Targeted Family Support Service
The Northern Territory (NT) Government is undertaking reforms to the child protection service system. The reforms include a focus on interagency and community partnerships for child protection and are operationalised through an integrated service system known as the 'Differential Response Framework' (DRF).
An important part of the DRF is the 'Targeted Family Support Services' (TFSS). TFSS are community based agencies which provide a child-centred family-focussed support to protective concerns, with the aim of preventing families from entering or re-entering the child protection system. TFSS work in close partnership with NT Families and Children (NTFC), as this government department has the responsibility for child protection in the NT. TFSS will help to better manage the demands on the statutory child protection system through the provision of early support and assistance to vulnerable families.
TFSS are early intervention services that promote the safety, stability, development and well being of vulnerable children and their families through: information; active engagement; assessment; case management; counselling; and in-home support. TFSS receive referrals from NTFC.
In the Darwin region, the Larrakia Nation is establishing a TFSS to undertake case management of families with high needs where there is a low immediate risk of harm to the child. A child protection worker from the NTFC will be placed within our organisation to assist in assessing children and families.
In the NT, Indigenous people are significantly over-represented in the child protection system. The Larrakia Nation is committed to providing services that are culturally appropriate and accessible to Indigenous families, and which provide the support necessary to bring about sustained improvements to the health and welfare of our community.
