- Risk Management
- Authorise and embed models for case coordination: Develop and embed model(s) for coordinated case management to be authorised and implemented across agencies, community sector services and ACCOs
At a glance
A partnership between Ngala and the Department of Health (DoH), Thriving Families is a two-year pilot program that provides community-based, clinically led developmental, behavioural, and parenting services for families affected by family and domestic violence (FDV).
The program provides trauma-informed care through a culturally secure and person-centred model which is tailored to individual families and may include individual consults, group sessions, day stays or an extended night stay (up to 4 nights).
The pilot aims to achieve:
- Increased access for people at risk of FDV as well as other vulnerable or at-risk groups who may be less likely to access these specialised services due to financial and referral pathways barriers.
- Improved child and maternal health outcomes.
- A reduction in hospital presentations for families seeking developmental, behavioural and/or parenting support.
Health service providers, including King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth Children's Hospital and community child health nurses, as well as other community organisations, make referrals to Thriving Families. Families also self-refer to the program, often through Ngala’s Parenting Line.
Ngala has worked with WA families for more than 130 years and is a recognised leader in parenting and child development services.
The impact
A single mother who had experienced FDV but had not sought any support prior to participating in Thriving Families. Following an extended stay at Ngala, she was linked to other specialist FDV and trauma counselling support services:
"I didn’t realise until this how much I am carrying, I feel ready to deal with it and get the supports I need."
Feedback provided to Ngala by a Thriving Families participant from a CaLD background:
A mother who had an extended stay said she was in the worst state of her life before she engaged with Thriving Families and found herself constantly crying. Now she is laughing and smiling. The family have continued to make good progress at home and the mother says the support she received is life changing.
Other feedback from participants:
"The knowledge and confidence I gained during my stay have been life-changing, and I will always be grateful for the impact you’ve had on our lives."
"To all the amazing Ngala nurses that have helped us this week…Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your help, support and guidance...At a time in our lives where we need all the support we can get, we are eternally grateful to have had this opportunity and to be supported by such wonderful people here."
"I feel so safe here, I feel people care about me and my baby."
A mother with a 13-month-old baby was referred to Thriving Families by her child health nurse (CHN) for help with sleeping and feeding issues. The mother has Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is a victim survivor of FDV, with a limited support network. She was experiencing low mood and symptoms of anxiety.
With support from the Service Navigator the mother participated in counselling, a day stay and an extended overnight stay at Ngala. She received support with sleep and mealtimes, as well as additional Social Work supports such as self care and strategies to understand and manage her own emotions when responding to difficult moments with her baby. Ngala nurses shared concerns they had for the baby’s delay in speech and food aversion to the CHN and GP, to enable informed further follow up and support.
After support through Thriving Families, the CHN provided feedback to Ngala that the baby’s sleep and appetite had improved and there was progress with mealtimes. The mother shared in a follow up phone call that she had continued to apply the skills she learned through Thriving Families, felt more confident in her parenting, and was able to engage in self-care.
Key achievements
- As at 31 May 2025, 123 referrals had been made to the program since it commenced operations in late November 2024.
- Approximately 50% of these referrals have been from agencies. The other 50% have been self-referrals.
Success factors
- One of the key features of the Thriving Families pilot is that each family referred to the program is linked with a Service Navigator. The Service Navigator develops a Care Plan uniquely tailored to the family’s situation and remains engaged with the family throughout their participation in Thriving Families. The Service Navigator provides warm referrals to other support services and follows up with families to support them in accessing these services.
- The success of Thriving Families is underpinned by open communication and a genuine commitment from all stakeholders towards ongoing collaboration. The Department of Health and Ngala have worked together to provide tailored information sessions for targeted groups across WA Health to create awareness, understanding and support for the pilot, and continue to engage with these stakeholders.
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