Disability - support for families | Better Health Channel
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Summary

Supports and services are provided in Victoria for children and adults with a disability and their families or carers. Family members and other unpaid carers play an important role in increasing opportunities for independence, choice and community participation. Supports are based on the needs of each person and their family.

A variety of support is available in Victoria for children and adults with a disability and their families or unpaid carers. Relationships with family and friends are important for everyone and can increase opportunities for independence, choice and community participation. However, there may also be challenges that families and carers require some help with.

Government-funded disability services work in partnership with people with a disability, family members and carers to support people to live at home and participate in their community. Support may also enhance the wellbeing and resilience of family members.

Support may be short or long term


Support may be one-off, short term or ongoing. Support services:
  • Are flexible and respond to the needs, wishes and circumstances of the family
  • Aim to strengthen family relationships and resilience
  • Promote independence and participation in community life
  • Are available through various family support agencies throughout Victoria
  • Are funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services.

A range of support is available


Assistance may include:
  • Helping you to identify your needs and goals
  • Developing a plan to meet those goals and working out how to put it into action
  • Information about supports and services
  • Help to organise or coordinate services – or to lead you through that process
  • Support within the home
  • Support to participate in outof-home activities
  • Support for carers.

Types of support


Support is available for children and adults with a disability who require support with:
  • Communication
  • Mobility
  • Self care.

Access to services


Factors that are considered when deciding who should have priority access to services include:
  • The need to support the person’s family
  • Safety of the person and their family
  • Existence of multiple disadvantage
  • Impact if the disability supports are not provided
  • Availability of informal and generic supports.

Where to get help

  • Department of Human Services Tel. 1800 783 783

Things to remember

  • As a family member or unpaid carer, you can help improve the quality of life of a person with a disability.
  • A variety of support and services are provided in Victoria for children and adults with a disability and their families or carers.
You might also be interested in: Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

Department of Human Services

(Logo links to further information)
Department of Human Services

Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: January 2011

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.


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Supports and services are provided in Victoria for children and adults with a disability and their families or carers. Family members and other unpaid carers play an important role in increasing opportunities for independence, choice and community participation. Supports are based on the needs of each person and their family.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Copyight © 1999/2012  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.