Family support
Every family is different with unique dynamics and challenges – there is no one size fits all approach to navigating difficult times. If a parent, carer, or young person is struggling with circumstances at home, there is a range of support and resources available to help.
Support services, resources, and hotlines for families
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Australia’s largest health and welfare services directory
Ask Izzy is Australia's largest health and welfare services directory with over 450,000 services listed. The directory connects people in need with family support, therapeutic services, parent education programs, health services, counselling, and more. Ask Izzy allows you to search for services that are specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQ+ people, and people who require an interpreter or translation support.
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Support for families with young people aged 10–17 involved in the youth justice system
The Youth and Family Support Service supports families with young people aged 10–17 who are at-risk or involved in the youth justice system. The service works closely with community agencies to ensure coordinated support for families. Referrals to the service can be through other government agencies, or you can refer your own family.
Phone 07 3097 1305
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Community-based service helping families to care for and protect young people at home
Family and Child Connect is a local, community-based service that helps families to care for and protect young people at home by connecting families to the right services at the right time. Parents can seek support to develop parenting skills and manage their young person’s behaviour, build better relationships between family members, manage addiction problems, and access housing. The service can also link families to intensive support services that help families stay together.
Phone 13FAMILY (13 32 64) to be referred to your nearest service.
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Making it easier for families and communities to access support
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services make it easier for families and communities to access support to improve social, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. They work with other culturally appropriate services, including the Family Participation Program, housing services and health services, to plan and provide a coordinated response to a family's needs.
Phone 1300 117 095
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Parenting program assisting vulnerable and complex families
The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program assists vulnerable and complex families, including those who have experienced or are experiencing family violence, drug and alcohol misuse, child protection, or parents living with mental illness.
Try the free online program for families with young people aged 10–16.
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National parenting website funded by the Australian Government
Raisingchildren.net.au is the national parenting website funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. The website provides resources on encouraging positive behaviour in a young person, building family relationships, communicating about tough topics, understanding a young person’s mental health and wellbeing, and more.
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A confidential telephone service providing professional counselling and support
Parentline is a confidential telephone service providing professional counselling and support in Queensland. Counsellors at Parentline can assist you with developing strategies for positive parenting and personal coping and help contribute to the resilience and wellbeing of your family. Parentline is funded by the Queensland Government.
Phone 1300 301 300
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Resources for parents and carers on how to support their young person through challenging experiences
Kids Helpline provides resources for parents and carers on how to support their young person through the challenges that they experience, including bullying, anxiety and depression, use of alcohol and other drugs, and coping with family stress.
Phone 1800 551 800
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A free, safe and confidential online community for parents, carers and supporters of young people
My Circle for Parents is a free, safe, and confidential online community for parents, carers, and supporters in young people's lives. You can talk to other parents, get tips for difficult life moments and transitions, and access helpful resources. My Circle for Parents is hosted by Kids Helpline.
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Support for parents, carer and family of young people, offering one-on-one support and interactive online modules
Headspace supports parents, carers, and family of young people with mental health, physical health, and alcohol and other drug services. Headspace offers one-on-one support, informative sessions hosted by trained mental health clinicians, interactive online modules, and an Adults Supporting Young People online community to hear from other adults about their experiences. The Yarn Safe portal also offers tips for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people on maintaining relationships with friends, family, parents, and carers.
Phone 1800 650 890
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Supports First Nations families to participate in child protection decision-making
The Family Participation Program (FPP) supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to participate in child protection decision-making. The focus of the program is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with young people under the age of 18 years. FPP is delivered statewide by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander providers.
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Provides support to reunite First Nations people to kin to encourage healing
Link-Up Queensland provides support to reunite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the Stolen Generations who have been separated from their family and culture due to forced removal, fostering, adoption or institutionalisation. Link-Up Queensland carries out research to identify and locate family members to help encourage healing and personal growth with the knowledge of who you are and where you come from.
Phone 1800 200 855
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Logan-based service supporting families to overcome issues with practical support tailor to each family’s needs
YFS is a family service based in Logan, Queensland. The service helps families with young people to overcome issues with practical support that is tailored to each family’s unique needs and goals. They provide advice on how to help young people as they grow, and practical help school enrolments, budgeting, and housing applications. YFS also offers counselling and group programs for parents and carers to connect with people in a similar situation.
Phone 07 3826 1500
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Support services including free coaching and self-help resources to support you and your young person
ReachOut offers a range of support services including free coaching for parents and carers, self-help content to help you support your young person, and community forums to share your concerns, ask for help, and hear from other parents. The service also provides helpful articles and information including how to be a supportive parent to a teenager and specific helplines for parents of teens.
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A support group for parents in crisis
ToughLove is a support group for parents in crisis experiencing problems with challenging behaviours from their young people. This service provides support parents need to confront those challenges, offering understanding through shared experience.
Phone 1300 856 830
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