Our Intake Process
Our intake process is one of the most comprehensive in the industry and has been designed to be #alwayschildfocused. Depending on the availability of both parents, our intake process can take up to 7 days to complete.
By this point you should have received our information pack. If not, we encourage you to go to fill out our enquiry page here to receive our information pack and directions to begin the intake process.
Referral Form Submission
Our Referral Form is the first step to entry into our service. Accessed via a link provided by us, you can fill it out at your own pace.
In addition to answering our questions we require both parents to provide copies of identification court orders and other relevant documents which can be uploaded into the form.
We use the information you provide to start planing for your visits. So its important that you are as accurate as possible.
The Intake Assessment
Intake Assessments are done either over the phone or online and take approx 45 - 60 minutes. Assessments are run by our Senior Contact Workers who conduct the interview with humility and discretion.
We use these interviews not only to assess each family's suitability for our service, but to get an understanding of each family's unique needs. From this, our Senior Contact Workers, with the support of our Service Manager, can begin to tailor contact visits that are appropriate and child-focused.
Meet Our Senior Contact Workers
Lisa
Senior Contact Worker
Lauren
Senior Contact Worker
Following her success as a Contact Worker with our service, Lisa was appointed a Senior Contact Worker for the Greater Sydney Region in 2020.
Lauren is our Senior Contact Worker for the Newcastle and Central Coast areas after achieving some great outcomes with families in the area as a Contact Worker
Listen to Lisa and Lauren talk about Intake Assessments on our #alwayschildfocused podcast
In Episode Two of #alwayschildfocused, Lisa and Lauren discuss what intake assessments are and why it's an important part of our intake process. Be prepared for your intake assessment by listening to the podcast.
Visit the #alwayschildfocused minisite here or download on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Child Familiarisation Sessions
Once both parents have successfully undertaken their intake assessments, our Service Manager will organise for your newly allocated Contact Worker to have a short visit to introduce themselves to your child prior to the first Contact Visit.
These short play-focused sessions allow your child to become familiar with their allocated Contact Worker in an environment that is familiar to them, often your home or a nearby playground. It's all part of our thoughtful approach.
#alwayschildfocused
Child Familiarisation Sessions - why do we do them?
In Episode Three of #alwayschildfocused, Contact Worker Kerry chats with Lisa about the important of Child Familiarisation Visits.
Visit the #alwayschildfocused minisite here or download on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Parent Support
Parents entering our service can easily feel overwhelmed by the amount of change they are experiencing.
Continuing our child-focused approach to contact visits, Holding Hands offers parents short, one-on-one sessions with a parent support specialist. These 30 minute sessions are based on a single area of concern and help to improve your experience during contact visits.
We encourage parents to contact our Service Manager for more information in relation to these programs.
Ready to start your journey with us?
Download our information pack including fee schedule or
chat with our Service Manager about your individual needs.