What does a social worker do for a family?

Depending on the service, a social worker can provide practical support, service navigation, family support, advocacy and connections with community resources.

Can social workers work with children?

Yes. Some social workers specialise in children, young people and families.

Is social work part of Thriving Kids?

The Australian Government currently lists social workers among specialised supports that may be available depending on children's needs.

Can a social worker coordinate with therapists?

Depending on consent and professional roles, social workers can work with other services around a family's needs.

Do I need a referral to see a social worker?

Referral requirements vary by provider.

Support category

Social Work

Practical and emotional support, service coordination and stronger connections for children and families.

Published 4 October 2026Last reviewed 4 October 2026

Social Work for Children and Families

Child and family social work looks beyond one specific developmental skill. Social workers can help children and families navigate practical, social and emotional circumstances that affect wellbeing and participation.

This may include connecting families with community services, helping with complex circumstances, supporting parents and carers, and coordinating with other professionals.

What Can a Child and Family Social Worker Help With?

Depending on the service, social work may include:

Services vary considerably, so families should check the provider's scope.

family support
practical problem-solving
service navigation
community connections
advocacy
support during family changes
coordination with other services
parenting and family support
assistance when multiple services are involved

When Might a Family Seek Social Work Support?

A family may benefit when:

Social work can complement allied health and other child-development services.

several services are involved
navigating support systems feels difficult
family circumstances are affecting a child's wellbeing
parents need practical support
a child is experiencing barriers to participation
the family needs connections to community resources

Social Work and Thriving Kids

The Australian Government's current Thriving Kids family-support information specifically identifies social workers among the specialised supports that may be available depending on children's needs. Australian Government Thriving Kids

The exact services available depend on the local rollout and the family's circumstances.

For Referrers

Referrers can provide context about:

family priorities
current services
practical barriers
child-development concerns
community connections
urgent or complex circumstances
what type of support the family is seeking

For Social Work Providers

Make your online profile clear about:

age groups
family services
areas of practice
service settings
referral pathway
geographic coverage
community programs
whether home or outreach support is available

Finding Family Social Work Support

Families can ask a GP, health professional, school, early childhood service or community organisation about appropriate support. Some social work services can also be contacted directly.

Social Work in the Victorian Child and Family Support System

Social workers can support children and families in ways that complement allied health, including practical assistance, service navigation, family support and connections with community resources. Victorian school support services include social workers alongside psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists.

Victoria's Thriving Kids model also emphasises helping families connect with appropriate supports and community programs.

For Victorian providers

Describe whether your service focuses on children, parents, families, community connections, service navigation, advocacy or other areas, and clearly state your locations and referral pathway.

Related support

Explore related services

Family Support Services Parent & Family Support All support categories

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

Disclaimer

TK Victorian Providers/Thrivingkidsvic.au is an independent platform associated with Qaswa.au. We are not a Victorian Government, Australian Government, NDIA or NDIS website, and we do not administer the Thriving Kids program.

About

Discovery

Providers relevant to social work

Independent Victorian providers offering services in this category. Availability and response data is shown where measured.

Family Relationships Institute Inc.

Verified information

Psychology

Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Social Work • Family Support Services

Family Relationships Institute Inc., trading as RelateWell, was founded in 1978 and is a not‑for‑profit community organisation delivering essential prevention and early intervention services across key transition points in the family lifecycle. Family and relationship services deliver the strongest outcomes for children by providing early, structured support that strengthens parental wellbeing, reduces conflict, and promotes secure, healthy family relationships. RelateWell’s services target the major stages of relationship formation, extension and separation, with a focus on strengthening relationships, preventing breakdown, and promoting wellbeing through counselling and psychoeducation. Our specialist mental health services provide structured, evidence‑based interventions tailored to the needs and complexities of adults, adolescents and children requiring targeted psychological support. RelateWell is a recognised leader in primary prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery, working closely with key stakeholders to support community wellbeing during significant life events. We are committed to providing accessible, safe and inclusive services to all members of the community. RelateWell is a registered NDIS provider of Therapeutic Supports, delivering specialised mental health, counselling and therapeutic services to eligible NDIS participants. Our Family and Relationship Services (FaRS) are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) and have been Commonwealth‑funded since our inception in 1978. RelateWell is also a Commonwealth service provider of contracted mental health services. As a registered NDIS provider of Therapeutic Supports, RelateWell is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based services that support participants to improve wellbeing, build capacity and achieve their individual goals.

Coburg

Telehealth available

Ages 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years, 3-5 years

Response time not yet measured

Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredNDIS registeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply

New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete

View Profile Refer Now 03935488Call now

Care For Your Mind

Verified information

Psychology

Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Social Work • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills

Care For Your Mind is a private psychology and counselling clinic located in Central Victoria, with two convenient locations in Bendigo and Castlemaine. We provide specialised therapeutic support for a range of mental health challenges, including: Abuse (sexual, emotional, psychological, physical & neglect) Trauma Relationship breakdowns Family dysfunction Stress Anxiety Depression Grief and loss Sexuality and gender identity affirmation Problematic Sexualised Behaviours Sensory processing difficulties Whether you are seeking therapy in Bendigo or Castlemaine, we are here to support you to Care For Your Mind. Care For Your Mind is grounded in the belief that individuals truly engage and begin to experience significant change when they are seen, heard, validated, and understood. We utilise a whole-brain approach that emphasises relational, sensory, and emotional safety to ensure our clients feel supported. Our treatment focus is person-centered and evidence-based, recognising that the strength of the therapeutic relationship is crucial for lasting change. Our practice offers a variety of mental health services tailored to your unique needs, including: Individual counselling Couples and Family Therapy Art and Expressive Therapy Psychological Assessments Neuroaffirming Therapy EMDR therapy As trusted therapists in Bendigo and Castlemaine, we are committed to guiding you on your journey to well-being.

Bendigo

Telehealth available

Ages 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years

Response time not yet measured

Short waitlistNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply

New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete

View Profile Refer Now 0354109Call now

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