Navigating parenting and family life can be full of rewards, but there are also times when some extra support is needed. Whether it be for yourself as a parent or for your children, below is a directory of external support services available to assist families with wellbeing, crisis care, emergency relief, and parenting advice.
Emergency Relief & Essential Services
- St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies Victoria) (1800 846 643) – Provides immediate emergency relief, food support, clothing, and financial assistance to families during hardship.
- Uniting Vic.Tas ((03) 9192 8100) – Emergency food vouchers, material aid, housing support, and family services across Victoria.
- Salvation Army Australia (13 72 58 / 1300 371 288) – Emergency financial aid, food support, and casework for families in crisis.
Catholic & Community Family Support Services
- CatholicCare Victoria (1800 123 228) – Comprehensive family support, including in-home parenting support, counseling, family dispute resolution, and child wellbeing services.
- Anglicare Victoria (1800 809 722) – Specialised programs for family stress, parenting support, foster care, and financial counseling.
- Berry Street ((03) 9429 9266) – Support for children and families, including family violence services, trauma recovery, and parenting support.
Parenting & Child Services
- Parentline Victoria (13 22 89) – Professional counseling and support for parents and carers of children up to 18 years.
- Maternal and Child Health Line (13 22 29) – 24/7 health and parenting advice for Victorian families with young children.
Child & Youth Mental Health
- Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) – Free, confidential 24/7 phone and online counseling for children and young people aged 5 to 25.
- Headspace (1800 650 890) – Mental health and wellbeing support for youth aged 12 to 25.
Crisis Intervention & Specialized Care
- The Orange Door – Primary access hub for family violence support, child safety, and wellbeing services.
- Safe Steps (1800 015 188) – 24/7 Victorian family violence response line.
- Lifeline (13 11 14) – 24/7 general crisis and mental health support.
- Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) – 24/7 mental health advice and counseling.
- 13YARN (13 92 76) – 24/7 crisis service led by First Nations people.
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH)
- Child Protection (Business Hours): Contact the local divisional intake team based on where the child lives (8:45 am – 5:00 pm, Mon–Fri):
- North Division: 1300 598 521
- South Division: 1300 555 526
- East Division: 1300 360 452
- West Division: 1300 360 462
- After Hours Child Protection Emergency Service: 13 12 78 – Statewide emergency response for immediate child safety concerns (5:00 pm – 9:00 am Mon–Fri, 24/7 weekends and public holidays).
- Housing & Homelessness Support: 1800 825 955 – 24/7 statewide toll-free line connecting families to local housing services or crisis accommodation.
- Housing Call Centre: 13 11 72 – For social housing enquiries and public housing maintenance requests.
- General DFFH Enquiries: 1300 475 170 – Main department reception and general enquiries line.
Parent Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 for mental health support.
- Check Medicare Mental Health to find out how to access mental health services and support.
- Raising Children Network – Parenting guide for all ages and stages of family life
- Uniting Vic.Tas ((03) 9192 8100) – Parent support group directory
Local Service Directory
- Ask Izzy (askizzy.org.au) – Search engine to find nearby services including meal programs, housing, health, and legal support.