HoPES Program
HoPES is an 8-week home-based intensive parenting program for families with children aged 0-4 years, who are currently involved with DFFH and/or family services in a case management capacity.
The program aims to support family preservation and reunification with a focus on family strengths, connection and the parent-child relationship.
We understand that parenting can be difficult. The HoPES program helps to improve parenting confidence across various domains through developing new knowledge and skills to help mums and dads parent according to their culture, values and beliefs.
Working Alongside Families
Over 8 weeks, an Early Parenting Practitioner (EPP) visits the family twice a week for up to 2 hours and offers parenting education and support.
The worker gets to know the parent and child by listening to their needs and learning about their current parenting strengths and challenges.
We work alongside families and their care teams to set achievable goals. Education is then tailored to the needs of each parent, taking into consideration trauma history, intellectual disabilities, mental health and other adversities and vulnerabilities.
Supporting Connection Through play
If a child is not in parental care, we support families to stay connected to their child. We do this by learning about the child together to understand their likes and dislikes and to learn about how they are growing and developing. We know that a child’s main job is to play, this is how they learn. Though more importantly, this is how children develop relationships with their family and friends.
Families are allocated an Early Parenting Practitioner for the 8-week period who will support them in many aspects of parenting. This can include:
- Child development
- Infant feeding, diet and nutrition
- Support with maintaining a safe home environment
- Understanding how your baby/child communicates with you
- Parent/child relationships
- Getting to know your baby/child’s likes and dislikes
- Learning about your community and the services that are on offer such as mother and baby groups
- Bonding and attachment
- Behaviour
- Play
- Sleep and settling
- Self-care (It’s important to look after yourself too)
- Care of an unwell child
Eligibility and Referrals
Families must:
- Currently be involved with DFFH OR Family Services and this service plan to remain involved for the duration of the HoPES program
- Currently reside in Western Melbourne or Geelong region
- Have at least one child aged between 0-4 years
- Parent has a diagnosed or suspected intellectual disability (Family Services) and/or multiple complex needs impacting on parenting capacity (DFFH)
Every visit, the Early Parenting Practitioner enjoys facilitating a variety of attachment strengthening activities and games that help parents bond with their children. The HoPES team are passionate about working alongside families and they look forward to getting to know each family.
HoPES Program Contact Information
For more information please contact the HoPES Program Manager on 0416 920 054 or by email.
HoPES Brochure for Professionals (Trifold PDF)
HoPES Brochure for Parents and Carers (Trifold PDF)
HoPES is a voluntary program
