The role of the Family Referral Service is to assist vulnerable children, young people and their families who do not meet the statutory reporting threshold of ‘risk of significant harm’ (ROSH), but who would benefit from accessing local support services. These services include Health, Education, Housing, Drug and Alcohol, Mental Health, Parenting Education, Family Support and Home Visiting.
If a child within a family is at risk of significant harm the Mandatory Reporters Guide should be completed and outcome followed. If a family member presents with a significant mental health concern then please contact the relevant mental health services.
It is a short term referral service, working with families for up to six weeks. Following the referral of a family to our service, a staff member will contact the family to arrange an initial visit where a needs assessment will be conducted and appropriate referrals will be made to local services. They will coordinate an action plan with the family and the required services to ensure a collaborative approach is used to meet the family’s needs.
The local government areas covered under the Northern Sydney region include: Hornsby, Hunter’s Hill, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Manly, Mosman, North Sydney, Pittwater, Ryde, Warringah, and Willoughby.
The South Eastern and Northern Sydney Family Referral Service operates from 8am-6pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
The electronic GP referral form is available for download from the SNPHN website and imported into Best Practice or Medical Director.