We have collated information on updated service delivery from organisations within the sector who have contacted us. Please note this is a non-exhaustive list and is merely to inform you of how some organisations are responding to COVID-19 at this time. For specific organization information, please contact that organization directly.
This information is correct as at the time of publication.
Please note that headings are hyperlinked for further information.
Relationship Matters across Victoria continues to offer its Parenting After Separation Program in an online format.
Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) is committed to supporting Victorians during the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. While RAV is not currently providing face-to-face services, they are continuing to deliver a range of services via telephone, videoconferencing and online; including counselling, family dispute resolution (mediation) and family violence services; as well as a diverse range of services. These include Redress Support Services, our Forced Adoption Support Service, Counselling and Support - For People Affected by the Disability Royal Commission, an ‘early matters’ program for families, and Bushfire Counselling and Support in East Gippsland.
During COVID-19, RAV is continuing to provide family dispute resolution (mediation) services for parenting and property matters. Face-to-face services are currently unavailable, however through their centres located across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, they're providing services across Victoria through telephone and video appointments.
During COVID-19, RAV is not providing face-to-face services, however through their centres located across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, they're continuing to provide family violence services through telephone and video appointments to ensure that people impacted by family violence, including men, women and children, are able to access support.
During COVID-19, RAV is continuing to provide counselling services via telephone and video appointments, through our centres located across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, although face-to-face services are currently unavailable. Online counselling is also available through their typing-based, chat-message service at onlinecounselling.rav.org.au
All appointments are being conducted via telephone. Groups have been suspended and when able to resume, there is an intention to run extra groups to reduce waiting times.
Family dispute resolution appointments are still being taken and conducted over the telephone. Phone assessment and information sessions for finance and property disputes are offered with reduced capacity with possibility of proceeding to FDR in a limited number of cases. Outreach support (in Yarra Junction and Ferntree Gully) has been suspended. No fees are currently being charged for Family Dispute Resolution.
Counselling is still being offered for clients in both personal counselling for parenting related and grief and loss. Counselling is still being offered for Family violence – male and female, people experiencing family violence and people who have used family violence. No fees are currently being charged for counselling.
CatholicCare across Victoria is offering FREE counselling via phone and video conference during the COVID crisis. You do not need a referral or a mental health care plan to access this service. They are offering individual, couples and family counselling,
CatholicCare has seen a surge in enquiries for emergency financial support since the COVID-19 pandemic. Appointments can be booked for this service over-the-phone.
In light of the ever-changing situation, CatholicCare is regularly monitoring information and advice from federal and state government sources and have made some key changes to their service delivery.
Please note the following changes:
1. Offices
Most of their staff are working from home, with the exception of a few who are maintaining essential back office functions.
Their doors are closed to visitors; however, they are still maintaining services. All telephone lines are open during standard business hours. Please note that response times may at times be affected by the implementation of these changes.
2. One-to-one services
Most of CatholicCare's one-to-one services continue to be delivered via telephone or video conferencing options. This applies to counselling, emergency relief, family law programs, and refugee settlement services.
If you have an in-person appointment scheduled with one of their staff, you will be contacted to discuss how the session will go ahead - or if you would prefer to postpone or cancel your appointment, please let CatholicCare know. No cancellation fees will apply during this period. During this time, their counselling services are offered free of charge.
There are a few exceptions where CatholicCare are continuing to provide face-to-face support: e.g. pastoral support in prisons and youth justice settings; hospital chaplaincy (with some phone/telehealth); and occasional home visits in the Integrated Family Services and Adoption and Permanent Care programs.
3. Group activities
All scheduled group activities are suspended until further notice. This includes training sessions, workshops, homework clubs, English conversation groups etc. CatholicCare will aim to resume these at the appropriate time; until then they will work to find ways to provide online support and/or training resources.