Changes to the Program:
In November 2025, the Department of Communities and Justice announced the TEI program would end on December 31 2025 and be replaced by a new program called Community and Family Support (CAFS).
In relation to our service offering, CAFS introduces new geographic restrictions which do not allow Deaf Connect to deliver services that meet the needs of the families that we serve in NSW.
Because of this, our Parent to Parent Mentor program ends when Deaf Connect’s contract finishes on December 31 2025, and will not continue after this date.
Looking ahead, our team will focus on maintaining Deaf Connect’s existing Family Mentor Program, that uses a separate funding pathway through the NDIS – to continue providing services to families and their children.
What do these changes mean?
From 1 January 2026, this means:
- The DCJ-funded Parent-to-Parent Mentor Program will end.
- Our existing Family Mentor Program will continue as usual, but under NDIS funding. This program is currently offered in Sydney only.
- Hospital and provider referrals for the Parent-to-Parent Mentor Program will stop, but referrals for the Family Mentor Program will continue as usual.
What's Next?
Deaf Connect is committed to ensuring service continuity and minimal disruption for families and industry partners at this time.
While our Parent-to-Parent Mentor Program is wrapping up, we have maintained our existing Family Mentor Program in Sydney under NDIS, and will continue to provide services to families across all of NSW.
By doing this, we can ensure we focus on resources that respond to community needs and ensure children and families can continue to access support through our services.
Contact our team
We understand these changes may prompt questions or require adjustments in referral practices. We are committed to supporting the community through this transition.
If you require further information or would like to refer a family to our Family Mentor Program in Sydney, please contact our team at: [email protected]
