Home Visits

Discover the Loving Care Volunteer Home Visiting Program

​​At HCFA, we know that parenting young children is both rewarding and demanding. Our Loving Care Volunteer Home Visiting Program provides practical and social support to families, ensuring you never have to navigate this journey alone.

Imagine a friend who really listens to what’s happening for you. Someone who offers a helping hand for tidying up toys, accompanying you to the supermarket, or supervising your toddler while you take a well-deserved break. Our volunteers offer these supports and more, always ready to lend a compassionate ear.

Many parents feel isolated, especially without the extended family support that was once common. Our program addresses this gap, with 77% of families joining because they lack familial support.

Regular visits from a local volunteer can make a significant difference, offering essential support and fostering community connections. Research shows children thrive when parents are emotionally responsive, a task made easier with community backing. The Loving Care Volunteer Home Visiting Program provides that crucial support, helping you create a nurturing environment for your children.

Join the HCFA family today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re not alone. Our volunteers are here to help you navigate the joys and challenges of parenting, one visit at a time.


 FAQs

  • Our approach is based on the belief that families are the experts in their own lives. We encourage families to determine their own needs and explore how our service can support them.

  • A part-time qualified coordinator manages the program. The coordinator visits families at home to explain our services and discuss which activities would be most helpful. Families are welcome to have a support person or translator present.

  • If our service aligns with the family’s needs, the coordinator matches a volunteer with the family. During a second meeting, the family and volunteer set a suitable time and day for visits, and the program begins. The coordinator stays in contact to ensure the support remains helpful.

  • The program continues as long as it meets the family’s needs. On average, families participate for about six months, but the duration can be shorter or longer based on individual circumstances.

  • Many families develop close bonds with their volunteers, often forming lifelong friendships. Volunteers sometimes become like a surrogate "aunty" or "gran" after HCFA’s involvement ends.

  • The coordinator is a mandatory reporter for child abuse and neglect according to N.S.W. legislation. If a volunteer reports a concern, the coordinator discusses it with the family, unless it compromises staff or volunteer safety. If necessary, the coordinator will report to the Department of Community Services, discussing this with the family as much as possible.

  • Volunteers provide practical and social support for approximately 2-3 hours per week.

    • Listening and Social Support: Volunteers often have a chat over a cup of tea, providing a listening ear without making judgments or imposing advice.

    • Information and Encouragement: They can provide information about other services and help parents access them.

    • Practical Assistance: Volunteers help with children, allowing parents to complete household tasks or take time for self-care.

    • Routine Establishment: They assist parents in establishing routines for their children, such as settling babies or managing behavior.

    • Accompaniment: Volunteers can accompany parents to appointments, assist with shopping, or join family outings to parks or playgrounds.

  • Volunteers are not babysitters and generally do not look after children without the parent present, though exceptions can be negotiated. They can assist with some housekeeping tasks but are not house cleaners.

  • Volunteers can accompany parents in the family car for shopping, appointments, or outings, provided that the car is in good working order, registered, and insured. Volunteers are not insured to transport families in their own cars but will help families use public transport.

  • Our program is designed for families who need additional support to manage the everyday demands of parenting young children.

  • Families in our program may face a variety of challenges, including:

    • Feeling isolated or lonely

    • Difficulty adjusting to parenthood

    • Managing other significant life changes

    • Parenting alone

    • Handling the demands of multiple births

    • Caring for a child with a disability or health problem

    • Coping with a parent’s disability or health problem

    • Being new to the country

    • Being new to the area

  • HCFA recognises that some families may require more intensive support than our volunteer home visitors can provide. The coordinator will assess whether it is possible to work with another, more specialised service to meet these needs.

  • Our service is not suitable for families currently dealing with:

    • Substance abuse

    • Child protection issues

    • Domestic violence

    • Certain mental health issues

    In such cases, the coordinator will help identify more appropriate specialized services.