  • budgeting and money matters
  • alcohol, drug or gambling problems
  • keeping everyone safe at home.

These are just some of the things that we can help with. Call 1800 719 625 or visit our Family Connect and Support  web page to get in touch.

Are you working with a child, young person or family who would benefit from connection with services and supports?

Family Connect and Support is a flexible service, which means a program worker is available via phone, email, video call, home visit, or after hours meeting at a café – whatever works best.

The service can be accessed anywhere in NSW. Social Futures delivers the Family Connect and Support service in Northern NSW on Bundjulung and Yaegl Country:: Tweed LGA, Richmond Valley LGA, Byron LGA, Kyogle LGA, Clarence Valley LGA, Ballina LGA, Lismore LGA.

Call 1800 719 625 or visit our Family Connect and Support  web page to make a referral.