CMRC’s Family Inclusion & Wellbeing Program is a DCJ-funded Community and Family Support (CAFS) program focused on prevention and early intervention.

The program supports culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families, children and young people to strengthen wellbeing, safety, parenting confidence and community connection. Services are delivered across Parramatta, Cumberland and The Hills Shire.

The program aims to support families early, before challenges escalate, by providing practical support, guidance and pathways to the right services at the right time.

CAFS Initiatives

The Family Inclusion & Wellbeing Program is delivered through two CAFS initiatives:

Community Strengthening

The Community Strengthening initiative focuses on improving community wellbeing by fostering a sense of belonging, participation, trust and access to services. This is particularly important for CALD communities who may experience isolation, barriers to services or other vulnerabilities.

Support under this initiative includes:

• Information, Advice and Referrals- Practical information, referrals and service navigation to support families and young parents to access early help and community services.
• Community Engagement – Community events and activities linked to significant cultural and annual celebrations such as International Women’s Day, Refugee Week, Children’s Week, National Families Week and National Playgroup Week. These activities support connection, inclusion and cultural celebration.
• Social Participation – Family engagement activities such as arts, craft, wellbeing and recreational sessions that support peer connection, social inclusion and community cohesion, including activities for parents of children with disability.
• Advocacy and Support – Practical advocacy and support to help families navigate education, health and community services, including support for families with children with additional needs.
• Education and Skills Training – Early learning and community education initiatives such as Paint Cumberland, Parramatta Read and Community Learning Circles, supporting early childhood development, school readiness and child safety awareness.

Wellbeing & Safety

The Wellbeing & Safety initiative provides targeted and more intensive support to families where there are emerging or existing concerns impacting child safety, wellbeing or family functioning.

This initiative focuses on strengthening protective factors and responding early to risks that may lead to child abuse, neglect or family violence.

Support under this initiative includes:

• Family Capacity Building – Home based and community support for families, including joint home visits delivered in partnership with maternity and health services. This support assists parents, particularly new mothers, to engage with services and address emerging concerns.
• Supported Playgroups (Ages 0 to 5) – Evidence-based supported playgroups delivered in schools and community settings, based on the Parent–Child Mother Goose model, supporting children’s early learning and development through positive parent–child interaction.
• Parenting Programs – Delivery of evidence-based parenting programs such as Triple P, Tuning in to Kids and father-focused parenting sessions to strengthen parenting confidence and family relationships.
• Youth Individualised Support (Ages 7 to 15) – Targeted support for children and young people at risk of disengagement from school, family or community, including after-school and school-holiday programs focused on resilience, identity, belonging, digital safety and wellbeing.

Who is the program for?

• Families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
• Parents and carers
• Children and young people aged 0–15 years
• Families living in Parramatta, Cumberland and The Hills Shire

Our approach

Our work with families is:

• Strengths-based and family-led
• Culturally responsive and inclusive
• Trauma-informed
• Focused on early support, prevention and safety

Accessing the program

Families can Self-refer, or be referred by schools, health services or community organisations

Support is delivered flexibly through:

• Individual or family appointments
• Group sessions and workshops
• Community-based activities
• Home visits (where appropriate)

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