Supporting children and families to reach their full potential.
We provide early childhood intervention programs for families who are experiencing complex life circumstances.
Development and wellbeing programs for children
Communities for Children.
Communities for Children (CfC) is an early intervention program that aims to improve the development, health and wellbeing of children for families experiencing complex life circumstances.
In safe, supportive environments, we aim to strengthen parenting skills, build community connections, and provide opportunities for children to grow and thrive.
Where can I get support?
Victoria
If you live or work in Hume, we can help you with programs that work to prevent family violence, help children reach their full potential and foster community cohesion.
Programs are run by our six community partners and designed to enhance the lives of families, children and victim survivors from all backgrounds and increase their sense of self and belonging. Our services include:
- Specialised family violence case work
- Parenting programs
- Women's groups
- Inclusive and multicultural playgroups.
Get in touch by filling out our online enquiry form or call us on (03) 9351 3600.
We bring together schools, community services and Aboriginal organisations to deliver culturally grounded support in early years, family programs, wellbeing initiatives, and resilience education for children from birth to Year 6.
We strengthen access, connection and wellbeing for families across the region through:
- Transport assistance
- Playgroups
- Cultural programs
- School readiness activities and more.
Get in touch by filling out our online enquiry form or call us on (03) 5152 9600.
The Uniting Bilingual support program is delivered to three kindergartens in Greater Shepparton. We support the three- and four-year-old programs, as well as orientation and enrolment sessions for the kindergartens.
Get in touch by filling out our online enquiry form or call us on (03) 5831 6157.
School Attendance Support Program (SASP) aims to support children and their families to improve primary school attendance. We assist families and schools to understand the barriers to children's school engagement and work with families, children, schools, and other relevant professionals to support sustainable change.
Get in touch by filling out our online enquiry form or call us on (03) 5495 3900.
Tasmania
We offer a short-term support and referral service for families with children under 12 years old (including children in temporary care).
Get in touch by filling out our online enquiry form or call us on (03) 6244 1144.
We support individuals and communities within the Southern Midlands by providing support, referrals, activities and groups.
Get in touch by filling out our online enquiry form or call us on (03) 6244 1144.
We partner with services in kutalayna to provide helpful resources and support for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders. Our dedicated Aboriginal School Holiday Program provides your 8–12-year-olds with the opportunity to play with their peers and engage in culturally focused activities.
Get in touch by filling out our online enquiry form or call us on (03) 6244 1144.
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Communities for Children Hume
FAQs
What is Communities for Children?
The Communities for Children (CfC) initiative was created in 2005 under the Australian Government’s Stronger Families and Communities strategy to assist development of children coming from disadvantaged areas and circumstances, with the understanding that effective early childhood programs are not just about helping children – they are also about supporting parents, neighbourhoods and the wider community to give children the healthy start they need.
How does it work?
Non-government organisations (Facilitating Partners) are funded to develop and implement a sustainable, whole-of-community approach to early childhood development. These organisations consult with community and support other organisations (Community Partners) to deliver relevant programs.
Who is eligible for the program?
Communities for Children (CfC) focuses primarily on children aged 0-12, however older children, adults and communities who are involved in the development of children and their families are also included.
A range of support is offered under the CfC program, and eligibility differs. If you see a service in your region that you, your child or someone you know might benefit from, you can contact that region directly or contact us to be put in touch with the right people.
What are Facilitating and Community Partners?
Communities for Children is both place-based and built on service collaboration. The focus on cooperation in communities is a unique and important aspect of the initiative.
The Facilitating Partner provides support, strategic governance, distributes funds, reports to the DSS and offers training and collaboration opportunities to their community partners.
Community Partners deliver services to the community and gather reporting data and case studies from their programs.
Uniting Vic.Tas operates as both a Facilitating Partner and Community Partner in different locations.
How do I contact CfC?
While service providers and contact details differ for each community, you can reach out via our online enquiry form and we’ll put you in touch with the right people.