Supporting vulnerable young women and their babies

The New Families Program supports young mothers to provide quality care for their babies. It is an initiative of Mercy Family Services funded by the Queensland Government, Department of Communities - Child Safety Services.

All referrals to the program are from the Department of Communities - Child Safety Services and occur in circumstances where the Department has assessed that the baby is at risk of significant harm. The service is located on the north side of Brisbane and primarily supports young mothers within the Brisbane area.

The New Families Program can provide support to young mothers by visiting them in their homes or if needed, a young mother and her baby can be referred to the Intensive Support House where they can reside for up to three months. The Intensive Support House is staffed 24 hours a day by Family Support Workers who provide support with parenting. A Caseworker, Coordinator of the house and Health Worker also work in the house and provide additional support with parenting and other areas identified by the mother and/or the Department of Communities - Child Safety Services.

The program has three components:

• antenatal support

• postnatal support (for mothers and newborn babies) and

• transitional support -  preparing mother and baby for independent living and then ongoing support in the home

These components can be accessed together or individually, according to need of young mother and her baby.

Staff can help young mothers with parenting skills and gain confidence in caring for their babies. They can also assist young mothers overcome behaviour that puts babies at risk such as substance abuse, anger and domestic violence. Staff also form linkages with other relevant agencies and ensure that the mother and baby are linked with adequate supports.

Contact us

Contact: Shenade Sawyer
Tel: (07) 3340 5600
Email: logan.admin@mfsq.org.au

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