Family Support Service

Family is important in young people’s lives. The Preamble to the Convention on the Rights of the Child notes:  

Convinced that the family, as the fundamental group of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all its members and particularly children, should be afforded the necessary protection and assistance so that it can fully assume its responsibilities within the community.  

However, families and family relationships can be problematic. Through family support, YAC seeks to help parents to be better able to help and support their young person and re-establish positive relationships with them.  

YAC family support work is very varied, responsive to the needs and situation of the young person. Often our young clients, and/or their parents, have experienced significant trauma, which is now a significant factor in their presenting issues.  Sometimes, after seeing how family support is working with their sibling, a sister or brother will self-refer.   

“Family” can include a variety of situations and relationships, not uncommonly grandparents and sometimes older siblings. YAC works with the person or people who are willing and able to provide the young person with the home environment or support they need.