Family Relationship Centres
What are Family Relationship Centres?
The role of the Family Relationship Centre (FRC) is to strengthen family relationships and prevent family breakdown.
This is provided through the following services:
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Information for families
We provide families – at any stage in a relationship – with information and referrals to a range of services that can help strengthen relationships and prevent family breakdown.
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Help for families to use other services
The Centre makes it easier for families to find out about and access the many family support services that exist in the area.
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Assistance for separating families
We focus on helping separating parents to keep disputes out of court and stay focused on their children's needs.
Why Do People Use Family Relationship Centres?
Families attend the Family Relationship Centre to gain information on services available in the community. Family Relationship Centre staff can connect families with the most appropriate service for their needs.
Families who are separating or have separated can meet with a Family Advisor to discuss their options and work towards resolving any disputes in regards to their children, through Family Dispute Resolution (FDR).
What Family Relationship Centres Offer?
Information for families is available through:
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Flyers and booklets from services
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Speaking with a Family Support Officer to assist in gathering of information, provide support and referral options
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Accessing the computers available to search for information on the web
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Using the available phone for direct connection to the Family Relationship Advice Line, and
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Family Advisors are available for face to face consultation with both individual sessions and up to three hours of joint dispute resolution provided free of charge.
About Our Staff
All Family Relationship Centre staff are highly qualified, professional staff who are experienced in working with families, and have a good knowledge of the problems associated with post separation difficulties.
The Family Advisors are provided with regular supervision and attend training and professional development to maintain their skills and knowledge.
The team are sensitive to a diversity of family backgrounds and special needs.
How Does Family Dispute Resolution Work?
Family dispute Resolution helps people affected by separation and divorce to sort out their disputes with each other in regards to their children. Family Dispute Resolution can help you sort out these issues without going to court.
From 1 July 2008 changes to the family law system make Family Dispute Resolution a requirement before you can apply to the court for a parenting order. This includes new applications, and applications seeking changes to an existing Parenting Order. There are some exceptions to this requirement, such as cases involving family violence or child abuse or where the matter is urgent.
At Anglicare WA 's Family Relationship Centres parents are asked to attend an intake and assessment session with a Family Advisor to determine if Family Dispute Resolution is suitable for their family. This is a 1 ½ hour appointment that is free of charge.
For parents suitable for Family Dispute Resolution, a free 2 hour information session is provided to discuss how to best support children through the separation process and to provide some strategies to consider prior to attending joint sessions with the other parent.
A further individual session is held with the Family Advisor to prepare the parent for joint sessions. Once in joint Family Dispute Resolution, the Family Advisor will assist parents to discuss issues, look at options, and work out how best to reach agreement in regards to their children. The Family Advisor will offer options and referrals to families if an agreement can not be reached through Family Dispute Resolution.
Are There Any Costs Involved When Using The Service?
Group
Parental Alliance Group Information Session = No Charge
Family Advisor Sessions
Intake & Assessment Appointment = No Charge
Child Inclusive Assessment Appointments = No Charge
Pre-Family Dispute Resolution Appointments = No Charge
Education Groups - Fees may apply - please enquire at the time of booking
FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDR)
The Family Relationship Centre (FRC) provides the first hour of joint Family Dispute Resolution or Child Inclusive Practice feedback session free of charge, thereafter fees will apply, depending on your circumstance (two hours will be provided free of charge if an interpreting service is utilised).
If your gross annual income is less than $50,000pa there is no fee; if it is greater than $50,000pa, your fee will be $30/hour. Fees are waived entirely for clients who fit the following criteria:
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Client is the holder of a Health Care Card, Health Benefit Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or the holder of any other card issued by the Department of Social Security or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, that certifies entitlement to Commonwealth health concessions;
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Client is an inmate of a prison or otherwise lawfully detained in a public institution;
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Client is a child under the age of 18 years; or
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Client is in receipt of a Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY benefit;
Cancellation Policy: Any appointments that are cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, will incur a cancellation fee, unless there are extenuating circumstances. If you do not arrive for your scheduled appointment, your free one hour session will be forfeited.
Locations
Anglicare WA Family Relationship Centres are located at:
Joondalup Family Relationship Centre
Mandurah Family Relationship Centre
Kimberley Family Relationship Centre
Broome
Kununurra
What are the Hours of Operation?
All service locations are open Monday to Friday for appointments, including late nights.
Please contact the Family Relationship Centre in your area for further information on available appointments.
Useful Links
Family Relationships Online
Family Relationships Advice Line 1800 050 321