About Community and Family Support
Learn about the Community and Family Support (CAFS) program and the range of free services available to help children, families and communities who need it.
Early support program for families and communities
The Community and Family Support (CAFS) program runs early support services for children, young people and families who need it.
Our free, local services across NSW can help:
- strengthen and improve family relationships
- connect you with people who can give practical advice
- grow support networks and connect you with the local community
- teach new skills to help you find work or volunteering opportunities
- build your resilience and increase confidence
- refer you to specialist support.
Services are provided by community-based organisations, and might include playgroups, parenting programs, and community and neighbourhood centres.
Some CAFS services are delivered by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people and include specific Indigenous supported playgroups and parenting programs.
Use our 'Find a service provider' page to speak to someone about accessing a service.
Community and Family Support (CAFS) Explainer | Early support for families and communities to thrive
The Community and Family Support (CAFS) Program provides support for children, young people, families, and communities. Watch our animated explainer video to learn more about CAFS.
Program activities
1. Community Strengthening
Community wellbeing is important for children, young people and families to thrive. Community Strengthening providers link people to services and resources in their local community network for assistance and social connection.
This might include:
- help with finding work and learning new skills
- developing friendships with other people
- playgroups
- community events.
Neighbourhood and community centres provide safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces. The services they provide help reduce social isolation, and work with community to solve local issues.
2. Family Connect and Support (FCS)
Family Connect and Support (FCS) is a service that can help you and your family connect to the right services and supports at the right time. FCS is available across NSW.
FCS is free and voluntary. Anyone can contact or make a referral to FCS. The FCS provider in your local area can provide you with information and advice to help with your individual needs and circumstances. FCS providers can help you with issues such as:
- parenting challenges
- financial stress
- substance use
- family breakdown
- housing issues
- mental health
- domestic and family violence, and more.
Your local FCS provider stays connected with you until you’re matched with the right services or support.
3. Wellbeing and Safety
The Wellbeing and Safety program activity includes services aimed at supporting children, young people, and families with tailored support when they are in need. These services support parents to build their parenting skills and confidence to ensure a safe, nurturing environment for children and young people. Wellbeing and Safety providers may also work with victim-survivors of family violence and their children to help keep these families safe and strong.
This can include:
- counselling
- supported playgroups
- parenting programs
- making a family plan to address needs
- education and skills development
- mentoring and peer support
- information and referrals to other services
- tailored support for young people
- specialist help.
Hear from families we've helped
Getting support at the right time transforms lives. Learn about the stories of people who have received help from early support services.