For Baby's Sake

Creating safer beginnings for babies and stronger futures for families

The first years of a child's life lay the foundation for their future health, wellbeing, relationships and development. For Baby's Sake is an internationally recognised, evidence-informed program that supports families to create safe, nurturing and positive beginnings for babies. Developed in the United Kingdom, the program works with parents during pregnancy and throughout the early years of a child's life, helping families build stronger relationships and break cycles of trauma and family violence. 

At Cafs, For Baby's Sake is delivered through a trauma-informed, whole-family approach that recognises the importance of supporting both parents, strengthening relationships, and keeping babies at the centre of everything we do. The program is proudly supported by Respect Ballarat. 

For Baby's Sake United Kingdom

Who is For Baby's Sake for?

For Baby's Sake is currently available to expectant parents living in the City of Ballarat who want to give their baby the best possible start in life. The program supports parents during pregnancy to strengthen their relationship with their baby, build safe and healthy co-parenting relationships, and make positive changes for the future. Parents do not need to be together as a couple to participate, but they do need to be motivated to work together in ways that support their baby's wellbeing.

The program is designed for families where family violence has been or is present within the parenting relationship and where parents are seeking support to create safer, healthier futures for themselves and their baby. Using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, the program provides a safe and supportive space for parents to understand how past experiences may influence their relationships, wellbeing and parenting, while building the skills and confidence needed to create a nurturing environment for their baby.

How the program helps

For Baby's Sake provides intensive therapeutic support tailored to the unique needs of each family.

Families may receive support to:

• Strengthen attachment and connection with their baby
• Build confidence and capacity in parenting
• Improve emotional wellbeing and self-regulation
• Develop healthy and safe relationships, both with adults and children
• Address the impacts of trauma and adverse life experiences
• Improve safety and wellbeing for all family members
• Better understand their baby's emotional and developmental needs

The program focuses on the critical period from pregnancy through a child's first two years of life, when brain development, attachment and emotional foundations are rapidly forming. Early support during this time can have lifelong benefits for children and families. 

Our Approach

At Cafs, For Baby's Sake is delivered by practitioners within our specialist therapeutic services and is underpinned by Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®).

TBRI® is an attachment-based, trauma-informed model that helps adults understand the impact of early experiences on behaviour, relationships and development. Through TBRI®, we support parents to build felt safety, strengthen connection, respond to their child's needs with confidence, and develop nurturing relationships that support healthy development.

Combined with the For Baby's Sake framework, this approach helps families understand how past experiences may influence current relationships and parenting, while also building practical skills that promote safety, connection and resilience. 

Our Trauma Responsive Approach - Cafs

What Families Can Expect

Families participating in For Baby's Sake can expect:

• A dedicated therapeutic practitioner (one for each parent)
• A therapeutic, respectful and strengths-focused approach
• Support tailored to individual circumstances
• A focus on both parent wellbeing and infant development
• Collaboration with other services where appropriate
• A commitment to safety, dignity and positive change

Our goal is to support families to create safer, healthier relationships and give babies the best possible start in life. 

Find Out More

If you would like to learn more about For Baby's Sake or discuss whether the program may be right for you or someone you support, please contact Cafs on 1800 692 237 or email welcome@cafs.org.au.

This program is delivered in partnership with For Baby's Sake Trust UK and Respect Ballarat.