Children and Youth Services
CatholicCare’s Children and Youth Services deliver services to children, young people and their families, especially to those who experience disadvantage due to disability, poverty, abuse or neglect, homelessness, social isolation, personal conflict or distress.
The focus of all of our services is to develop, implement and evaluate programs, which enhance family functioning, prevent family breakdown and at all times promote and advocate for the best interests of children and young people.
All of the Children and Youth Services programs reflect the Agency’s Mission, Aims and Objectives by working in the following ways:
- In all decisions relating to a child or young person, CatholicCare will give primary consideration to the best interests of the child or young person.
- Every effort will be made to determine and comply with the child or young person’s wishes in regard to decisions that affect their lives.
- CatholicCare is committed to the view that the child’s family is the best environment for the promotion of a child’s development and every effort must be made to try and keep families together.
- Where children are not able to remain in the care of their family, they are entitled to the best possible alternative care appropriate to their needs and developmental stage.
- CatholicCare acknowledges that work with children, young people and families under stress is an important responsibility. Caring for and supporting our staff, foster carers and volunteers is considered essential to ensure the continuation of quality service provision.