From a young age, Jackeline Giovannucci was drawn to the world of social services. Growing up in Venezuela, her first experience of volunteering was at a Cerebral Palsy Foundation, where she helped raise funds for those in need. This early passion for helping others guided her career choices, eventually leading her to study Criminology. “I’ve always believed that everyone deserves a second chance,” she says, reflecting on her journey into the field.
When Jackeline moved to Australia, she continued to work in roles that supported vulnerable populations—specifically survivors of violence, abuse, and children in need of protection. It was during this time that Jackeline saw firsthand how policies meant to protect families and children often fell short in real-world application. She realised that there was a significant gap in services, one that her business, Link Kin, could fill. Through her business, Jackeline is not only aiming to provide essential services but also to bridge the divide between policy and practice, ensuring that families receive the support and justice they truly deserve.
Meeting Critical Needs in the Community
Link Kin is focused on tackling the gaps that exist in child protection, family support, and professional development for those working with vulnerable children and families. One of the most pressing issues Jackeline identified is the shortage of qualified professionals available to facilitate crucial family time, especially in cases where families are separated by court orders or other interventions. Children in these situations often require supervised contact or temporary care arrangements, but the number of trained professionals available to facilitate these services remains far too low.
Link Kin is filling this gap by offering reliable, compassionate, and professional supervision services, ensuring that children can maintain safe, meaningful connections with their families. Jackeline’s business also provides training for educators, social workers, and other professionals who are mandated to report concerns about child protection. Many of these professionals struggle to interpret the guidelines, resulting in unnecessary reports that overwhelm the system and divert resources from the most urgent cases. Jackeline’s training helps them navigate these complex guidelines, ensuring that reporting is accurate and effective.
A Unique Approach to Social Services
What sets Link Kin apart from other service providers in this field? For Jackeline, it’s all about using technology to make services more efficient and accessible while also supporting both clients and professionals. “I’m working on developing a streamlined procedure that reduces costs and improves efficiency for families and workers,” Jackeline explains. With the integration of modern technology, clients can easily book, reschedule, or cancel services, removing delays and errors often caused by human interaction.
Moreover, Link Kin is focused on a collaborative approach. Jackeline is building a team of experienced professionals who work across multiple disciplines to manage and share risk in child protection, family support, and child wellbeing. By working together in this way, the team can deliver better service outcomes for vulnerable families.
A Touching Moment of Reconnection
Despite being in the early stages, Link Kin has already made a significant impact. One of Jackeline’s most memorable experiences was helping a child in out-of-home care reconnect with his father after more than 12 years of separation. “The look on the child’s face when he saw his dad again—it was as though he had just seen his superhero,” Jackeline recalls. “That moment is something I’ll never forget. It really reinforced why I do this work.”
This is just one of the many ways Jackeline has made a real difference in people’s lives, helping families rebuild connections and professionals understand their mandatory reporting duties. These experiences are what keep her motivated to continue building Link Kin into a trusted and impactful business in the Illawarra community.
Flexible, Compassionate Services That Meet Community Needs
One of the reasons Link Kin is so successful is its focus on flexibility and responsiveness. Whether it’s the families it serves or the professionals it works with, Jackeline ensures that every part of the business is designed to meet the unique needs of the community. By providing culturally sensitive and evidence-based support, Jackeline’s team helps families stay connected and safe, all while relieving the pressure on strained child protection systems.
With the use of a digital platform that makes scheduling easy for clients and workers, Link Kin has become a reliable and efficient service that understands the demands of today’s families. Jackeline’s commitment to fairness is evident in the way she handles cancellations, providing a transparent policy that ensures clients aren’t penalised for unforeseen circumstances. This commitment builds trust, making families feel supported through every step of their journey.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Committed to Families
Starting a business is never easy, and Jackeline faced the added challenge of being a new parent at the same time. With a four-month-old baby at home, Jackeline had to develop effective time management strategies and find a balance between her personal and professional life. “I rely on support from family and friends to help me balance everything,” she says. “It’s tough, but it also fuels my passion for providing services that support other families in similar situations.”
Despite these challenges, Jackeline’s commitment to her business has only grown stronger. By using flexible work processes, she’s able to dedicate time to both her baby and her business without sacrificing the quality of the services she provides.
The Future of Link Kin
Looking ahead, Jackeline has big plans for the future of Link Kin. As she continues to build strong relationships with clients and subcontractors, her goal is to expand her services to reach even more families in need. “The flexibility that my business offers will continue to be a key factor in our growth,” Jackeline says. With a system that allows subcontractors to choose shifts and work around their personal schedules, Jackeline ensures that both clients and workers experience a high level of satisfaction.
Through a digital platform that supports easy booking and scheduling, Link Kin is poised for continued success. As the business grows, Jackeline plans to deepen her relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring that her services always meet the evolving needs of the community.
The Importance of Seeking Social Services
In today’s world, social services play a crucial role in supporting families through difficult times. Whether dealing with financial hardship, family disputes, or child welfare concerns, social services can offer guidance, stability, and resources to help people navigate these challenges. For those who may be hesitant to reach out, Jackeline has a simple message: “Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. These services are here to help, and they are non-judgmental and confidential.”
At Link Kin, Jackeline’s team is working tirelessly to dispel misconceptions about social services. Many people believe that these services only intervene in crises or take a punitive approach. However, Link Kin’s focus is on early intervention and preventative measures, helping families stay together and thrive.
Long-Term Impact on the Community
Looking to the future, Jackeline sees Link Kin playing a pivotal role in the long-term development and wellbeing of the Illawarra community. Through her innovative approach that combines technology with a person-centred model, Jackeline is creating a service that not only meets the needs of families but also provides a sustainable, supportive environment for workers.
As Link Kin continues to grow, Jackeline’s mission remains clear: to make meaningful family connections possible, through innovation, professionalism, and empathy.
If you’re looking for reliable, compassionate services in the Illawarra region, visit Link Kin to learn more about how they can support your family’s needs.
Author Jacqueline Lobo, from Lobocova Consulting
