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2021 was a big year for the Teaching Family Model (TFM)!

In March, we became the first agency in Australia to receive accreditation from the Teaching Family Association.

Since then, we’ve expanded across the Northern region and South-Eastern regions of Victoria, with 5 TFM homes currently in operation (our pilot home, ‘Strickland’, closed in July).

In November, we started in a new region, with Ballarat beginning its TFM journey in residential care. We’re continuing to work towards our plan to transition all therapeutic residential care homes to the Teaching Family Model.

Two new staff – Sam Ansell and Alethea Harding – joined the TFM Leadership team. Both Sam and Alethea bring years of experience to the team and will help guide us through our next phase of growth.

In 2022, we plan to continue to implement TFM homes in the Gippsland and Hume regions. We will also support the development of a second TFM site in Australia, as we work with colleagues at the Dunlea Centre (NSW) on their own TFM accreditation journey.

The team are doing a great job. TFM provides a great model for the teams in their work. The calibre of the staff is exemplary in their commitment.

TFM professional

TFM Accreditation Data – 2021 Key Findings

In 2021, the program achieved strong outcomes, which are a testament to the hard work of practitioners, children and their families. We are proud to share these key findings with you:

  • 27 young people live in TFM homes (13 male, 10 female and 4 non-binary)
  • 7.5% of young people in TFM home identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • 13 young people transitioned out of TFM homes (77% moved onto family or lower level of care)
  • 75% of young people in TFM homes for over 6 months experience meaningful, positive change
  • Over 92% of all young people have increased or kept consistent connection with family, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19
  • 74% of young people attended education
  • Over a third of our young people spent more time in the home and with carers than the previous year.

Download our Teaching Family Model (TFM) Accreditation Data report

My life is really good; this is a place I know I can be safe.

Young person in TFM home

What is the Teaching Family Model (TFM)?

The TFM is an innovative, trauma-informed model of residential care for children and young people. Up to 4 children and young people live together in a house, supported by TFM practitioners 24-hours a day in a family-style setting. The model, which is based on social learning theory and backed by more than 40 years of evidence, continues to be our flagship program to reimagine the system and transform residential care.

My child is the happiest they have ever been. They are doing a great job; they stay in contact, ring me a few times a week. There is nothing more they could do to improve.

Parent of child in TFM home