Child Safety Matters
Supporting at-risk Pregnant Women
“ESTHERS isn’t about where you have been - it’s about where you want to be…”
When Child Safety Services become involved with your unborn child it can be scary and overwhelming. We believe that early intervention from our service or any other family support service will help keep your stress levels low and provide the best outcome for you and your baby.
If you are pregnant and have been contacted by Child Safety regarding your unborn child for any reason, and/or you become aware that Child Safety may be involved, you should contact us on 0479 055 777 or click here to email us and book an appointment so we can help support you during this time.
“In most states in Australia, if information received by the Department of Child Safety indicates that an unborn child may be at risk of harm after they are born, and it is believed that they will not have a parent able and willing to protect them from harm, a notification will be recorded and an investigation and assessment will be conducted.”
If your unborn child is assessed as being in need of protection or possibly being in need of protection after birth, we offer FREE tailored ongoing help and support to you during and after birth, this can include but is not limited to:
Advocacy Support – we come with you to Child Safety meetings or court hearings to support your voice.
Support to get essential baby items and clothing
Parenting education
Support with meals after baby is born
Continued support for up to 1 year post birth when baby is in your care
Continued support 3 months post birth if baby is placed in permanent out of home care
Education around the harmful effects of Family Violence on Children
Education around drug and alcohol abuse and its effects on children
Transport to and from appointments including supervised visits if necessary
Transport and accompany to parenting/community based programs
Supervision for visits with bub after birth - where agreed upon by Child Safety.
“Reaching out for help is never a weakness but, always a strength – always a step forward and often a step up and out of circumstances that are stunting your growth and potential as a woman and a mum.”
Legal Aid in all states and territories
Australian Capital Territory – Legal Aid ACT
New South Wales – Legal Aid NSW
Northern Territory – Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission
Queensland – Legal Aid Queensland
South Australia – Legal Services Commission of South Australia
Tasmania – Legal Aid Tasmania
Victoria – Victoria Legal Aid
Western Australia – Legal Aid WA