About Us

Stepfamilies Australia is a national organisation founded in November 2008 to work on behalf of, and advocate for, Australian stepfamilies. Originally formed by a network of state stepfamily associations, it now runs out of Drummond Street Services. In addition to our work with blended families, Stepfamilies Australia acts as a conduit, providing training to practitioners and service providers across the country, with the goal of creating a support network nationwide.

We offer:

• Support for people in step and blended families.
• Relationship education for stepparents.
• Specialised counselling for stepfamilies.
• Community education to reduce stigma around stepfamilies.
• Training for professionals to familiarise them with the unique dynamics of stepfamilies.
• Courses for people in stepfamilies to help them manage the unique challenges of being in a blended family.

Our Framework

Stepfamilies Australia’s model is based on the extensive experience and evidence collected by our practitioners. We take a public health approach, aiming for prevention over cure. Stepfamilies can and do have meaningful, flourishing relationships, and our goal is to prevent issues before they arise.

Stepfamilies Australia:

1. Takes a public health approach to strengthen stepfamily wellbeing (Health promotion and prevention)

2. Identifies and addresses risks early (early interventions)

3. Provides evidence -based treatment (treatment programs)

4. Supports families to recover and move on (continuing care)

What we teach

Stepfamilies Australia advocates for good enough parenting, not perfect parenting. Although the term “good enough parenting” has some negative connotations, it simply refers to parenting which is not perfect. No parent can meet 100% of their child’s needs, be 100% supportive, 100% patient, or be 100% perfect. Even if they could, this would be detrimental. Occasionally failing to meet a child’s desires or needs, while still being loving, respectful and considerate, is actually healthier than overparenting. Some desires being frustrated not only improves parent wellbeing, but it also builds resilience in children.

We aim to draw on the strengths of the families we work with, finding relationships and skills which are already present. Stepfamilies Australia works with the families that come to us, meeting them as they are, rather than how they “should” be.