The Ellen Barron Family Centre (EBFC) provides is a multi-disciplinary, specialist child health service for families who require support with building practical skills and confidence in parenting. We offer services to families living in Queensland, northern New South Wales and the Northern Territory. Catchment area restrictions apply.

Admission to the Ellen Barron Family Centre is referral-based. We provide education and support in the following areas:

• Responsive settling
• Responsive feeding
• Breast feeding
• Bottle feeding
• Child development and behaviour
• General parenting

Our service offers multiple inpatient programs for families with children aged from birth to a child’s third birthday.

Families are required to seek support from their local services such as Child and Youth Community Health Services, before admission to the Ellen Barron Family Centre is considered.

To be admitted to the Ellen Barron Family Centre families will need a referral from one of the following health professionals:

• Child and Youth Community Health professionals e.g. Child Health Nurses
• General practitioners
• Paediatricians
• Allied Health Professionals e.g. Psychologists and Social Workers
• Other health/community service professionals

Pre-referral guidelines and referral forms are available to the above professionals. Where possible, engagement with local level community services is an important part of pre-referral support.

Our referral template has been designed to provide our Intake Team with relevant and detailed information. This allows us to make an informed decision concerning each family’s requirements. Information included within a referral must detail all levels of intervention and support services accessed prior to the referral being made.

In order for our Intake Team to make an informed assessment, we require all referrals to provide comprehensive information. This enables our team to gain an accurate understanding of every family’s needs.

Once a referral is received, families are generally notified within 10 working days regarding the Intake Team’s decision.

Consumer feedback and engagement plays a pivotal role in the successful operation of the Ellen Barron Family Centre.

We are always looking at ways to improve the experience and outcomes for our families.

We invite parents/carers and/or organisations to get involved and share their experiences, opinions and ideas with us.

You can participate in a number of ways:

• Become a member of the Ellen Barron Family Advisory Committee
• Tell us how we’re doing and provide feedback on our service
• Participate in focus groups or planning workshops
• Share your experiences at staff education and training days

For further information or to register your interest, visit the Get involved page and complete the Register Your Interest Form.