Functional Family Therapy – Child Welfare (FFT-CW)
Strengthening Families, Keeping Children Safe
The Functional Family Therapy – Child Welfare (FFT-CW) program is an evidence-based, home-based intervention designed to support families with children aged 0–17 who are at risk of harm due to physical abuse and/or neglect. Funded by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), FFT-CW aims to prevent children from entering out-of-home care by enhancing family functioning and promoting safety and stability within the home.
Program Overview
FFT-CW is a structured, short-term program typically delivered over 6–9 months. It involves intensive, in-home therapy sessions that engage all family members in addressing underlying issues such as trauma, substance misuse, mental health concerns, and parenting challenges. The program follows a five-phase model that includes engagement, motivation, assessment, behaviour change, and generalization, tailored to the unique needs of each family.
Key Objectives
Enhance Family Relationships: Improve communication, reduce conflict, and strengthen bonds among family members.
Promote Child Safety and Well-being: Address and mitigate factors contributing to child abuse and neglect.
Support Family Preservation: Provide the necessary tools and support to keep children safely at home.
Culturally Sensitive Practices: Provides respectful engagement tailored to the cultural values, identities, and lived experiences of each family, with dedicated support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
Eligibility and Access
FFT-CW is available through referral from the DCJ NSW. Families must be experiencing significant risk factors, including domestic violence, mental health issues, substance misuse, or parenting challenges. The program is voluntary and aims to engage families who are motivated to make positive changes.
Outcomes and Impact
Research indicates that FFT-CW effectively reduces the risk of out-of-home care placements and improves family dynamics. In NSW, 158 families completed the program in 2022–23, with 44% identifying as First Nations families. Notably, 87% of children and young people remained with their families upon program completion.
How to Get Involved
If you are a family in need of support or a professional seeking to refer a family to FFT-CW, please contact your local DCJ office or visit the DCJ Family Preservation Programs page for more information.dcj.nsw.gov.au
Enquiries: FFT-CW@nepeancommunity.org.au