The Changing Face of the Village: Supporting Families in Today's World

At Kids First, we often speak about the “village” it takes to raise a child – the network of support that surrounds a family and helps them thrive. But as families and communities change, so too must the village.

Katherine Prefol, Senior Family Therapist at Kids First, recently spoke at the Whittlesea Community Futures forum about how her work supports modern families navigating complex challenges. Her presentation, titled The Changing Face of the Village, explored how professionals can become part of a family’s village, offering timely, meaningful support.

Katherine reflected on her own upbringing, where a village meant relatives, neighbours, and trusted community members. Today, many families are isolated or disconnected from that traditional network. That’s where organisations like Kids First step in to offer support, advocacy, and a safe space when it’s needed most.

Katherine shared powerful real-life case studies to illustrate what this looks like in action:

The Jones* Family

A young family with two small children was grappling with parenting challenges, an Autism diagnosis for Mum, and family violence that had not yet been recognised. With Katherine’s help, Mum began to understand that the violence wasn’t her fault. Kids First facilitated connections with police, legal and financial support services, and other professionals.

With increased childcare, home-based parenting support, and access to essentials like transport and groceries, the family saw remarkable improvements. Most importantly, Mum regained her confidence and reconnected with her extended family, rebuilding a stronger village around her.

The Smith* Family

This family, made up of Dad and his primary school-aged daughters, faced isolation, financial hardship and grief following the death of Mum. Despite the urgency of their needs, support was difficult to access due to systemic barriers and Dad’s own mental health challenges.

Katherine is continuing to work with this family over a longer period, holding hope and working gently to build trust and connection to services. While progress has been slow, her involvement remains a vital part of their evolving village.

The Brown* Family

A busy family with four teenage children was navigating school refusal, couch-surfing, trauma, and undiagnosed neurodiversity. Despite previous involvement from multiple services, they remained deeply unsupported. Through therapy, advocacy, assessments and collaboration with local schools and Headspace, Kids First helped rebuild family relationships, improve communication, and strengthen parental unity. Both young people are now in stable accommodation and are finding their way in the education system.

Katherine’s work and the work of her colleagues, illustrates how every person, regardless of age or background, needs a village. Sometimes that village includes professionals who walk alongside families during tough times, helping them find stability, hope and connection.

If you or someone you know could benefit from support, we’re here to help.

Learn more about our supports for families

📞 03 9450 0900

📧 [email protected]

🌐 www.kidsfirstaustralia.org.au

Or contact The Orange Door – North Eastern Melbourne Area

📍 56 Burgundy St, Heidelberg VIC 3084

📞 1800 319 355

📧 [email protected]

*All names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of our clients.