Children, Youth and Family Services
Children’s Services
Dhelkaya Health’s Children’s Services recognises the uniqueness of each child. We understand that although all children go through similar life stages, some may progress at different rates. Our service helps uncover and address the little steps that might be missing in their development.
Sometimes, only a small thing is holding a child back. It could be that they need help sitting still or concentrating, or their vision could be better, causing them to fall behind.
We understand that having concerns about your child’s development or worrying about not keeping up with their peers can be stressful and isolating.
That’s why our Children’s Services team is dedicated to helping children reach their potential, focusing on children’s rights to education, learning, and development.
How we work
We can help you make informed decisions about you and your child’s needs. Our multidisciplinary approach combines specialists’ skills in speech pathology, physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy, dietetics, continence service, and pediatrics. This service is available to all Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields shires families.
Our therapy is play-based and highly interactive. Support for parents and the entire family is an integral part of our service, which may include:
- home visits
- playgroups
- individual therapy
- parent groups
- support for childcare centres
- assistance with transition to kindergarten or school.
- At Dhelkaya Health, we’re committed to valuing, empowering and providing a safe environment for all children.
Dhelkaya Health and its staff are committed to valuing, empowering, and providing a safe environment for all children.
Dhelkaya Health is a Child Safe Organisation and adheres to our responsibilities under our Child Safe Policy and the 11 Child Safe Standards.
We’re also a registered NDIS provider, so our Children’s Services are accessible to NDIS clients. Find out more by visiting our NDIS site.
The TAC L2P Program is a community-based initiative designed to aid eligible young Victorian learner drivers, aged between 16 and 21 years (and, in some cases, up to 23 years), who lack access to a supervising driver or a suitable vehicle in acquiring the driving experience necessary for a probationary license.
This program pairs eligible learners with a vehicle and a fully licensed volunteer driver mentor. Before being matched with a volunteer mentor, learners participating in the program have access to up to seven free driving lessons throughout the program with a professional instructor. This helps learners build their skills before getting on the road with a volunteer mentor and continue progressing through the four stages of the Graduated Licensing System.
With a specific focus on reducing Victoria’s road toll, the TAC L2P program aims to assist young people in becoming safe, confident drivers. It also provides an opportunity for them to interact with positive adult role models, gain confidence, and move towards social independence.
To be eligible for a learner position in our TAC L2P Program, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 16 and 21 years old (applicants between 21-23 are only considered under special circumstances).
- Hold a current Victorian learner’s permit.
- Lack access to a supervising driver and/or a suitable vehicle.
- Live, work, or study in Mount Alexander.
Dhelkaya Health is a Child Safe Organisation and adheres to our responsibilities under our Child Safe Policy and the 11 Child Safe Standards.Â
How To Apply
Learners need to complete an application form and undergo an assessment. To complete the online application form, visit the L2P page on the Transport Victoria website and choose Dhelkaya Health as the location from the drop-down menu.
Once accepted into the TAC L2P Program as a learner, Dhelkaya Health will be responsible for overseeing your participation and providing ongoing guidance.
The TAC L2P Program not only benefits learner drivers but also involves volunteer mentors collaborating with Dhelkaya Health to directly assist a young learner driver and establish connections within the local community.
The TAC L2P Program is funded by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Department of Transport (DoT), supported by the Victorian Government and coordinated by Dhelkaya Health.
Child & Youth Counselling
At Dhelkaya Health, we prioritise the needs of young people by offering a range of services tailored to them. We are committed to working with you to ensure that you receive the necessary support and information.
Rest assured that as a young person, you will never face rejection. If you need to speak to someone, feel free to contact us.
Learn more about our counselling services.
Youth Mentoring
Dhelkaya Health, in collaboration with Castlemaine Secondary College, operates the Mount Alexander Youth Mentoring Program. Mount Alexander Shire Council supports this program, further backed by the Victorian State Government Engage! 2022-2024 Program.
This program actively caters to young people aged between 12 and 25 residing in Mount Alexander who could benefit from regular mentorship provided by an adult volunteer mentor.
The Youth Mentoring Program pairs a volunteer adult mentor one-on-one with a young person facing personal challenges, such as school difficulties, family instability, peer issues, or uncertainty about vocational goals. Volunteer mentors comprehend the potential impact of these challenges on opportunities in a young person’s life.
Mentors regularly meet with their assigned young person at the school or within the community. All volunteer mentors undergo screening and receive training in youth mentoring, driven by their desire to positively influence a young person’s life.
Once matched, the volunteer collaborates with their young person to determine how they would like to spend their time together, whether working towards goals, pursuing hobbies, or simply going for a walk.
This service is available through referrals from an agency or Castlemaine Secondary College, and participation is voluntary. Additionally, self-referrals will be considered.
If you aspire to become a mentor, please explore our volunteering page.
Family Services
Family Services provides support to families experiencing difficulties, who need a hand and who are keen to make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.
Who we work with
- Families with children aged 0-18 (including before birth)
- Families who live in Mount Alexander Shire
- Voluntary families.
What we offer
We understand that family life can be challenging and overwhelming. During these times we can lend a hand by supporting you and your family through a change process by:
- helping to identify your strengths and skills, what is important to you and your whole family
- helping you deelop a clear action plan and strategies and goals to overcome issues
- spending time in your home to listen and help learn coping strategies
- linking you to information and resources, and to other services
- providing fun children’s activities during the year
- initial assistance with NDIS to liaise, advocate and make referrals.
Please note there may be a wait list for this service prioritised by need.
How we can help
Our Family Support Workers can:
- talk to you on the phone, meet you at your home or meet in person
- help you decide on your hopes for your family and how to achieve them
- talk with your children about their worries and how we can help them
- help you access other services and information that could be helpful
- help you talk with schools, GPs and other professionals involved with your family
- attend meetings at your child’s school, GP and others, and we may be able to drive you to the appointments
- advocacy to support you to uphold your rights.
You can contact us directly for this service. We also take referrals from The Orange Door.
