We use evidence-informed practices to develop realistic strategies that will work for your whole family
Ngala Residential Parenting Service is a parenting program that provides a safe, nurturing environment where parents and families stay on-site at our Centre in Kensington and work directly with our professional team to identify and address a range of parenting challenges.
Every child and every family is unique, so we approach every challenge with fresh eyes, aiming to understand your situation, identify the whole scope of the issue, and develop practical and realistic strategies that will work in your household.
Our team include Child Health Nurses, Midwives, Lactation Consultants, Mothercraft Nurses, Social Workers and Psychologists, all dedicated to treating you with the kindness and respect you deserve.
What challenges can we help you with?
We understand your challenges are unique to you, your child and your family, so we work with all our families to identify the underlying issues and develop strategies that address them all. A ‘challenge’ may require a plan that addresses a number of underlying issues, but typically our parents reach out for support with:
- Sleeping and setting
- Breast and bottle feeding
- Behaviour management
- Adjusting to parenting
- Parent and child mental health
- Attachment and bonding challenges
- Support for new parents
How we work
We start with a thorough discussion about your family history and experiences to learn as much as we can about you and your child. We then, together, set some goals for your stay and get clear on what a great outcome looks like for you.
Next, we develop strategies for addressing your challenge, and begin to test them. You will always be in control and leading the delivery, with our team observing, analysing and offering advice throughout.
Together we test the strategies, refining them as needed until you are comfortable you have something that will work at home.
You leave with a clear strategy to continue implementing at home. Our team are always here to assist and adapt after you leave.
Hear from our past families
The way they approached things, the whole thing is very holistic. The team were lovely, just so supportive. I think the biggest thing that Ngala and the experience does is change your mindset ... that really changed the game for me.
Amy
I cannot thank you enough for the unbelievable service you provide in such a supportive and compassionate environment. I felt like a failure for needing more help, and I was really at the end of my tether. The service you provide is outstanding, and I was blown away by the level of support and kindness.
[Your staff] made me realise that I was doing the best job I possibly could and that my son was where he should be developmentally. The advice given has already made a huge impact on his sleep patterns and overall happiness when he is awake. I just wished I had come sooner.
All the nurses made me feel very welcome. They held my hand every step of the way.
Alyce
Your team’s warmth, professionalism, and encouragement made all the difference, and I truly appreciate the time and effort you devoted to helping us.
The knowledge and confidence I gained during my stay have been life-changing, and I will always be grateful for the impact you’ve had on our lives.
How to apply
To stay at our Residential Parenting Service you will need a referral from a GP.
Please complete the family section of our ‘Request for Admission’ form and take it to your GP to complete their section with you. They will then send the form to Ngala for assessment by the hospital’s Intake Nurse.
Download a Request for Admission form
Once this assessment is completed, a Ngala Bookings or Intake team member will contact you to discuss your application.
For more information you can also call us on 9368 9368 to speak with our team – we’re here to help.
How long can you stay for?
Currently we offer two options for Parents and Caregivers – a six-hour Day Stay and an Extended Stay of up to four nights:
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During a six-hour stay, you will work directly with a Child Health Nurse, who will observe your routine and together develop strategies you can implement at home. During these stays there is a ratio of two families to one Child Health Nurse.
A typical day stay will follow the below process:
- First thing you will do is have a discussion with your Child Health Nurse to agree the most important issues to be addressed during your stay
- From here you and your Child Health Nurse will explore appropriate strategies for you and your child, and together start to develop a Care Plan
- The rest of the day is spent practicing the agreed strategies, with support from your Child Health Nurse. To do this, every family is allocated their own two-room space, with a parent bed and separate cot. Your Child Health Nurse can work with you directly, or observe your progress using cctv and provide feedback and advice as you test your strategy
- You will also have access to social work services if you like – this gives you the opportunity to discuss your adjusting to parenting, self-care, or other mental health issues
Discharge is between 2.30pm-3pm – or whenever your baby wakes. Your Child Health Nurse will provide you with a copy of your personalised Care Plan to take home and implement. If you need any more support, the Parenting Line is available to assist at any time.
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An Extended Stay is a stay of up to four nights where our whole team will get to know you and your child to collaboratively develop and test realistic strategies to address the challenges you are having. During your Extended Stay you will have access to a multidisciplinary team including Child Health Nurses, Social Workers and Psychologists. Each family will have their own room, which contains a single adult bed and a cot in an adjacent room. We also have one family room available if you would like to bring other siblings or family members.
Our Extended Stays are designed to address your unique challenges and will be personalised to suit your needs, however a typical Extended Stay may follow the below schedule:
- First thing you will do is have a discussion with your Child Health Nurse to agree the most important issues to be addressed during your stay and develop a Care Plan to address them
- Throughout the rest of your stay you will be practicing and refining these strategies with the help of our team, so you can find what works best for you, your child and your family. To do this, our team can work with you directly, or observe your progress using cctv and provide feedback and advice as you test your strategy
- Throughout the week we have a schedule of optional services and classes you may like to join – these include:
- Psychologist consultations
- Social Worker appointments
- Relaxation, Mindfulness and Self Care group sessions
- Welcome groups
- Education sessions on a range of topics
Throughout your stay you are free to come and go and you please, and your family is encouraged to attend or visit at any time.
At discharge, your Child Health Nurse will provide you with a copy of your personalised Care Plan to take home and implement. If you need any more support, the Parenting Line is available to assist at any time.
How much does it cost?
The costs for your stay depend on the level of cover supplied by your private health insurance. If you would like an estimation of how much you will need to pay for your level of cover please contact our team and we will be able to provide one for you.