FAQ - General
If I don't know what I need?
When someone is unsure about the type of assistance they need and are looking for advice, a free consultation with an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner is available at short notice. These 'Resource Appointments' provide the opportunity to receive information, referrals, support, or a preliminary assessment without the engagement of another party.
What type of Counselling is Available?
Counselling is available to individuals experiencing family relationship and personal difficulties. Referrals are provided for specialist counselling, such as marital, drug and alcohol, family violence, child trauma and other specialist areas.
Is there a choice of Female or Male Counsellors?
Yes, our service can offer both male and female counsellors.
Are Interpreters for people with Hearing Impairment available?
Yes. We provide free TTY and Auslan interpreters when required.
What is the cost for services?
No fees are payable for:
Fees for service:
We are a not for profit (NFP) service. All fees paid are invested back into the service to provide additional services for families.
- Initial consultation over the phone, information and referrals.
- Assessment of suitability and preparation for Family Dispute Resolution.
- Some services for holders of a health care card, health benefit card, pensioner concession card, Commonwealth Senior’s Health Card or the holder of any other card issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs that certifies entitlement to Commonwealth health concessions.
Fees for service:
- When fees are payable, each person is required to pay prior to the commencement of a session.
- 48 hours notice for cancellation is required or a cancellation fee may apply.
- Credit Card and EFTPOS facilities are available.
- Cash will be accepted but the centre does not carry change.
- Fee for Child Informed Practice with children attending is for the appointment, not each participant.
We are a not for profit (NFP) service. All fees paid are invested back into the service to provide additional services for families.
Information Regarding Client Data Collection
What is client data?
‘Client data’ refers to information that is collected by Family Support Program (FSP) service providers about the clients accessing their services. This information is a combination of personal details such as age, gender and Indigenous status, as well as the type of service provided to each client.
This information is entered into the FSP Data System which is a secure, online database used by all FSP service providers and for which the Department of Social Services (DSS) is responsible.
This information is entered into the FSP Data System which is a secure, online database used by all FSP service providers and for which the Department of Social Services (DSS) is responsible.
How is client data used?
Information stored in the FSP Data System is used by DSS and/or the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) to assess the Family Support Program’s effectiveness in providing support to families and children in Australia.
It does this by providing valuable information on the following:
It does this by providing valuable information on the following:
- The numbers of individuals, families and children using FSP services.
- The reasons which lead people to access FSP services.
- The demographics of people accessing FSP services, such as age and gender.
- The types of services provided that respond to the needs of individuals and families.
- The client outcomes achieved as a result of participating in FSP services.
Privacy
All data entered into the FSP Data System is used for reporting on the effectiveness of the FSP in providing support. Individuals or families will not be identified in any report or publication. While client names are collected by service providers for their own record keeping purposes, no names are used in any reports or publications.
DSS, AGD and all FSP service providers are bound to protect the privacy of individuals under the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth). Personal information will not be provided to a third party (outside FaHCSIA and AGD) unless required or authorised by law, for example, to protect someone from harm.
DSS, AGD and all FSP service providers are bound to protect the privacy of individuals under the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth). Personal information will not be provided to a third party (outside FaHCSIA and AGD) unless required or authorised by law, for example, to protect someone from harm.
Consent
No personal information on a client will be recorded in the FSP Data System without first gaining the client’s consent.
Client consent is completely voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time. Withdrawal of consent means that no future information will be recorded in the FSP Data System after the client’s consent has been withdrawn.
Client consent is completely voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time. Withdrawal of consent means that no future information will be recorded in the FSP Data System after the client’s consent has been withdrawn.
