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Membership

Membership Benefits

As a member of PCA Families, we can provide you with trauma informed independent and confidential support, information, advocacy and training. Informed by research and lived experience, PCA Families offer practical information and referrals to other services. Find out more about all our services in our flyer here.

Helpline

We’re here to support your journey with understanding, advice, and connection. Reach out to our Helpline when you need a hand.

Who can reach out?

For anyone in the role of a permanent guardian, kinship carer, or adoptive parent, our Helpline is your go-to for support. We understand the unique challenges of parenting children who have faced early trauma.

Our promise

We’re here to offer empathy, experience, and guidance, focusing on what’s best for kids and families. Our team brings both professional insight and personal experiences in care and adoption to every conversation.

How we can support you?

  • Step by step guidance for those new to permanent, adoptive, or kinship care.
  • Advice on strengthening bonds with your child and their birth family.
  • Strategies for parenting children who have experienced trauma
  • Resources to help you navigate important milestones like school transitions
  • Assisting your child in exploring their life story and cultural heritage.
  • Directing you to relevant support systems, experts and financial aid
  • Guidance on legal matters, accessing documents, and finding community resources.
  • Access to our Carer Assistance Program and peer support networks.

Availability: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, excluding public holidays. After-hours messages are welcome and will be addressed within 2 business days.

Flexible Funding

Permanent Care and Adoptive Families (PCA Families) together with Victorian Department of Fairness, Families and Health (DFFH) provides Flexible Funding to meet the extraordinary needs of children and young people to help with costs not met by NDIS, the care allowance, or other funding sources.

What does Flexible Funding Cover?

Flexible funding is available to apply for things like:

  • Cognitive assessments, specialist appointments & related therapies
  • Therapy (counselling, psychology, art, play, equine etc.)
  • Health related costs
  • Costs associated with birth family contact
  • School related costs
  • Tutoring Extra-curricular activities

How to apply for flexible funding?

Permanent Care and Adoptive Families distributes the Flexible Funds. To make a Flexible Funding application you need to be become a member of PCA Families. This is a free two step process where you create an account and then login to become a member. This process is outlined here on our membership page.

To apply, visit https://www.pcafamilies.org.au/support-services/flexible-funding. Alternatively, call them on (03) 9020 1833, option 3 or email

Peer Support

We at PCAF, understand the unique joys and challenges faced by families formed through permanent care, kinship care, and adoption. Our comprehensive support services are designed to foster connections, offer therapeutic counselling, and provide a platform for sharing experiences. As a member, you have access to the following support Services:

Counselling and Support:

  • CAP (Carer Assistance Program): Members receive up to three personalised counselling sessions with Jake, our experienced counsellor specialising in mental health and wellbeing, tackling issues from grief to anxiety. Access this bespoke support through a straightforward self-referral process.

Peer Support:

  • Share & Connect: Every other Thursday evening, join other parents and carers to share your journey in a safe and supportive space. Sessions are online or in-person. Sign up on our events page.
  • Click & Connect: Monthly Wednesday sessions from 12 pm to 1 pm, offering a chance to discuss topics relevant to your family's journey, facilitated by a PCA Adviser. Online and easy to join through pre-registration.
  • Let's Connect: Casual meet-ups for sharing and support, guided by an advisor and a peer with lived experience. Check our events page for upcoming dates and details.

Shape your community:

Your voice matters in our community. If you're inspired to lead a new support group, we're here to back you with all the resources you need. Your suggestions for peer support topics are also welcomed; they help us tailor our services to better meet your needs. Reach out at with your ideas.

Advocacy and Reform

We're here to amplify your voice, advocating for the rights and needs of children and families alike. Together, we can ensure that every child and family receives the support they need to thrive. Let's raise our voices for change.

Why join us?

Your involvement is key to our collective success. Whether through sharing your story, contributing to our advocacy work, or participating in our campaigns, your engagement can lead to meaningful change.

  • Add your voice on key priorities: From tailoring services to children's unique needs to empowering carers with legal support, we're your advocate. Your voice matters. Help us identify and tackle the issues that impact you and your children the most.
  • Influence Change: You can participate in shaping policies and services that directly affect your family. Your experiences and insights are crucial in driving positive change.
  • Community and Support: Join a network of families who understand your journey. Together, we can share, learn, and grow.
  • Access to Resources: Stay informed with our latest research, submissions, and policy resources, all aimed at improving the care system.
  • Engagement and Campaigns: Get involved in advocacy campaigns that make a real difference in the lives of permanent, kinship, and adoptive families..

Become a Member

Membership is free! Join now to enjoy access to PCA Famlies services and keep up to date with sector news, training opportunities and invitations to events.

To become a member you need to complete two steps:

1. Create an Account 

To create an account click on the "Create An Account" Button below.

You will need to input your name, email address, phone number and tell us how you learnt about PCA Families.

Create An Account

 

2. Login and Become a Member:

Once you have created your account, login to the portal by selecting the “Portal” button and enter your account login name (email) and password. Then select the "Become a Member" button to complete your membership request.

Click the button below to get started.

Login to Portal and Become a Member

You will be asked to choose your type of membership (past, present or prospective parent/carer/guardian). Depending on which type of member you are, when you apply we ask for more information. For example, if you are a current parent/carer we ask about your children and their history so we can advocate more effectively on your behalf.

Create an Account

 

Portal

For additional help with creating your membership, please see the detailed instructions in the YouTube video link here.  

Membership Help (YouTube)

Existing Members

If you are already a PCA Families member, you can access the members area of the PCA Families portal by clicking the button below. 

Through the portal you can manage your profile, create and submit a Flexi Funding application, as well as view the status of applications you have submitted.

Portal Login