Family Relationship Centres

As part of the reform of the family law system in 2005, the Australian Government launched community resource centres for families called Family Relationship Centres.  In 2006, the first of the Family Relationships Centres (FRCs) appeared across Australia, funded by the Government and operated by consortiums of leading family relationships services providers.  In 2007 and 2008, 40 more FRCs opened across the country, totalling 65 across Australia.

Relationships Australia State and Territory organisations, along with our consortium partners, have been awarded the tenders to operate a large percentage of the Family Relationship Centres across the country.

What is a Family Relationship Centre?

A Family Relationship Centre is a place where all Australian families can go to access information and advice on:

• building and strengthening existing relationships
• early intervention and prevention services
• child-friendly services for families in conflict
• family dispute resolution services
• parenting plans
• re-partnering and stepfamily arrangements
• child-focused workshops and information and referral
• child-inclusive workshops.

Family Relationship Centres offer a range of services and programs, which are aimed at families at all stages of their life, including people starting relationships, those wanting to make their relationships stronger, those having relationship difficulties and those affected when families separate.  The Centres encourage separating parents to focus strongly on the needs of their children.

The Family Relationship Centres offer individual and joint sessions to assist separating families to create workable parenting arrangements for their children.  They also offer group information sessions and workshops on a range of practical topics to assist families.

All Centres work collaboratively with, and provide referrals to, a variety of other services, matching the needs of the family or individuals to appropriate services.

The services at the Centres are funded by the Australia Government and provide for 3 free hours of joint Family Dispute Resolution service to families.

More information about Family Relationship Centres

Family Relationship Centres and Affiliated Services (Locations)