Refer a Child in Need
Are you concerned about the wellbeing or safety of a child? Anyone in the community can make a referral. Child FIRST, as the access point for family services, has transitioned to The Orange Door.
Contact The Orange Door directly on 1800 219 819.
The Orange Door
The Orange Door is the new access point for women, children and young people who are experiencing family violence, or families who need assistance with the care and wellbeing of children to access the services they need to be safe and supported.
The Orange Door is an integrated support service that brings together workers from specialist family violence, child and family, Aboriginal and men’s services to provide a coordinated network of specialist support services.
Cafs is proud to be a part of The Orange Door in partnership with other leading family services organisations across the Central Highlands.
To contact The Central Highlands Orange Door, phone 1800 219 819, visit www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au or email cha@orangedoor.vic.gov.au
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child who may be in immediate danger, please dial 000.
Should I make a Child FIRST referral?
Some families need family services support when they are experiencing difficulties that impact on their parenting and family life. Anyone with a concern for a child or family wellbeing can make a referral to Child FIRST. Referrals can be made for vulnerable children, young people (0 to 17 years) and their families, including families with an unborn child.
Factors which affect a child’s safety, stability or development include:
- Significant parenting problems that may be affecting the child’s development
- Serious family conflict, including family breakdown
- Families under pressure due to a family member’s physical or mental illness, substance abuse, disability or bereavement
- Young, isolated and/or unsupported families
- Significant social or economic disadvantage that may adversely impact on a child’s care or development.
CAFS stories
Cafs Thread Together is leading the change in the local community
The new Cafs Thread Together clothing hub in Ballarat is a life changing moment for those who walk through its doors. However, it isn’t just the “shoppers” who are discovering its power but also the volunteers.
Read more
How Step Up helped a young boy overcome violent behaviour toward his mum
Dylan was the last child anyone expected to be violent or aggressive. He’s the quiet one in the family. When Dylan was nine, he started lashing out at home.
Read more
How June and Robert found the right time to become Cafs foster carers
Becoming foster carers can be a life affirming experience. June and Robert always knew that fostering would be in their future; it was just a question of timing.
Read more
How Cafs financial counselling helped
a dad battling with cancer
When you’re a self-employed dad, being sick comes with more concerns than your own health. With no money coming in, Tony was stressed about his family.
Read more
Housing Support: How Cafs ATAR team helped a father avoid eviction
Bruce was admitted to hospital for three months, and while he was in there, he asked his adult sons to take care of the home he'd been renting for the past eleven years.
Read more
How Cafs helped Chloe and her family find hope
Chloe was 16, and her young life was falling apart. She’d dropped out of school and had started drinking and taking drugs. She also started stealing and self-harming.
Read more
How Cafs day stay helped one young family establish a healthy bedtime routine
For Bianca and Josh, the excitement of becoming new parents was giving way to exhaustion. They were desperate for more sleep.
Read moreCafs acknowledges our past. In the spirit of reconciliation, we give deepest respect to Australia's First Nations Peoples. Their histories, their stories, their resilience. Their connection to culture and land. The wisdom of their Elders past, present and emerging.
