Sutherland Shire Family Services

Founded in 1987, and incorporated as an association in 1994, Sutherland Shire Family Services  Inc. has become a leading provider of innovative and professional services for families and children living in the Sutherland Shire and St George area.

 

From humble beginnings working from a small back-office in Miranda, Sutherland Shire Family Services (SSFS) has become a key support service for domestic violence victims and their children in the Sutherland Shire. Today the services employs 35 staff and has a range of 15 projects that range from therapeutic, children’s services, domestic violence services, Aboriginal support services, youth and family services.

 

Since 1996 the Southern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service has been offering support to women and children seeking protection from domestic violence through the justice system. In recent times the project is working in an increased partnership approach with Police within the NSW Domestic Violence Strategy – improving the NSW Criminal Justice System’s response to domestic violence 

 

The Love Bites sexual assault and domestic violence high school program (a direct response from analyzing local trends) and the Building Resilience in Children (BRIC) program are two recent programs that have had great outcomes for children and young people and their families.

 

In the last 12 months the service has expanded to provide a Youth Centre where activities, including a music studio, as well as case management support provided to young people. Within this time frame SSFS have also provided a Supported Playgroup for Aboriginal families within the Sutherland Shire and St George areas.

 

The service also delivers Sexual Assault counselling and Domestic Violence Counselling at the Jannali site provided by NSW Health.  As the service is set in a discreet location many clients prefer to use this location for their specific counselling needs.

 

Our latest project is the Pull Ya Head In Campaign that is aimed at raising awareness and charging all men to step up and make a difference. SSFS acknowledges that the majorities of men are respectful and do the right thing; however this campaign is focused at providing a message that many types of violence against women are covert in nature and charges all men to play a part in keeping women and children safe.

 

SSFS has a diverse team of intelligent, professional, supportive caring and dedicated staff who work have worked hard to transform SSFS into the organisation it is today – Providing quality services and facilitating change and promoting hope for families throughout the community.