CHILD and Family Services CEO, Wendy Sturgess said the Cafs team is doing \u201can incredible job in tough times,\u201d walking alongside the community.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 40-plus programs can support residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the homelessness space, there\u2019s certainly been inquiries about properties, and with the new rental laws, some people have asked about tenant relief,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know from overseas experience that there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re still doing some face-to-face work with social distancing. Our doors are still open to help this community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Requests for referrals to Cafs\u2019 Step Up Program for young people have increased as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt supports teenagers and we know that the requirement for them to be at home has probably created some pressure cooker moments for families,\u201d Ms Sturgess said.<\/p>\n
She highlighted the role of foster and kinship carers during the crisis.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve found ways of helping them, using weekly check-ins, and providing funds and technology when people have needed them,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s some flexible funding to enable that work to be expanded. We\u2019re really keen to support carers as much as we can now and when we come out of COVID.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Sturgess was surprised Cafs hadn\u2019t received more financial counselling queries.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur financial counselling service is there, operational, and on offer to support people. Have that talk and get some strategies before trouble with debt,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n