Connecting Families offers a range of support to the community to support parents.
Co-location in schools
Working with schools to provide support to parents, carers and children in their communities.
Our practitioners work in a co-location model with schools and kindergartens to offer support to children and their families. This service is available across the Central Highlands, including Ararat, Ballarat, Moorabool, Golden Plains, Pyrenees, and Hepburn.
Families from other schools or kindergartens not currently partnering with the Cafs Connecting Families program can still make referrals through The Orange Door to seek support for children and families.
A Connecting Families practitioner works directly with schools to connect with families within their school or kindergarten community who are seeking support with parenting or access to other services in the community.
Connecting Families parenting groups
Group support for families seeking to broaden their parenting knowledge.
Connecting Families offers a full range of parenting groups both online and face to face. Parenting groups strengthen parenting skills by providing an opportunity to learn more about children's brain development and attachment. Participating in a group offers a deeper experience in learning about the needs of babies, children and teenagers.
Groups available
Dads Tuning into Kids
Dads Tuning into Kids is a free six-week program for dads and male carers of children aged 1 to 11 years. Learn about understanding your child’s emotional needs and build a trusting relationship with them.
Tuning into Toddlers
Tuning into Toddlers is a free 6-week program that supports parents and carers to understand their toddlers’ emotional needs and develop positive relationships with their children.
Circle of Security
An 8-week program designed for parents and carers of children aged 0–18 years who want to strengthen their relationship with their children. COS explores parent–child attachment and how to support your child to explore the world safely.
Tuning Into Kids
A 6-week program for parents and carers of children aged 1 to 11 years. Parents learn about connecting with their children, how to communicate and implement safe boundaries.
Tuning Into Teens
A 6-week program for parents and carers of children aged 12 to 18 years. Parents learn different ways to talk with and understand their child, as well as how to help their young person manage emotions and deal with conflict. Parents also learn how to navigate challenging situations with their young person.
Dad’s Tool Kit
An 8-week program that explores how fathers’ own life experiences shape the way they interact with their children. It covers themes of equality and gender roles, encouraging respectful relationships and emotional awareness. The program supports dads to build strong emotional connections with their children and families, fostering positive parenting.
Dad’s Tool Kit Intensive
A 2-day program offering the same valuable insights and practical tools as Dad’s Tool Kit, condensed into two days for those unable to commit to the 8-week group.
Dad’s Baby Bag
A 6-week parenting program designed for dads-to-be and new dads with babies up to 12 months of age. Dads are welcome to attend with their baby and learn about the importance of early connection and care in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Single session groups available
Dad's Play Corner
A single-session parenting group designed to support dads and male carers to learn about the importance of play. Focus is on emotional, social and developmental needs.
Child Infant First Aid
An accredited first aid education course providing parents with skills to respond to a child or infant first aid emergency.
Connect Play Thrive
Learn how to bolster your child's development through play with hands-on advice, guidance and interactive play activity examples.
Connecting Families Groups
Would you like a referral to join Cafs Early Help Parenting Groups?
Referral for Connecting Families parenting groups is open to the Central Highlands community and can be made via the form below.
Get in touchContact Cafs
Early Help Groups enquiry
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Family & Parenting Support
Support for families at every stage — from early parenting and relationship counselling to disability support and family safety, with care that meets you where you are.
Our Services
Discover how Cafs supports children, families and individuals across the Central Highlands of Victoria with local, trauma-informed services in family safety, housing, youth care and more.