Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
  •  

South Australia services

 
South Australia
 

Have you just had a new baby? These services may help:

Parent Helpline

Parent Helpline is a telephone information service for parents and carers with children from birth to 25 years. All calls are confidential. The qualified staff are there to provide information about health, behaviour and relationships. 

1300 364 100 (cost of a local call)
24 hours, 7 days

Child and Youth Health

Child and Youth Health nurses provide free health checks for children at key developmental ages between birth and 6 years.  Children can also be seen at any age when parents have concerns, questions or issues.

1300 733 606 (cost of a local call)

Child, Adolescent and Women's Health Service 24 hour parent helpline
1300 364 100

The Child, Youth and Women’s Health Service will be able to provide information on your local health nurse.

Parenting SA

Parenting SA provides information for parents on a range of child development / behaviour issues and how to locate a parent group near you.

(08) 8303 1660
9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday

Are you finding parenting harder than you thought? These services may help:

Child and Youth Health - Day Service

Child and Youth Health can provide a more intensive service where a nurse will spend some time, even a whole day, with you at one of their Centres.  This may include provision of breastfeeding support, health information and tips on settling.

1300 733 606 (cost of a local call)

Child and Youth Health  - Torrens House

Torrens House is a community residential unit for families with infants up to 12 months who require additional support for unresolved feeding, settling and sleeping issues. You can also find out more about the CYH Day Service here. The initial step is to discuss your situation with a Child and Youth Health nurse at your local centre.

1300 733 606 (cost of a local call)

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)
8.30 am - 7 pm Monday – Thursday
8.30 am - 5 pm Friday

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.  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)
8.00am – 9.00pm, Monday – Friday
1800 639 327 (TTY Service – hearing/speech impaired)

You can go to the Department of Education and Children’s Services website, click on 'Search for locations' in the menu for more information on centres providing long day care in your area.

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. 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)
8.00am – 9.00pm
Monday – Friday
1800 639 327 (TTY Service – hearing/speech impaired)

You can go to the Department of Education and Children’s Services website, click on 'Search for locations' in the menu for more information on Occasional Care in your area.

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)
8am - 9pm, Monday - Friday
1800 639 327 (TTY Service - Hearing/Speech impaired)
 

How do I find out about 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 SA

(08) 8344 2722
1800 681 080 (country callers)

Is your child ready for Preschool?

Preschool services are provided for children in the year prior to your child starting school. Preschool programs focus on learning and socialising skills to help prepare your child for school. 

Playcentres are established in rural areas where the number of 4-year-olds is too small to operate a viable preschool.  Playcentres usually offer one to two sessions per week and focus on child development through play. 

You can go to the Department of Education and Children’s Services website, click on 'Search for locations' in the menu for more information about local preschools and playcentres.

Are things worrying you at home and you want someone to talk to? These services may help:

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)

WIS – Women’s Information Service

You can phone or visit WIS to talk about relationships, health, legal matters, housing, financial issues, material assistance, work, education, violence or anything else you need information about.

(08) 8303 0590
1800 188 158 (freecall)

Men’s Information and Support Group

The Men’s Information and Support Centre offers support and services specifically designed to meet men’s needs.

(08) 8212 0331
9 am – 5 pm
Monday to Friday

Does someone in your family have special needs?

The Disability Information and Resource Centre (DIRC)

DIRC provides an information, referral and advice service to the people of South Australia, from a centre where the needs of people with a disability have priority and they are valued. 

(08) 8236 0555
1300 305 558 (cost of a local call)
(08) 8223 7579 (TTY Service – hearing/speech impaired)

Are you looking for a directory of parenting services in your state? This service may help:

Infoxchange Service Seeker

The Infoxchange Service Seeker contains updated details on government and non-government services and agencies around Australia.

 
  • Last reviewed17-05-2006