Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
  •  

Australian Capital Territory services

 
Australian Capital Terriorty
 

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

Health First
Health First is a comprehensive health website that you and your family can rely on.  It tells you about health and related services, provides easy access to health information, and you can contact one of our registered nurses 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you require health advice.

(02) 6207 7777
(02) 6207 7770 (TTY Service)

Parentline ACT
Parentline ACT provides immediate counselling and support over the telephone, face-to-face counselling, and ongoing and after-hours support from trained volunteers.

(02) 6287 3833
9 am - 9 pm Monday - Friday (except public holidays)

Child Health Clinics
Maternal and Child Health nurses provide health checks and immunisation for children and can provide information, support, advice and education for you and your family including feeding, sleep, safety and relationships. For information about your closest service or for appointments and further information contact:

(02) 6207 9977

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

Parentlink
ParentLink is an ACT Government program which promotes positive parenting through education and the provision of information. A wide range of parenting guides are available on the Internet at www.parentlink.act.gov.au.

13 34 27

ACT Community Health
Community Health provides specialised services including a day stay program for parents with babies less than 4 months of age with settling and feeding issues.

(02) 6207 9977
8 am – 6pm Monday - Friday

Queen Elizabeth II Family Centre
Queen Elizabeth II is a residential facility for families.  It is staffed by a multidisciplinary team and provides specialised services to support families with children up to 3 years of age for issues including feeding, settling and child behaviours.

(02) 6205 2333

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

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

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 the ACT Playgroup Association Inc.

(02) 6285 4336

Is your child ready for preschool?

In 2006, all children who turn four on or before the 30 April in the year of enrolment will be eligible to attend 12 hours of preschool per week.  Preschool programs focus on learning and socialising skills to help prepare your child for school. For more information about locations of your nearest preschool or other information contact Preschool Services on:

(02) 6205 9320
(02) 6205 9355

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)

Does someone in your family have special needs?

Disability Coordination Office Online
The Disability Coordination Office Online provides information on the services available in Canberra and the Region for people with a disability, their families and carers.

(02) 6207 4900

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