Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
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Victoria services

 
Victoria
 

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

Parentline
Parentline is a telephone information and referral service for parents and carers with children from birth to 18 years. Parentline is a confidential and anonymous service. The qualified staff are there to help you with a range of issues from settling, feeding and tantrums to separation and family violence. 

13 22 89 (local call)
8 am – 12 am Monday – Friday
10 am – 10 pm Saturday – Sunday

Maternal and Child Health Service
The Maternal and Child Health Service provides information and advice for families with children birth – 6 years about child health and development, parental health, parenting and home safety.

You can find you closest Maternal and Child Health Centre by contacting your local council or through the Maternal and Child Health Centre Directory.

Maternal and Child Health Advisory Line
13 22 29 (local call)
24 hours, 7 days

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

Early Parenting Centres
Parenting Centres provide families with children birth to 3 years with support on a range of parenting issues including feeding, settling, early childhood routines and more. When you call a centre, a worker will speak to you about your needs and let you know what they can offer. Families can stay at the Parenting Centre or attend a day stay program.

The three Early Parenting Centres in Melbourne are:

Regional Parenting Services 
These services provide parenting information and education. Parenting groups are run in easily accessible venues such as schools, preschools and neighbourhood houses.

Your local regional contact

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

Or contact your local council for information regarding your nearest family day care centre.

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 am - 9pm Monday – Friday
1800 639 327 (TTY Service – hearing/speech impaired)

Or contact your local council for information about your nearest long day care centre.

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 am - 9 pm Monday – Friday
1800 639 327 (TTY Service – hearing/speech impaired)

Or contact your local council for information about your nearest long day care centre.

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)
8 am - 9 pm 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 Victoria on: (03) 9388 1599.

Is your child ready for Kindergarten?

In Victoria, the government funds 1 year of Kindergarten in the year prior to your child starting school. Kindergarten programs focus on learning and socialising skills to help prepare your child for school.

Your local council will have information regarding your local Kindergartens.

Your regional DHS office will have a list of the Kindergartens in your area.

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

WIRE – Women’s Information and Referral
WIRE is a service that women - all women - can access when they want options, reliable information and support. The most common issues women come to WIRE about are: family life and relationships, domestic violence, health and well being (including such issues as depression, anxiety and isolation), housing and finance.

1300 134 130 (local call)
9am - 5pm 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 (local call)

9 am - 5 pm Monday
9 am - 9 pm Tuesday – Thursday
9 am - 4.30 pm Friday
9 am - 1 pm Saturday

Does someone in your family have special needs?

Disability Online
Disability Online is a website that provides information for people with a disability their families and carers.

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