Meegan joined YFS’ Intensive Family Support team in February 2018 as a Domestic Violence Specialist. She had spent a number of years investigating complex cases for Child Safety, and whilst being proud of her work was also ready for a change.
“Working with families in a voluntary capacity, not through statutory interventions, that really interested me,” says Meegan.
Meegan’s new specialist role involved a steep learning curve , but she thrived and quickly developed best-practice skills under the DFV common risk and safety framework (CRASF), which helps enhance the safety of people who have experienced domestic and family violence.
Then, after four and a half years supporting families, Meegan successfully applied for the Intensive Family Support Program Manager role and began leading the team.
“We support families with multiple complex needs who are at risk of entering the child protection system.”
“Families are usually street homeless and might have drug and alcohol abuse issues and mental health worries. The children might not be going to school or may be experiencing neglect – there are issues impacting everybody.”
“It’s intensive, there’s lots of laughter and tears in our work. It requires the ability to be steadfast and optimistic, and to quickly reprioritise when a family is experiencing a crisis.”
Meegan has now been Program Manager for two and a half years and is proud of the skills and diversity of her team.
“We’ve got staff from different professional backgrounds, different cultures – staff spread over different age and experience brackets as well. Together we have a really strong knowledge base.”
Meegan appreciates the workplace culture at YFS, which values excellence and supports staff in their professional growth.
“I’ve had lots of opportunities through my roles here. I’ve completed an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management and last year received a scholarship for the McKinsey Rising Leaders Forum.”
For Meegan, a productive day is when her staff return to the office knowing they’ve made a positive impact, whether that’s through helping a family create meaningful goals or walking beside them in a crisis.
And even on days when progress isn’t directly apparent, Meegan knows her team’s hard work makes a difference.
“I’ve been here long enough to see families return, sometimes five years later and they are in a much better space. It’s impactful.”
