SPARK Program: Child mental health & wellbeing

Every child is different. Our multidisciplinary team takes the time to understand your child's individual needs and develop a personalised plan, with therapeutic support, practical strategies and guidance tailored to your family.

We recognise that every family’s circumstance is different. Our multidisciplinary team takes a family centred approach, working alongside children and families where they live, work and play taking time to understand their unique strengths, experiences and needs.

We collaborate with parents, carers, schools, GPs and other services to provide coordinated care. Where additional support is needed, we help families navigate services and connect with the right people.

Program details

Who is it for

SPARK supports primary school-aged children, typically 5–11 years, who live or attend school in the Canterbury SA3 area and experience mild to moderate emotional, behavioural, developmental or mental health challenges. The program provides early intervention for children who would benefit from coordinated multidisciplinary support.

SPARK welcomes children and families of all faiths, religions and cultural backgrounds.

CatholicCare Sydney Counselling and Relationships

SPARK is a free service for eligible children and families. There are no out-of-pocket costs to access the program.

SPARK operates in the Canterbury SA3 region. Services are delivered from our CatholicCare Sydney's Service Hubs or support may also be delivered in schools, community settings, family homes or via telehealth, depending on the child's needs and circumstances.

When can SPARK help?

Every child experiences challenges differently. SPARK supports children who may be finding things difficult at home, at school or in their relationships.
Your child might be experiencing:

Big feelings and worries
- Anxiety, emotional distress or difficulty understanding and managing emotions.
Behavioural challenges
- Difficulty managing behaviour or responding to everyday situations.
Friendship and connection
- Challenges building relationships, connecting with others or participating at school.
Family challenges and change
- Stressful experiences, family difficulties or changes affecting their sense of safety and wellbeing.

Children don't need a formal diagnosis to access support.

How does SPARK work?

Every child and family is unique. Our multidisciplinary team takes the time to understand your child's strengths, needs and experiences, working together to develop a plan that feels right for your family.

Depending on your child's needs, support may include:

Individual and group therapeutic and wellbeing support.
Behavioural assessment and practical strategies.
Parent and carer coaching and guidance.
Family-centred care planning and coordination.
Collaboration with schools, GPs and other services.
Help navigating and connecting with additional supports.

SPARK offers flexible support through CatholicCare Sydney Service Hubs, as well as schools, community settings, family homes and telehealth, where appropriate.

We work alongside children, families and the people who support them to build confidence, strengthen relationships and make everyday life a little easier.

Who can access SPARK?

SPARK provides early intervention support for primary school-aged children who need more than general wellbeing support but do not require intensive specialist mental health care.

The program is available to children who:

Are typically aged 5–11 years.
Live or attend school in the Canterbury SA3 area.
Have mild to moderate emotional, behavioural, mental health or psychosocial support needs.
Would benefit from early, coordinated support.

How to access support?

Parents, carers and professionals can contact SPARK to discuss a child's needs and explore whether the program is suitable.

Contact the SPARK team by submitting a referral on this page.
Our team will explore your child's needs and determine whether SPARK is the right fit.
We'll work with your family to identify goals and develop a personalised support plan.
Your child and family receive support tailored to your needs, with connections to other services where helpful.