Lutheran Care’s Children’s Contact Service team came back from the 2025 Australian Children’s Contact Services Association (ACCSA) Forum in Hobart feeling inspired and with plenty of resources to share with local families.
With a theme of creating a safer, stronger sector in the best interests of children – something the team is passionate about – they described the forum, held in late March, as a rewarding experience.
Lutheran Care’s Operations Manager Family and Community Services (Barossa, Light & Lower North), Helen Walker, said one of the things that really stood out “was hearing directly from others working in Children’s Contact Services (CCS) across the country”.
“There was such openness in sharing both the challenges and the creative, child-focused ways people are supporting families in their day-to-day work. It was a great reminder of the passion and dedication that exists across our sector,” she said.
“There were also some important conversations about where CCS is heading in the future, especially around things like accreditation, national standards, and the broader changes happening in family law. The sessions gave helpful insight into those changes and what they might mean for our work.”
A highlight was guest speaker Operation Manager, Uniting Counsellor and Mediation Natalie Crake, who spoke about Interventions for Enhancing Parent-Child Relationships During Contact Visits.
Natalie recommended ‘The Anchor’ resource suite on the Uniting website, which houses information including PDF ‘tip sheets’, videos and links catering for kids, adolescents, parents and professionals.
From making slime, to guided meditation, to understanding about the court system and how to talk to lawyers, and ways to explain to young people about separation, there are plenty of resources relevant to parents experiencing a change in their relationship, and families more broadly.
The 2025 Forum was held on 25 and 26 March, at The Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart Convention and Exhibition Centre in Hobart. Visit the link for more information about organiser, the Australian Children’s Contact Services Association.
Lutheran Care’s Children’s Contact Service is located at Gersch House, 24 Second Street, Nuriootpa. It provides a safe, fun, netural space and trusted support to help parents stay connected with their children during and after separation. The service welcomes parents from regions including the Barossa, Yorke Peninsula, Mid North and northern suburbs of Adelaide.
Wait times are currently very low. Find out more by phoning (08) 8562 2688 and ask to speak to a member of the Children’s Contact Service team, or email: ccs@lutherancare.org.au