School Chaplaincy Program
The program operates in the state funded schools to promote links between a child's school, family and community experiences. Our highly skilled chaplains provide emotional and well-being services to students, school teachers and staff and families, as well as the broader school community.
Chaplains work alongside school well-being and allied health staff and have full access to our CCS services which include:
- parenting programs
- relationship counselling
- children's counselling
- and a range of post separation supports
Schools may also self fund Pastoral Care Workers through this program.
Thanks to the national scheme introduced by the Federal Government in 2009 and now funded by the States, we have been able to place chaplains into a number of local primary schools in our area. Our endorsed Chaplains have the highest standard of professional qualifications.
For more information on this program contact CCS on 03 5438 1300.
Communities for Children
As the Facilitating Partner, CCS brokers funding for place-based projects in Greater Shepparton to enhance early childhood development and well being for children from before birth to age 12, and their families. We work strategically in the spirit of collaboration to improve service accessibility, responsiveness and outcomes for families and children in the Greater Shepparton region.
Youth Justice
Youth Justice Group Conferencing
Youth Justice Group Conferencing is a case conferencing program for young people 10 to 18 years old who have been found guilty or have pleaded guilty to an offence in the Children's Court. The program aims to address offending behavior by providing an opportunity to acknowledge the impact of the offence on the victim, their family and the community.
Who participates in the Conference?
Anyone who has been affected by the offence or who can assist to improve the situation maybe invited to attend.
Why have a Conference?
- To raise the young person's understanding of the impact of their offending on the victim
- To utilise the resources of the immediate and extended family and/or significant others to
support the young person - To reduce the frequency and seriousness of the re-offending of young people referred to
the program
How long does the Conference process take?
- Conference usually runs within 6-8 weeks from date of court referral
- Convenor meets with everyone involved prior to the Conference to help them prepare
- Conferences normally take about 2 hours
What happens before, during and after conference?
Before the conference
A Conferencing Convener meets with all potential participants to explain the process and make
sure everyone is fully prepared and knows what to expect.
At the conference
A Group Conference provides a safe, structured environment for all people affected by the
offence to come together to:
- Talk about what happened
- Discuss how they were affected
- Decide how to make things better
After the conference
The Convenor provides the Magistrate with a court report on the conference for consideration
prior to sentencing. The young person, their legal representative and the Convenor return to Court. If the Court accepts the outcome plan, a key support person monitors the plan and supports the young person to achieve the goals.
To find out more about CatholicCare Sandhurst Group Conferencing contact:
Clint Wardle
Group Conference Convener CCS
Phone: 03 5438 1300
Family Mental Health Support Services
Our case managers work with children and young people to develop achievable goals and strategies that minimise the impacts of poor mental health outcomes into the future. Using this service involves an initial assessment which allows either a long term intensive support plan (up to 12 months), or a short term immediate support plan to be implemented. We work with children or the young person at home, in school or the wider community.
Program includes:
- Information and referral
- Advocacy
- Family Support
- Community awareness and development
- Peer support for families, children and young people
- Education and skill development for families, children and young people
For more information contact:
Family Mental Health Support Services
CCS Shepparton - 03 5820 0444
68 Wyndham Street
Shepparton VIC 3630
