‘Doors still open’ for Cafs crisis help

CHILD and Family Services CEO, Wendy Sturgess said the Cafs team is doing “an incredible job in tough times,” walking alongside the community.

With many economically and socially impacted by COVID-19, and restrictions, Ms Sturgess said Cafs is an essential service, taking calls about how some of the not-for-profit’s 40-plus programs can support residents.

“In the homelessness space, there’s certainly been inquiries about properties, and with the new rental laws, some people have asked about tenant relief,” she said.

“We know from overseas experience that there’s been surges in family violence and we want people to know that our services are here and willing to offer support, using technology and non-traditional forms.

“We’re still doing some face-to-face work with social distancing. Our doors are still open to help this community.”

Requests for referrals to Cafs’ Step Up Program for young people have increased as well.

“It supports teenagers and we know that the requirement for them to be at home has probably created some pressure cooker moments for families,” Ms Sturgess said.

She highlighted the role of foster and kinship carers during the crisis.

“They do an amazing job caring for young people in the Central Highlands. Keeping young people at home and supervising learning has been a challenge for them.

“We’ve found ways of helping them, using weekly check-ins, and providing funds and technology when people have needed them,” she said.

“There’s some flexible funding to enable that work to be expanded. We’re really keen to support carers as much as we can now and when we come out of COVID.”

Ms Sturgess was surprised Cafs hadn’t received more financial counselling queries.

“Our financial counselling service is there, operational, and on offer to support people. Have that talk and get some strategies before trouble with debt,” she said.

Call 5337 3333.