Families recovering from drug and alcohol use will stay together thanks to a $4.5 million centre in South-West Sydney opening today.
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Odyssey Family Recovery Centre opens: families remain united in new rehab centre
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Federal MP Emma McBride, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Rural and Regional Health and NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard today jointly opened a Family Recovery Centre aimed at keeping parents and children together during rehabilitation.
You can view the opening event photographs here.
Family life can be challenging for children living with the adverse effects of one or both parents’ use of alcohol and/or other drugs.
The Family Recovery Centre at the Odyssey House NSW residential centre in Eagle Vale, near Campbelltown, is one of a handful of rehabilitation centres in Australia that allow men and women to undertake treatment whilst their children (0-12 years) live with them.
The new Centre will accommodate twice as many families as previously possible, housing up to 16 families.
The new purpose-built accommodation and rehabilitation centre will accommodate single fathers, mothers and couples, including pregnant women and those seeking restoration of care.
Odyssey House NSW CEO Julie Babineau said there was already an extensive waiting list from clients.
“It’s been quite a journey to get here, but we are so excited to be welcoming our first families,” she said.
“It’s so important to keep families together, if possible, while parents take the challenging journey of learning to live without drugs or alcohol.
“Evidence shows when families stay together, clients are far more motivated to complete treatment, and children can stay where they belong – with their parents.
“Children are supported by our dedicated team of staff who work with the parents to ensure a good understanding of the child’s needs and provide child development and wellbeing support.
“Our family services help clients develop a safe home and effective parenting skills to raise happy, resilient children who engage positively in our communities.”
The Centre will offer housing stability while parents are in treatment, as well as an exit plan to ensure a smooth transition back into the community.
It avoids the need to find temporary care for children and offers a range of services including parental training, reconnecting First Nations clients with culture and supporting clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Minister Hazzard said Odyssey House was giving those undergoing treatment for alcohol and other drug misuse the very best chance to recover, by not only providing expert care but also housing their families.
“For more than 45 years Odyssey House has been a valuable provider of rehabilitation services for people dealing with the challenges of alcohol and other drug use, and this new $4.5 million centre will provide vital support to those in need, and their loved ones,” Mr Hazzard said.
Odyssey House NSW chair Doug Snedden AO said: “We wish to thank the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, NSW Health, a major philanthropist and private donors who made this project possible.
“We thank Federal MP Emma McBride and NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard for joining us to formally open the facility. We are confident that they will see the value of the services we provide in the community.”
Family Recovery Centre fast facts:
- * $1.5 million funding from Commonwealth Government
- * $1.75 million funding from NSW Government
- * Balance from private donors and a major philanthropist
- * Completion cost just over $4.5 million
- * Capacity – 16 families
- * Construction started in March 2022
- * Over the past three years 40 per cent increase of single fathers using service
- * In 2021/2022, 152 parents were supported through our Reconnecting Family Suite of services
- * An estimated more than 60,000 children in Australia have a parent attending drug treatment.
- * Reconnecting Family Suite of Services includes:
- – AOD Parenting Program (Community Programs) – includes Bringing Up Great Kids, Circle of Security, and Positive Parenting Program
- – Parents In Contact– family support and restoration for children not living with parent during treatment
- – Parent’s and Children’s Program – Clients AOD treatment continues alongside family and parenting support, education and on-site guidance to help them learn to develop a safe home environment and raise happy, healthy children.
