Intensive Family Based Services (IFBS) work alongside Aboriginal families who are at risk of having their children removed and also where families are aiming to have their children returned to their care by providing a range of services aimed at reducing, or eliminating, identified child welfare, wellbeing and safety concerns for Aboriginal children and young people. AbSec supports IFBS programs in achieving their primary goal of keeping families safe and together.
AbSec recently hosted the Intensive Family Based Services (IFBS) Conference 2020 across two days in beautiful Gumbaynggirr Country, Coffs Harbour. The annual event is attended by delegates representing the Aboriginal community-controlled organisations that are IFBS providers based in Kempsey, Wagga Wagga, Moree, Clarence Valley, and Wyong.
This small group of Aboriginal staff and managers work intensively with Aboriginal children and their families at risk of entering the out-of-home care system, families where restoration is being planned, and also with Aboriginal children and young people who are at risk of placement breakdown.
The IFBS approach was established at the highest early intervention level and is based on the Homebuilders model developed by the Institute for Family Development in the USA. Funded by the Department of Communities and Justice, the IFBS program aims to prevent the unnecessary out-of-home placement of children through intensive, in-home crisis intervention, counselling and life skills education.
The conference included speakers across the sector and other industries with a focus on practical skills that can be implemented by delegates in IFBS roles. The group was able to come together and reflect on the resilience of their network, the importance of the IFBS program, and the strength that each of their communities has shown during a challenging and unprecedented year. We are looking forward to welcoming them back in 2021 to support the continued success of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations delivering IFBS programs.
“This year’s conference was a huge success. It is always important to get all our IFBS providers together to reflect and collaborate, looking at how we can better support Aboriginal families throughout the state. With everything that has happened over the past year, it was particularly important this time around to ensure families and communities are being supported,” the AbSec team said.
To find out more about the incredible work that IFBS programs to in NSW, check out the video below.
