SERVICES

• Intercountry Adoption Program and Country Information Services for prospective adoptive parents
• Camp Connection.(click for more info). A weekend residential camp for adoptees and their families where everyone can explore adoption issues in a fun, supportive environment . Sponsored by Macquarie Group Foundation.
• Teenz Connection - This is a monthly get-togethers for adoptees aged 13-18. The program will include a range of fun and cultural activities. Sponsored by the Scanlon Foundation.
• Social functions which help adoptive families to meet one another and network.
• Adoptee Search Program to assist adoptees to locate country of birth information
• Adoptee Workshops to assist adoptees manage issues like attachment problems, grief and loss, identity, racism, relationships, search & reunion
• Adoption Community Resourcing bringing local and international specialists to inform, equip and train individuals, families and professionals on a wide range of adoption issues
• Adoptive Parents Talking (APT).  Seminars, workshops and small groups providing resources, information and support.
• Counselling Services for adoptees and adoptive parents on adoption related matters
• Play Therapy for adoptees aged from 3-8 years, using play to assist young children to explore together what it means to grow up as an adoptee, and to assist those children whose developmental milestones have been arrested by disruption and neglect.
• Respite Care for families caring for children with challenging behaviours.
• A library of books and audiovisual material related to adoption for borrowing to ACC Members.

State wide support services

source - Sydney's Child

Anaphylaxis Australia
T: 1300 728 000
E: coordinator@allergyfacts.org.au
W: www.allergyfacts.org.au
Provides science-based information, resources and services to support children and adults living with anaphylaxis.

Anglicare
T: 9895 8000
E: generalenquiries@anglicare.org.au
W: www.anglicare.org.au
Supports families struggling with poverty, disability, illness or other issues by providing practical assistance.
 
Anxiety Disorder Support and Information
T: 1300 794 992
E: jleitch@mentalhealth.asn.au
W: www.ada.mentalhealth.asn.au
An information and referral service to assist in recovery and reduce the impact of anxiety disorders in people's lives.

Australian Association For Families Of Children With Disability
T: 1800 222 660
E: mail@aafcd.org.au T
W: www.aafcd.org.au
Provides information and advocacy for families of children with disabilities to ensure the best possible support services are available to them.

The Australian Myasthenic Association In NSW
T: 4283 2815
E: info@myasthenia.org.au
W: www.myasthenia.org.au
Provides support to sufferers of myasthenia gravis and their carers, and provides an opportunity for them to communicate directly with one another.

Aussie Deaf Kids
E: info@aussiedeafkids.com
W: www.aussiedeafkids.com
Provides online support and resources for parents of hearing-impaired and deaf children living in Australia.

Australian Advisory Board On Autism Spectrum Disorders
T: 8977 8300
W: www.autismaus.com.au
The national organisation that represents people who have an autism spectrum disorder, their families, carers and helpers.

Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT)
T: 8977 8300
E:infoline@aspect.org.au
W: www.aspect.org.au
Provides information services and education to people affected by autism spectrum disorders, their families and the community.

beyondblue - The National Depression Initiative
T: 1300 22 4636
E: bb@beyondblue.org.au
W: www.beyondblue.org.au
Works to address issues related to depression and to reduce the stigma associated with the illness by increasing community awareness, providing information on treatment options and conducting research.

Black Dog Institute
T: 9382 4530
E: blackdog@unsw.edu.au
W: www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
An educational, research, clinical and community-oriented facility offering specialist expertise in mood disorders. The institute conducts research into mood disorders, facilitates community-education programs, and runs depression and perinatal clinics. 

Book In Hand
T: 1800 505 221
E: bookinhand@optusnet.com.au
W: www.bookinhand.com.au
Offers a wide selection of material on autism spectrum disorders and related topics for families and professionals across Australia.

Bowel Group for Kids Inc
T: 02 4659 6186
E: eunice@bgk.org.au
W: www.bgk.org.au
Offers advice and support for parents and families of children suffering from Hirschsprung's disease, Ano-Rectal Malformations (Imperforate Anus, Cloacia), and chronic constipation.

CanTeen
T: 1800 226 833 or 9328 1563
E: nsw.admin@canteen.org.au
W: www.canteen.org.au
Aims to help young people aged between 12 and 24 years cope with cancer by providing a place to meet, talk about their experiences, and support each other.

Carers NSW
T: 9280 4744 or 1800 242 636
E: contact@carernsw.asn.au
W: www.carernsw.asn.au
Offers support programs, education, training, and advocacy for people who have the responsibility of caring for a person with a disability.

CP Australia
T: 1300 302 920
E: cphelpline@tscnsw.org.au
W: www.cpaustralia.com.au
Promotes the interests, rights, and wellbeing of people with cerebral palsy and similar disorders.

The Coeliac Society Of Australia
T: 9411 4100
E: nsw@coeliacsociety.com.au
W: www.coeliac.org.au or www.nswcoeliac.org.au
Offers information and support to people medically diagnosed with Coeliac disease, sufferers of dermatitis herpetiformis, those requiring a gluten-free diet and their families.

Cri Du Chat Support Group Of Australia Inc
T: (03) 9775 9962
E: info@criduchat.asn.au   
W: www.criduchat.asn.au
Provides support, information and contacts for families of individuals with Cri du chat syndrome and other chromosome-5 abnormalities.

Cystic Fibrosis NSW
T: 1800 232 823
E: general@cysticfibrosisnsw.org.au
W: www.cysticfibrosisnsw.org.au
Provides advocacy, support and information for people living with cystic fibrosis and their families.

Deaf Children Australia
T: 1800 645 916 or TTY 1800 508 523
E: helpline@deafchildren.org.au
W: www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au
Provides information and support for families of deaf and hearing-impaired children and young adults throughout Australia.

The Deaf Society Of New South Wales
T: 9893 8555 or 1800 893 855 or TTY 1800 893 885
E: info@deafsociety.com
W: www.deafsocietynsw.org.au
Provides a wide range of support services and programs for deaf people, including deaf people who may have disabilities such as visual impairment, cerebral palsy or developmental delay.

Defence Special Needs Support Group
T: 1800 037 674 or 9395 9634
E: national.coordinator@dsnsg.org.au
W: www.dsnsg.org.au
A service specifically set up for the families and individuals of the Australian Defence Force who have special needs. Provides programs, support groups and respite.

Diabetes Australia NSW
T: 9552 9900
E: info@diabetesnsw.com.au
W: www.diabetesnsw.com.au
Provides personalised and practical assistance to benefit people with diabetes and their carers.

Down Syndrome NSW
T: 9683 4333
E: admin@dsansw.org.au
W: www.dsansw.org.au
Represents the interests and responds to the needs of people with Down syndrome, their families and carers.

Epilepsy Action Australia
T: 1300 374 537
E: epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au
W: www.epilepsy.org.au
Provides services to all people with a personal or professional involvement with epilepsy. Website includes information and two discussion forums.

Family Development Services
T: 9831 5687
E:ldsginc@optusnet.com.au
W: www.geocities.com/ldsg_org
Provides support for families and carers of children with learning difficulties and associated disorders such as ADHD and Asperger's syndrome.

Hemiparents
T: 9899 2474
E: contact@hemiparents.org
W: www.hemiparents.org
An online support group for parents of children with hemiplegia. The site offers information on the various forms of therapy and services available.

IDEAS Inc
T: 6947 3377 or 1800 029 904 (both TTY)
E: ideas@ideas.org.au
W: www.ideas.org.au
Provides an information and referral service for people with disabilities, their families and carers. Services the Illawarra and surrounding areas.

Learning Difficulties Coalition NSW
T: 9806 9960
E: info@ldc.org.au
W: www.ldc.org.au
Provides advocacy and support for students with learning disabilities and associated disorders, and their parents.

Limbkids Support Association Inc
T: (07) 5533 9754
E: president@limbkids.asn.au
W: www.limbkids.asn.au
A voluntary group of parents, professionals and other people concerned with the care of children who have congenital or acquired limb differences.

ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society of NSW Inc
T: 9904 8433
W: www.me-cfs.org.au
Provides information, support and advocacy for all who are adversely affected by chronic fatigue and related illnesses.

The Mental Health Association Of NSW
T: 9339 6009 or 1300 794 991
E: info@mentalhealth.asn.au
W: www.mentalhealth.asn.au
An information and education service that has been set up to maintain, promote and protect the mental health of everyone.

Miracle Babies
T: 1300 PREMMIE (1300 773 664)
W: www.miraclebabies.com.au
Supporting premature and sick newborns and their families

Multiple Sclerosis Australia
T: 1800 287 367
E: infoline@mssociety.com.au
W: www.msaustralia.org.au
Offers specialist services and support to people with multiple sclerosis, their families, friends and carers.

National Asthma Council Australia
T: 1800 032 495
E: \n nac@NationalAsthma.org.au
W: www.nationalasthma.org.au
Increases awareness about asthma and provides information on asthma management for people with asthma and their carers.

The Northcott Society
T: 9890 0100 or 1800 506 071
E: enquiry@northcott.com.au
W: www.northcott.com.au
Provides contact information for services, support groups, and resources to children and adults with a wide range of disabilities, and their families.

NSW Association For Gifted And Talented Children
T: 9633 5399
E: office@nswaagtc.org.au
W: www.nswagtc.org.au
Helps parents and carers locate relevant information about giftedness in children. Provides free online resources for gifted children, parents and teachers.

NSW Council For Intellectual Disability
T: 9211 1611 or 1800 424 065
E: mail@nswcid.org.au
W: www.nswcid.org.au
Offers information, referral services and advocacy for people affected by intellectual disability, their families, carers and healthcare professionals.

Playgroup NSW Inc
T: 1800 171 882
W: www.playgroupnsw.com.au
Provides the opportunity for young children and their carers to come together in a fun, supportive environment.

Redkite
T: 9219 4000 or 1800 334 771
E: national@redkite.org.au
W: www.redkite.org.au
Supports children affected by cancer, and their families, by providing emotional guidance, financial relief and educational services.

Reflux Infants Support Association Inc
T: (07) 3229 1090
E: info@reflux.org.au
W: www.reflux.org.au
Aims to support families of infants and children who suffer from gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Riding For The Disabled Association NSW
T: 9746 0950
E: stateoffice@rdansw.org.au
W: www.rdansw.org.au
Provides horse-riding instruction and other activities for people with disabilities.

Royal Institute For Deaf And Blind Children
T: TTY 9871 1233 or 1800 043 411
E: online@ridbc.org.au
W: www.ridbc.org.au
Provides educational services to children who have significant hearing and/or vision impairment, including children with additional disabilities.

SANE Australia
T: 1800 187 263
E: helpline@sane.org
W: www.sane.org
Offers programs and conducts campaigns to improve the lives of people living with mental illness, their family and friends. Also operates a website and telephone help line.

Share Care Inc
T: 9734 9888
E: sharecare@ngo.org.au
Operates services for families who have a child with a disability living in the western suburbs of Sydney, including support groups, centre-based respite, story-writing workshops and information services.

Siblings Australia
T: (08) 8361 8361
E: info@siblingsaustralia.org.au
W: www.siblingsaustralia.org.au
A national organisation focused upon the wellbeing of the siblings of children with disabilities and chronic illness. Website includes resources, information on workshops and a directory of services.

The Spastic Centre
T: 1300 30 29 20
E: scnsw@tscnsw.org.au
W: www.thespasticcentre.org.au
Provides a number of accessible features to assist parents, carers and service providers to support people with cerebral palsy.

Specific Learning Difficulties Association Of NSW
T: 9451 9477
E: enquiries@speldnsw.org.au
W: www.speldnsw.org.au
Provides support, information and advocacy for children and adults with specific learning difficulties and those who teach and care for them.

Sutherland Shire Learning Difficulties Support Group
T: 9545 1505
E: info@learningdifficulties.org.au
W: www.learningdifficulties.org.au
Provides information and support to parents of children with learning disabilities or difficulties. Also aims to increase community awareness of the nature and extent of these problems.

Sylvanvale Disability Service
T: 8536 0100
E: enquiries@sylvanvale.com.au
W: www.sylvanvale.com.au
Offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families specialist care, support and therapy services focusing on the individual's potential, helping them to lead active lives.

Technical Aid To The Disabled
T: 9808 2022 or 1300 663 243
E: tad@tadnsw.org.au
W: www.technicalaidnsw.org.au
Dedicated and skilled volunteers and staff help to construct personalised equipment for people with disabilities.

Thalassaemia Society of NSW Inc
T: 9550 4844
E: coordinator@thalnsw.org.au
W: www.thalnsw.org.au
Provides support for patients with thalassaemia and other blood disorders, by providing funding for medical treatment, equipment, research and education.

Tourette Syndrome Association Of Australia Inc
T: 9382 3726
E: info@tourette.org.au
W: www.tourette.org.au
Disseminates educational materials on health care, education and welfare services. Also operates support groups and a telephone counselling service for people directly and indirectly affected by Tourette syndrome.

Vision Australia
T: 1300 847 466 or TTY 9334 3260
E: info@visionaustralia.org.au
W: www.visionaustralia.org.au
Offers a range of services, specialist knowledge and skills, tailored to suit individual needs, to enrich the participation in life of people who are blind or have low vision, and their families.