Have you just had a new baby? These services may help:
Parentline
Parentline is a confidential telephone advice and information service for parents of children living in NSW. Trained professional counsellors with experience in helping families will listen and give support and assistance, and provide information on relevant issues and services.
1300 1300 052
24 hours, 7 days
Early Childhood Health Centres
These centres have child and family health nurses who can check your baby’s health. If you have any concerns about your baby, your small child, yourself or your family, these nurses can help. You can find centre locations listed in the phone book under Early Childhood Centres.
Are you finding parenting harder than you thought? These services may help:
Karitane
Karitane provides support, guidance and information to families experiencing parenting difficulties, to health professionals and to the community. Karitane offer a careline a volunteer home visiting program, a residential facility and a number of education services.
1300 227 464 (1300 'CARING')
24 hours, Monday – Thursday
9 am - 9 pm, Friday - Saturday
8 am - 11 pm, – Sunday
Tresillian Family Care Centre
A community service, providing positive and practical advice on caring for babies, for both parents and health professionals. Tresillian offer a 24 hour parenting helpline, outreach, day stay and residential programs.
(02) 9787 0855
1800 637 357 (freecall)
24 hours, 7 days a week.
Do you need to find care for your child? These services may help:
Family Day Care
Family day care is a quality home-based childcare service that's been actively helping Australian families for over 30 years. Family day care caters for young babies through to pre-teens and can offer care during standard hours, before/after school, during school holidays and, in some circumstances, overnight and weekends. Family Day Care Australia can help you locate a service near you. For further information about the Child Care Benefit and Family Day Care in your area contact:
Family Day Care Hotline
1800 621 218 (freecall)
9 am - 5 pm Monday – Friday
Also, you could contact Family Day Care Australia, a national body working on behalf of all members of the Family Day Care Community.
Long Day Care
Long Day Care provides Centre based quality Child Care, which generally operates for at least 40 hours per week, 48 weeks per year. Centre based care usually caters for children aged from birth to 5 years and nurtures and encourages all aspects of your child’s development. Childlink can help you locate your nearest centre. For more information about the Child Care Benefit and Centre Based Long Day Care in your area contact:
Child Care Access Hotline
1800 670 305 (freecall)
9 am - 8 pm Monday – Friday
1800 639 327 (TTY Service – hearing or speech impaired)
Occasional Care
Occasional care is a unique child care service that supports families by providing flexible care for children from birth to school age. Families can access occasional care regularly or irregularly. Occasional care allows the flexibility to leave children in an early childhood learning environment to socialise and interact with other children. Childlink can help you locate your nearest centre. For more information about the Child Care Benefit and Centre Based Long Day Care in your area contact
Child Care Access Hotline
1800 670 305 (freecall)
9 am - 8 pm Monday – Friday
1800 639 327 (TTY Service – hearing/speech impaired)
Out of School Hours Care
Provides services to cater for the needs of primary school aged children and their families before school, after school, during non-teaching days and during school holidays. Programs are generally provided within school facilities.
For more information contact your local primary school or the:
Child Care Access Hotline
1800 670 305 (freecall)
9 am - 8 pm Monday – Friday
1800 639 327 (TTY Service - Hearing/Speech impaired)
Do you want help finding playgroups?
Playgroups are a great way for small children to practise the fine art of getting along with others and to try new ways to play. They’re good for parents too, with lots of support and social contact in a relaxed, welcoming environment. For more information contact Playgroup NSW:
(02) 9684 5273
1800 171 882 (freecall)
9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday
Is your child ready for preschool?
A child may be eligible for enrolment in preschool from the beginning of the school year if they turn 4 years on or before the 31st July that year. Preschool programs focus on learning and socialising skills to help prepare your child for school. The NSW Education Department can provide information about your local schools or contact:
Childcare and Family Infoline
(02) 8594 4244
1800 803 820 (freecall)
9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday
Are things worrying you at home and you want someone to talk to? These services may help:
Women’s Information and Referral Service (WIRS)
The Women’s Information and Referral Service is a confidential telephone contact point for women seeking up to date and accurate information about organisations and services for women in NSW.
1800 817 227 (freecall)
1800 673 304 (TTY Service – hearing/speech impaired)
9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday
Relationships Australia
Relationships Australia provides a range of support services to couples, individuals and families including relationship counselling, mediation, family violence intervention and support for problem gambling
1300 364 277 (cost of a local call)
Does someone in your family have special needs?
Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Department of Human Services, NSW (ADHC)
Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Department of Human Services, NSW, funds programs and services that support families with a child or young person with a disability.
(02) 8270 2000
13 12 44 - Seniors Information Service
8.30 am - 5.30 pm, Monday - Friday
NSW Council for Intellectual Disability
The NSW Council for Intellectual Disability has a number of fact sheets which provide information about issues that are important to people with an intellectual disability.
Find more links to child and parent disability resources.
Are you looking for parenting services in your state?
Families NSW
The Families NSW website provides parents and carers with information on a wide variety of services for families in NSW, and how families can access them, region by region.
Infoxchange Service Seeker
The Infoxchange Service Seeker contains updated details on government and non-government services and agencies around Australia.
