Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
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Western Australia services

 
Western Australia
 

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

The Parenting Line

The Parenting Line is a telephone information service for parents and carers with children from birth to 18 years. All calls are confidential. The qualified staff are there to provide information about health, behaviour and relationships. 

(08) 6279 1200
1800 654 432 (freecall for STD callers)
(08) 9271 3252 (TTY Service – hearing/speech impaired)
24 hours, 7 days

Community Child Health Clinics
Community Child Health nurses can assess children’s health and development as well as provide information on many aspects of parenting, maternal and family health and healthy lifestyles. 

The Western Australian Department of Health will be able to provide further information on the location of your nearest Community Child Health nurse. 

The Parent Help Centre
Highly trained staff at the Parent Help Centre work with parents and carers to help them understand the stages of child development, increase their knowledge of community resources and develop social networks in their local community. 

28 Alvan Street
Mount Lawley

(08) 6279 1200
1800 654 432 (freecall for STD callers)
(08) 9271 3252 (TTY Service – hearing/speech impaired)
9 am - 5 pm Monday to Friday

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

Ngala Family Resource Centre
Ngala assists parents with young children who need support and advice to confidently manage the challenges of early parenting. All families with children from babies to school age are welcome.  Services include a helpline, parent groups, consultations, day stay and overnight stay programs.

(08) 9368 9368
1800 111 546 (STD callers)
8 am – 8 pm, 7 days

Parenting Services

Your local parenting service had video’, brochures, books, audiotapes and other information to help make life easier for mums and dads and others caring for children. The Department of Community Development can provide information on your nearest parenting service.

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

The Family Day Care Schemes of WA can provide further information regarding Family Day Care in Western Australia.

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)
8am – 9pm, Monday – Friday
1800 639 327 (TTY Service – hearing/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. 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)
8am – 9pm, 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)
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 WA.

1800 171 882 (freecall)
9.00am – 3.00pm
Monday to Friday         

Is your child ready for Kindergarten?

Kindergarten programs are available to children who have turned 4 by 30th June in any given year and are offered for the equivalent of 4 half days per week.

Pre-primary programs are available to children who have turned 5 by the 30th June in any given year. Pre-primary programs are offered for 5 full days.

Kindergarten and pre-primary programs focus on learning and socialising skills to help prepare your child for school.  For further information contact your local District Education Office.

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

Provide support on health, finances, legal matters, counselling and domestic violence or anything else you need information about.

(08) 6217 8230
1800 199 174 (freecall for STD callers)
131450 (Interpreting service)
9 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday

Does someone in your family have special needs?

Disability Services Commission

The Disability Services Commission provides information for people with a disability, their families and carers.  

(08) 9426 9200 or
1800 998 214 (Country callers)
TTY (08) 9426 9315 (TTY Service – hearing/speech impaired)

8 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday

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