Aims and Principles of the Family Support Program

The aims of the Family Support Program are built around the child/ren with a disability within the family unite and to:

• strengthen the capacity of families to care for their family member with a disability
• assist families to build formal and informal supports
• assist families to increase their knowledge, skills and confidence
• support the inclusion of family members with a disability in community life
• reduce family crises.

The Family Support Program is based on family centred practice and uses a holistic approach to supporting families by:

• respecting individual family lifestyles, values and stated priorities in caring for their family member with a disability
• identifying and recognising family strengths and expertise
• considering and addressing the needs of other family members when necessary
• assisting families to identify and build a range of informal supports around the whole family
• being responsive to family crises or immediate needs
• assisting families to plan and develop individualised, flexible and responsive supports that can change over time as the family’s needs change
• tailoring supports to meet family needs rather than supports being driven by existing service types