Thriving Families The Thriving Families program is a home-visiting service for up to six months with the aim of preventing entry or escalation in statutory child protection services, or for those stepping down from more intensive services.
We have a strengths-based, culturally inclusive, and trauma-responsive approach that enhances the capacity of families, parents, and children to manage their life’s challenges. The program will address the needs of the children, young people, and families to enable children to remain safely with their families, build and sustain family functioning, strengthen the capacity of families to influence decisions and reach potential,
increase service navigation, access, and advocacy support, and strengthen connection to support in their community and culture. Funded through the Department of Human Services’ Strong Families, Strong Communities initiative, the program supports families whose children range in age from pre-birth to 17 years of age in Adelaide’s outer northern suburbs and southern regions.
CASE STUDY
A family of five was referred to AnglicareSA’s Thriving Families program in September to strengthen parenting approaches and restore routine within the home. Within weeks of engagement, the parents separated – leaving Peter * as the sole carer of their three children. Navigating autism and limited community connections, Peter faced significant challenges: financial hardship, communication breakdowns with education providers, and emotional distress across the family. His children – aged between infancy and eight – experienced trauma linked to separation, Family Court proceedings, and disruption to schooling. Thriving Families provided trauma-informed therapeutic support tailored to Peter’s circumstances. Guided by the Circle of Security parenting framework, he was supported to communicate with his children in developmentally appropriate ways, reduce reliance on material expressions of affection, and establish a consistent, nurturing home environment. Throughout the six-month period, Peter remained engaged and responsive. With targeted support from AnglicareSA practitioners, the family achieved goals across wellbeing, parenting confidence, and routine development. Brokerage funding enabled a zoo outing that became a turning point, bringing joy, strengthening bonds, and symbolising recovery.
Peter reflected that for the first time, he felt genuinely heard and supported. Key outcomes included successful Centrelink reassessment, legal advocacy, ongoing counselling, and autism assessments for two children. Peter’s commitment, paired with practical and therapeutic support, ensured the family could safely transition into their next chapter. This family’s story exemplifies Thriving Families’ purpose – restoring stability, strengthening relationships, and walking alongside parents as they rebuild connection and confidence after crisis. *Name changed for privacy
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