Best Start

The Best Start program is intended to provide additional support to people exiting prison with a focus on reuniting and reconnecting parents with their children post-release. This program is targeted for clients who are currently in or coming out of a Correctional Institution, with one party residing within the Brimbank-Melton catchment area. 

What we offer

• Individual Casework Management provided by qualified social workers
• Assisting with communication between parties
• Parenting support and guidance
• Assisting schools with children who are dealing with a parent post-release
• A strong network of internal and external referral pathways
• Close collaboration with commUnity+ Children’s Contact Service
• Highest standards of ethical and professional conduct

Who is eligible

• Pre-Release: from 3 months to release date, exemptions may apply to individual cases
• Post-release: up to 4 months post-release date, exemptions may apply to individual cases
• All clients referred must have a child/children and require support with reconnecting with their child/children or reconnecting with parents if the child is the person exiting prison.
• At least one party, the person exiting prison or the child/children, must be residing within the Brimbank/Melton area.

How you can get involved

• Referral Pathways
• Partnerships
• Information sharing
• Multi-disciplinary collaboration

To refer a client please contact Best Start Project Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.