NSW Health funds and operates a network of Child Protection Counselling Services (CPCS) across local health districts in conjunction with other specialist counselling services such as Sexual Assault Services (SAS) and New Street Services.

The CPCS is a child and family-centred trauma-specific therapy service. Its overarching purpose is to work towards the recovery and ongoing safety and wellbeing of children and young people involved with the care and protection system. The CPCS works with infants, children and young people and their families and carers where it has been determined by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ)1 that the children and young people are at risk of significant harm due to violence, abuse and/or neglect.

The service aims to assist children and young people recover from violence, abuse and/or neglect. The service also offers support to achieve safety, security and permanency in regard to living arrangements. Options include:

  • staying with family (family preservation)
  • returning to live with family (family restoration)
  • remaining in current placement or moving to a more sustainable placement (placement sustainability).

1Community Services Centres within DCJ have the statutory delegation to provide care and protection to children and young people at risk of significant harm​.

Current as at: Monday 5 June 2023
Contact page owner: Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect