SYDWDVCAS ensures that we provide a respectful, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach.
Risk assessment and safety planning
Providing information
Referrals to other services and community engagement
Advocacy in Court
Case management for SYDWDVCAS clients
Liaising for victim-survivors at Safety Action meetings
Hearing Support
Family Advocacy and Support Service (FASS)
Family Advocacy & Social Support (FASS) Service
The FASS service is staffed by one of our social workers who is permanently located at an office at the Family court registry in Sydney. The role is a specialist one which often involves meeting with very distressed clients to assess their needs for safety plans when attending the court and assisting them to access other services such as counselling, case workers and housing
The service aims to integrate social support services for women with matters in the family court who have experienced DFV with the legal advice service supplied through Legal Aid. The service, which began in 2017 is funded by the Commonwealth Government and administered in partnership with Legal Aid NSW.
Unlike the WDVCAS service where contact with clients is mostly on the telephone, and short term, the work at the Family Court is mostly in person and can extend across the woman’s whole Family Court matter which can sometimes take several years.
Our support worker can work with a woman’s lawyer or can work with a self represented woman who is managing her own case in the court. These women very much appreciate the assistance of someone who is familiar with the court language and protocol.
Contact us or make a referral
Interpreter
If you need an interpreter, call us using the free Translating and Interpreting Service
131 450
(02) 9601 6988
slcp@jsc.org.au
Refer to us
Who our clients are
Total number of referrals
Total number of ongoing clients
People supported through community education and advocacy
%
Women and children* (*assisted directly or indirectly)
%
Multicultural
%
First Nations
%
Living with a disability
Frequently asked questions
What kind of support does this service offer?
If your ADVO matter is to be heard at the Downing Centre, Newtown or Waverley local courts, then this service can assist you.
Where are these services available?
This service supports women and their children who are experiencing domestic and family violence and are going through ADVO proceedings. An ADVO is a court order that can help protect you and your children from violence. Our specialist workers will ensure that our clients have all the information they need and will experience as little stress as possible during the ADVO court process. We will help our clients achieve the safest and most appropriate outcome for their matter.
This service offers:
- support to get legal protection from the courts with an ADVO
- support for women who are the defendant in an ADVO matter
- support to plan for your safety
- someone to talk to the police on your behalf about court orders
- support at the local court
- a safe room at the court away from other people
- someone to explain what to expect at court
- connection to a lawyer for free legal advice
- connection to another service for long-term support.
Who can access these services?
This service is available to women and their children who need support during the process of Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) proceedings. If your ADVO matter is to be heard at the Downing Centre, Newtown or Waverley local courts, then this service can assist you.
What is an ADVO?
Client Testimonials
Learn more about our other services
South West Sydney Court Assistance Service (SWSWDVCAS)
We support women and their children in SWS to navigate the criminal justice system and gain protection through the courts.
DFV casework services
We offer free support services for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Legal services
We offer free or reduced cost legal services to people in our local area who might not be able to access legal support
Training & education
Training & education We run free community workshops and training for community workers on a range of topics
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