Selection process for family relationship services

Details of the next selection process for organisations seeking funding for family relationship services have been announced today by Attorney-General Philip Ruddock and Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough.

The process for the next 25 Family Relationship Centres, 14 Children’s Contact Services and 22 Early Intervention Services under the Family Relationship Services Program will commence on 4 August 2007. The open competitive selection process will be jointly conducted by the Attorney-General’s Department and Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

The outcome of the selection process will be announced by early 2008. The new Family Relationship Centres and services will open in July 2008. This will build on the achievements of the first 40 Centres… 15 of which opened in July 2006, with the next 25 due to open in July 2007.

The Government is delighted with how well the Family Relationship Centres have been received by the community. The Family Relationship Centres are being used as a first point of contact by people wanting information, advice and assistance with strengthening family relationships, preventing separation or resolving relationship difficulties after separation.

In addition, Children’s Contact Services help children and parents in high conflict families maintain relationships after separation and divorce.

The Early Intervention Services deliver relationship counselling, education and skills training, and men and family relationship services, to improve communication and family relationships.

Early Intervention Services aim to strengthen family relationships by providing all family members with the relationship skills to effectively manage change and develop problem-solving skills to prevent family breakdown and help sustain relationships over time.