Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Amanah Community Centre?

Amanah Community Centre is a social enterprise that provides culturally safe residential support and accommodation for Muslim children aged 12 to 17 who are in state care. We are based in the Greater Dandenong area of Melbourne and focus on supporting children from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

2. What does 'Amanah' mean?

‘Amanah’ is an Arabic word that means “a trust held for the benefit of others.” It reflects our core philosophy: that each child in our care is a sacred trust, deserving of love, protection, and opportunity.

3. Who do you support?

We support Muslim children between the ages of 12 and 17 who have been placed in state care due to family breakdown, often resulting from domestic or family violence. Many of the children we care for come from refugee or migrant backgrounds.

4. How is Amanah Community Centre different from other care providers?

We are the only residential care provider in our region specifically focused on the cultural, emotional, and spiritual needs of Muslim children from refugee and migrant families. Our team is deeply rooted in community values and understands the unique challenges these children face.

5. Are you a government organisation?

No, Amanah Community Centre is a privately operated social enterprise. We are structured as a proprietary limited company but operate with a strong social mission. Our services are delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government’s Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing.

6. Where are you located?

We are based in the Greater Dandenong area of Melbourne, which is home to a significant and diverse Muslim population. This location allows us to be close to the community we serve.

7. How do children get placed in your care?

Placements are arranged through referrals by Child Safety Case Managers and the Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing. We do not accept private placements or walk-ins.

8. What kind of care and activities do you provide?

We offer residential accommodation with holistic support, including cultural and religious guidance, educational support, and personal development. Our activities include indoor games, arts and crafts, supervised outings, mosque visits, and community engagement.

9. Who runs Amanah Community Centre?

Amanah Community Centre is run by Muslim-led team, fully dedicated to serving the community. The CEO is a mental health expert with academic studies in psychology, experience in family violence prevention, and over a decade of work supporting refugee communities across Victoria.

10. How can I support or get involved?

We welcome community partnerships and support. If you’re a professional, community leader, or simply someone who wants to help, please get in touch via our contact page. Together, we can make a lasting impact in the lives of these young people.