Child and Family Centres act
A guide to our programs and services 2019Gungahlin Tuggeranong West Belconnen
Find your local Centre
GUNGAHLIN51 Ernest Cavanagh St, GungahlinPhone 6207 0120
Look for this symbol to find services and programs available at Gungahlin
MARGRIE LANE
ERNEST CAVANAGH STREET
BOON
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GUNGAHLIN MARKETPLACE(WOOLWORTHS)
TUGGERANONG159 Anketell St, Greenway Phone 6207 8228
Look for this symbol to find services and programs available at Tuggeranong
PITMAN STREET
COWLISHAW
STREETANKETELL STREET
TUGGERANONGHYPERDOME
WEST BELCONNEN6 Luke St, HoltPhone 6205 2904
Look for this symbol to find services and programs available at West Belconnen
KIPPAXUNITING CHURCH
KIPP
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STARKE STREET
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LUKE STREET
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the ACT and their continuing connection to land and community. We pay our respect to them and their culture, and to their Elders both past and present.
We acknowledge artists Ceretha Skinner, Dale Huddleston, Les Huddleston and Mick Huddleston for use of their artworks in our marketing and promotional materials.
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Contents
About us 2
Early intervention and emotional wellbeing 5
Courses and groups for parents and children 8
Partner organisation programs and services 14
OneLink 29
ParentLink 30
Useful contacts 31
Accessibility 33
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About usThe early years of a child’s life set the foundation
for their future health, development and learning.
The Child and Family Centres (the Centres) are a
‘one-stop-shop’ supporting families during this
important time.
The Centres are staffed by a multidisciplinary team, and
are designed to provide a range of support programs to
assist parents and children.
The services and support provided through the Centres
focus on children pre-birth to 8 years; however, selected
services can be offered to children up to 12 years of age.
Drop-in parenting support
Parents and carers are invited to visit their local Child and Family Centre to chat with a trained professional about parenting, ask questions and to get information. This can lead to ongoing, one-to-one support with Child and Family Workers.
Staff are available to speak with parents and service providers — Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, either in person or by phoning your local Centre — about a range of issues including:
■■ general parenting■■ adjusting to being a parent■■ family relationship issues■■ your child’s behaviour and development.
This service is free of charge and available without an appointment.
Where When 9.00 am–5.00 pm Monday to Friday Who Parents and carers of young children How Drop-in or call your local Centre
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Ongoing support
Child and Family Workers are available to provide ongoing support for children and families. No two families are the same so Child and Family Workers will provide a tailored service to your child and family.
Child and Family Workers work with families in many different ways. For example, workers can:
■■ help coordinate services that might be involved with your family
■■ help develop strategies to support your child’s behaviour■■ help build/strengthen parenting behaviours to improve
outcomes for children and families■■ assist with access to other services including short-term
child care assistance for eligible families.
Child and Family Workers can meet with children and families at the Centre, at home, at school or another convenient location.
This service is free of charge and available by visiting or phoning your local Centre.
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Can I just drop in to chat with someone?Yes. Professional staff are available to speak with parents and service providers — without an appointment — Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, either in person or by phoning:
■■ Gungahlin 6207 0120 ■■ Tuggeranong 6207 8228 ■■ West Belconnen 6205 2904
What services are provided at the Centres?■■ Drop-in parenting information, education and group programs■■ Child Development Service physiotherapy and speech clinics
and parent information sessions■■ Canberra Health Services — immunisations, child health
checks, Maternal and Child Health nurses, midwifery, allied health, new parents groups and sleep groups. For detailed listings, see page 5.
Is there a fee?No. All services provided by the Centres are free to ACT residents.
Can I have my own worker who can help me for a while with some parenting and family issues?Yes. A Child and Family Worker will meet with you to discuss your situation. This may mean a Worker supporting children and families on an individual basis, a referral to a parenting group, or referral to another service that may be more appropriate. All options are discussed with parents to ensure the right response is provided. If parents feel they would like ongoing support and assistance in their parenting role, a Worker may be provided to support them.
Can any ACT resident use the services or do you have to live in Gungahlin, Tuggeranong or West Belconnen?The Centres primarily support children and families who live in the Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, and West Belconnen communities. ACT parents outside these regions are welcome to contact any Centre.
For more information about programs and services available, phone, drop in or visit: www.communityservices.act.gov.au
About us: Frequently asked questions
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Early intervention and emotional wellbeing
Early intervention and emotional wellbeing
Children’s Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing Clinic
Consultation clinics for parents and carers of children under 8 years to provide information on child development and behaviour, relationships and strategies to support these concerns.
Where Who Parents with children under 8 years How Contact your local CentreFACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES
Circle of Security relationship-based parenting program
This international and widely-researched program provides opportunities to develop and enhance a secure relationship between parents and their children.
Parents will learn how to recognise, understand and meet their children’s emotional needs in order to prevent and manage behavioural and emotional difficulties. This is an 8-week, small group program which uses observation, reflection, practice and discussion. The group is appropriate for parents of children aged birth to 8 years.
Where Who Parents with children under 8 years of age How Call your local CentreFACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES
Bringing Up Great Kids
A program to help parents explain and reflect on their parenting style and their children’s behaviour.
The program provides parents with a greater understanding of how to meet their children’s needs and communicate with them.
Where When Contact your local Centre Who Children aged 8–12 yearsHow Contact your local CentreFACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AT GUNGAHLIN AND WEST BELCONNEN, BUNGEE AT TUGGERANONG
Cool Kids
A group for primary school children aged 8–12 years, focusing on teaching them better ways to manage anxiety.
Where When Contact your local Centre Who Children aged 8–12 yearsHow Contact your local CentreFACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AT GUNGAHLIN AND WEST BELCONNEN, BUNGEE AT TUGGERANONG
Cool Little Kids
A group for parents of children aged 3–8 years, helping them learn strategies to assist their anxious child.
Where When Contact your local Centre Who Parents of children aged 3–8 yearsHow Contact your local CentreFACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES
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Early intervention and emotional wellbeing
Tuning into Kids
A parenting program that aims to give parents and carers helpful ways of teaching their child to develop skills for good emotional intelligence.
Tuning into Kids teaches parents awareness and regulation of their own and their child’s emotions. It also teaches parents skills to assist children verbally label and manage their emotions, and to problem solve.
The program assists parents to guide children’s behaviour within appropriate limits.
Where Who Parents of children aged 3–10 yearsHow Contact your local CentreFACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AND BELCONNEN COMMUNITY SERVICES
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Early intervention and emotional wellbeing
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Courses and groups for parents and children
General programs, courses, groups
GET UP (Group Engaging The Under 25 Parents)
A group for young parents under 25 years where parents can meet new friends, tap into creative skills, play with their child/children, connect with support and find out useful parenting tips.
Where When Friday mornings during weeks 2–9 of school termWho Young parents under 25 yearsHow Contact the CentreFACILITATED BY WEST BELCONNEN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE AND PARTNERS
Deadly Bubs
A supported playgroup for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preschoolers and their families, focusing on strengthening community and cultural connections and promoting positive child–parent relationships.
Where How Contact your local Centre for more information
FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AND PARTNERS
Koori Playgroup
A supported playgroup for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children birth to 5 years and their parents and carers.
Where How Contact your local Centre for more information
FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AND PARTNERS
Koori Boys
An opportunity for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys to come together and explore opportunities to connect with culture in a culturally safe and supported environment.
This group focuses on healthy mind, body and spirit, building strong connections to culture and Country, growing young people as future leaders and strengthening relationships between schools, communities and families.
Where Who Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys in Years 3–6 How Contact your local Centre for more information
FACILITATED BY WEST BELCONNEN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE AND
PARTNERS
Koori Girls ‘Yurwang Gulwan’
An opportunity for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls to come together and explore opportunities to connect with culture in a culturally safe and supported environment.
This group focuses on healthy mind, body and spirit, building strong connections with culture and Country, growing young people as future leaders and strengthening relationships between schools, communities and families.
Where Who Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in Years 3–6 How Contact your local Centre for more information
FACILITATED BY WEST BELCONNEN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE AND
PARTNERS
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Courses and groups for parents and children
Learn, Giggle and Grow
Parents and children have the opportunity to interact and play in a safe and supported environment. The emphasis is on encouraging parents to engage with their children in play, enrich the parent–child relationship and help parents build confidence. Groups run from weeks 2–9 of each school term.
Where Who Parents and children birth to 5 years How Contact your local CentreFACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AND PARTNERS
Mullabu Yura Boys Group
A group for primary school aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys. The group, which is supported by male mentors, meets weekly to celebrate culture and connection with each other and their community.
Where Who Primary school-aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boysHow Contact the Centre
FACILITATED BY GUNGAHLIN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE AND
PARTNERS
Parents as Teachers
A monthly home visit program to help parents recognise everyday learning opportunities in their children’s lives. During visits, trained parent educators provide parents with practical information and guidance to help their child develop skills essential for later learning.
Emphasis is placed on developing children’s thinking and curiosity, language, motor and social skills. Support can start later in the prenatal period and may continue until a child reaches 3 years of age.
Where When By appointment Who Families with a child under 2½ years of age How Contact your local CentreFACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES
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Courses and groups for parents and children
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Courses and groups for parents and children
POPPY (Parents Opportunity to Participate in Play with their Young)
A supported group for mums and dads with mental health issues where parents can meet other parents and share experiences while having fun playing with their children.
Where When Tuesday mornings during weeks 2–9 of school termWho Parents with mental health issues with children birth to 5 yearsHow Contact your local CentreFACILITATED BY FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AND PARTNERS
Tiddas Girls Group
A group for primary school aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls. The group meets weekly to celebrate culture and connection to each other and their community. A range of fun and creative activities are offered helping to build confidence and self-esteem.
Where Who Primary school-aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls How Contact the Centre
FACILITATED BY GUNGAHLIN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE AND
PARTNERS
Yurwang Bullarn Strong Women’s Group
A group focusing on community connectedness. It provides local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women with an opportunity to socialise regularly and engage in activities addressing art and culture, self-care, health and wellbeing.
Where Who Mothers, aunties, grandmothers, cousins and carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander childrenHow Contact the Centre
FACILITATED BY WEST BELCONNEN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE AND
PARTNERS
Multicultural parenting programs, courses, groups
Atfaal Family Playgroup
A group for Muslim families with children under 5 years living in Gungahlin. The group aims to build links with the community and provide access to parenting information and services.
Where When Tuesday mornings during weeks 2–9 of school termWho Muslim parents and children under 5 yearsHow Contact the CentreFACILITATED BY GUNGAHLIN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE
Multicultural Group
A playgroup to assist multicultural families with children from birth to 5 years to settle into the community by providing them with a variety of support services. The playgroup also supports families by nurturing their child’s development through play.
Where Who Parents with children birth to 5 years who are from a culturally and linguistically diverse backgroundHow Contact your local CentreFACILITATED BY THE SMITH FAMILY, CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AND ACT HEALTH
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Courses and groups for parents and children
South Sudanese Group
A group for South Sudanese families with children from birth to 5 years. The group aims to build links with the community and improve access to parenting information and services.
Where When Wednesday mornings during weeks 2–9 of school termWho South Sudanese families with children from birth to 5 yearsHow Contact the CentreFACILITATED BY WEST BELCONNEN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AND PARTNERS
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Visit www.communityservices.act.gov.au for details about community run groups at your local Centre
Courses and groups for parents and children
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Partner organisation programs and services
ACT Child Development Service
The Child Development Service provides assessment, referral, information and linkages for children from birth to 6 years where there are concerns relating to their development. This may include concerns about a child developing skills slower than others of the same age in areas such as their speech and language, movement, hand skills, self-care, and social development. The service also provides autism assessment for children aged up to 12 years.
Drop-in Clinics
Drop-in Clinics are an opportunity for ACT parents to talk to:■■ a speech pathologist about issues with their child’s
communication skills■■ a physiotherapist about concerns they have about their child’s
gross motor development and posture, movement and walking.
The Clinics include informal discussion and screening of skills but are not a formal assessment. No appointment is necessary; however, an approximate timeslot will be provided upon arrival at the Drop-in Clinic.
Where and HolderWhen For timetables and more information, visit www.communityservices.act.gov.au/ childdevelopmentservice/drop-in-clinicsWho Physiotherapy from birth to 6 years of age Speech Pathology from birth to 6 years of age. For all other concerns or queries, please contact the CDS Intake Service on 6205 1246.
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Partner organisation programs and services
ACT Community Services Directorate: Women’s Information
ACT Women’s Return to Work Grants Program
Grants of up to $1000 are available to women who have been absent from the workforce for more than 12 months due to caring responsibilities, and who meet the program criteria.How To find out more, email [email protected], call 6205 2885 or visit www.women.act.gov.au
Women’s Information Officer
A Women’s Information Officer can put you in touch with services and providers who offer assistance and advice across a diverse range of subject matters including domestic violence and sexual assault, child care, social interaction, further education, multicultural networks, and mental health support networks.
Where Who WomenHow To book an appointment, call a Women’s Information Officer on 6205 1075 or email [email protected] For more information visit www.act.gov.au/women
Women’s Legal Centre — DV Outreach Program
A free initial appointment with a solicitor for women who are or have experienced family or domestic violence. Solicitors provide information, advice and, if eligible, ongoing representation and help with family law issues.
Where Who Women with experience of family or domestic violenceHow Contact Intake at your local Centre
Canberra Health Services: Hospitals
Maternity
Midwives offer outreach services for antenatal check-ups, information and advice for parents scheduled to give birth at Calvary Hospital and the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children.
Where Calvary Hospital Antenatal Clinic, and the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children
Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, and antenatal breastfeeding sessions
Calvary Hospital Antenatal Clinic, and the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children
BOOKINGS PHONE NUMBERS:
Calvary Hospital
Antenatal Clinic 6201 6359
The Birthing Centre 6264 7062
Centenary Hospital for Women and Children
Birth Centre (Canberra Midwifery Program) 6174 7341
Birthing Suite 6174 7444
CatCH (Continuity at Centenary Hospital) 6174 5800
Antenatal Clinic (bookings including breastfeeding sessions) 6174 7625
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Partner organisation programs and services
Canberra Health Services: Women, Youth and Children Community Health Program
Maternal and Child Health (MACH) Nursing Service
MACH nurses are registered nurses who hold additional qualifications in child and family health. They support families with health information and advice. Services are for infants and children who are well. If you think your child is unwell, please seek medical advice.
To use MACH Nursing Services or to make a booking, please call the Community Health Intake (CHI) team on 5124 9977, 8.00 am–5.00 pm Monday to Friday or 8.00 am to 3.30 pm on Wednesdays. This excludes public holidays.
Services are free to Medicare and Asylum Seeker card holders.
CHILD HEALTH CLINICS (babies and young children to 4 years)
Appointments necessary. Developmental health checks, feeding support including breastfeeding, bottle feeding and solids, sleep and settling information and maternal wellbeing.
Where When Contact Community Health Intake for details
DROP-IN CLINICS (brief consultation)
Best suited for quick questions and concerns, not full health checks. Usually around 15–20 minutes per family. No appointment necessary. Please be prepared to wait, at times you may be asked to come back on another day instead of waiting if it is very busy. Best accurate scales are available to weigh your baby. If your baby is very young, or you are concerned, please see the MACH nurse.
Where When Contact Community Health Intake for details
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Partner organisation programs and services
EARLY DAYS (babies up to 3 months)
Early Days are group sessions that provide information and support for breastfeeding, bottle feeding and settling infants under 3 months.
Where When Contact Community Health Intake for details
EARLY CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATION SERVICE
Immunisation provided for children under 5 years old. Bookings essential.
Where When Contact Community Health Intake for details
NEW PARENTS GROUPS (first-time parents of babies up to 4 months)
This four-week program, run by MACH nurses, gives first-time parents the opportunity to meet other new parents with babies of a similar age. Parents can discuss topics and issues including parenting, caring for yourself and your baby and learn how to access services available to you in the community. Bookings essential.
Where When Contact Community Health Intake for details
SLEEP AND SETTLING GROUPS (3 months to 3 years)
Groups which provide information to help parents and carers understand young children’s sleep and learn some practical skills. The three age specific sessions are: 3–8 months; 9–18 months; 19–36 months.
Where When Contact Community Health Intake for details
FUSSY EATERS GROUP (children 1 to 5 years)
A free session for parents and carers of fussy eaters. A dietitian is available to answer questions and offer advice to help make mealtimes easier.
Where When Contact Community Health Intake for details
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Partner organisation programs and services
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Partner organisation programs and services
ORTHOPTIST (from birth to 6 years)
A secondary screening clinic for children, birth to 6 years. Referrals through MACH and school kindergarten screen.
Where
PHYSIO INFORMATION GROUP
Monthly group to provide information on the first year post natally for mothers and babies.
Where When Contact Community Health Intake for details
NUTRITION
Free service for children, young people and their families. Dietitians can provide advice on a range of nutrition topics including fussy eating, introducing solids, weight management, food allergy and intolerance, disordered eating and healthy eating for women during pregnancy and up to two years after giving birth.
Where When Contact Community Health Intake for details
Women’s Health Service
Nursing and counselling services to support women’s health and wellbeing. Counsellor services only at Tuggeranong and Gungahlin. Nurse and counsellor services at West Belconnen.
Where Who Women experiencing significant barriers to health service access. Counselling is for women who have experienced traumaHow Phone 5124 1787
ACT PlaygroupsPlaying Together (early intervention playgroups)
A playgroup providing a fun time and an opportunity to meet with other parents who have a child with additional needs. Guest speakers discuss topics relevant to attendees. Siblings under 5 years welcome.
Where Thursday mornings Friday morningsWho Parents and children birth to 5 years who have a disability, developmental delay or chronic illness. Siblings welcome.How Phone ACT Playgroups 1800 171 882 or contact your local CentreFACILITATED BY ACT PLAYGROUPS AND MYTIME PLAYGROUPS
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Partner organisation programs and services
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Partner organisation programs and services
Australian Breastfeeding AssociationSupport and advice to breastfeeding women
Counsellor-led meetings to provide support and advice to breastfeeding women.
Where When Monthly group meetingsWho Breastfeeding womenHow Email [email protected] or Facebook Australian Breastfeeding Association—Tuggeranong Group
Belconnen Community Services
Bungee Youth Resilience Program
Bungee is an inclusive resilience building program that promotes emotional wellbeing through the arts. The program supports young people (aged 5–18) to participate in activities designed to build resilience, enhance wellbeing and social and emotional health. Bungee fosters a supportive environment that encourages participants to socially connect with others, as well as develop new and existing artistic skills. Bungee classes operate across the ACT and are facilitated in a small, safe and supportive group setting.
Bungee offers a suite of art-based programs in schools and community settings. The programs offer weekly sessions and run over 8 weeks in a school setting and nine weeks in the community settings. All programs are free of charge, offered during the school term and are limited to groups of eight.
Where How Book through Belconnen Community Service 6264 0200
Bungee Counselling Support
Bungee provides individual counselling support to children and young people who have mild to moderate mental health concerns in a welcoming, supportive and child-friendly environment. The counselling sessions include discussion, creative activities and guidance for parents/caregivers. Bungee individual support is offered throughout the school term in various locations across the ACT, including at the Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre on Wednesdays and Fridays. Please note, an intake interview with parents/caregivers and assessment is required.
Where How For enquiries, please contact Bungee on 6264 0200 or [email protected]
Care Financial CounsellingNo Interest Loans Scheme
Care Financial Counselling offers fortnightly outreach sessions with a NILS officer at the Child and Family Centres. NILS is a community-based program offering loans to people on low incomes. These loans provide access to credit for essential household items without any fees, charges or interest payments. Financial counsellors provide information, advice and advocacy for people on low to moderate incomes who are in financial difficulty.
Where How No Interest Loans Scheme appointments, phone 6257 1788 Financial counselling appointments, phone 1800 007 007
DVCSDomestic Violence Crisis Service
Outreach and programs available for those affected by domestic or family violence.
Where How Contact Intake and speak with a Child and Family Worker or phone the DVCS 24-hour Crisis Line and Client Assistance on 6280 0900
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Partner organisation programs and services
Legal AidOutreach Legal Advocacy
Legal advice for community members.
Where How Contact Intake at your local Centre to make an appointment
Mandarin for FunCommunity Playgroup
This is a mixed age and cultural background playgroup. Members are from both Chinese and non-Chinese backgrounds with children aged from birth to 5 years.
Where Who Parents and children birth to 5 yearsHow Email [email protected], phone 0410 981 788
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Partner organisation programs and services
MarymeadKAYAKS (Kids And Youth Are Kool post Separation) Program
KAYAKS is a program for children aged 4–12 years and young people aged 13–18 years, whose parents and caregivers are separated or divorced.
Where When Contact Intake at your local CentreWho Children and young people aged 4–18 years, from separated or divorced familiesHow Enquiries and referrals from parents, caregivers, other service providers, the Family Court and legal practitioners. Phone 6162 5800 or email [email protected]
Migrant and Refugee Settlement Service (MARSS) Outreach
A free outreach service that provides casework, including referrals and advocacy for clients.
Clients may be assisted with completing forms for Centrelink or migration documentation.
Please note MARSS is not a migration agent.
Referrals to services such as financial, legal, education, employment and counselling services, including writing support letters for clients for organisations, such as Housing ACT.
Where When Contact Intake for informationWho Refugees and humanitarian visa holders, some family stream and other permanent visa holders are eligible to access Settlement Grants Program services.How Drop in during MARSS outreach session or call MARSS reception and make an appointment in advance. Phone MARSS 6248 8577 or email [email protected]
We use the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) if required.
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Partner organisation programs and services
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Partner organisation programs and services
NDIS EACHEarly Childhood Early Intervention
In the ACT, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and EACH have a partnership to ensure families have access to early childhood early intervention quickly and easily. EACH is the first point of contact for parents and carers who have a baby or young child with developmental delay or disability.
There are a wide variety of supports available. Supports can be offered in a range of everyday environments such as at home, childcare settings, local playgroups and Child and Family Centres. The EACH Team will work with families to provide the right level of support, based on the needs of each child and family.
Where and 26 Weingarth St HolderWho Children aged from birth to 6 years with a developmental delay or disabilityHow Contact EACH on 1300 003234, drop into EACH at 26 Weingarth St Holder, or contact your local Centre
Next StepsNext Steps (under 12 years)
A program that provides targeted groups and individuals psychological therapy options for children under 12 years and their families.
Where How Contact your local Centre for more information
Paint & PlayOutdoor playgroups
Paint and Play playgroups are a fun way for children (and their carers) to play games, do paintings and activities, meet other people and connect with other families.Where Various Canberra locations during school terms.When For more information call ACT Playgroups on 1800 171 888 or check their Facebook pageWho Kids (birth to 5 years) with mums, dads or carers
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Partner organisation programs and services
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Partner organisation programs and services
Red Cross Advocacy ServiceFamily support
A support service for birth families where a child has recently moved into or is ‘at risk’ of entering Out of Home Care.
Where How Contact your local Centre for appointments
Relationships AustraliaRelationship Counselling
Counselling on relationship-based issues.
Where When FortnightlyWho Families using the Child and Family CentresHow Referrals through your local Centre
SuperKids PlaygroupFor kids diagnosed with ADHD
A playgroup for children aged 3–8 years, who have been diagnosed with ADHD, and their siblings.
The playgroup is run fortnightly — on Sunday — during the school term. It is a great place for children to play with other like-minded children while you talk to other parents.
Bring a snack and a drink bottle for morning tea.
Where Who Children aged 3–8 years, their siblings and parentsHow Phone Ally on 0431 960 252 for more information
The Smith FamilyLearning for Life
The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program is a student support program set up to assist financially disadvantaged young Australians to make the most of their education.
Where Who School-aged children
How Phone The Smith Family 6283 7600
YWCACircle of Support
YWCA offers therapeutic supports for children and their families who are experiencing social, emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.
Where Who School-aged children
How Contact your local Centre for more information
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Partner organisation programs and services
OneLink gives you information
and easy access to support
services in the ACT
info@onelink .org .au
1800 176 468
onelink .org .au
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Housing ACT
Nature Conservation House,
Cnr of Emu Bank & Benjamin Way
Belconnen, ACT
Please refer to our website
(www.onelink.org.au) for our
outreach days and times.
Monday to Friday
8am to 6pm
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informing supporting connecting
ParentLinkinforming supporting connecting
ParentLinkParentLink is a FREE service of the ACT Government Community Services Directorate.
ParentLink aims to increase the confidence and skills of parents by supporting and linking them to information, ideas and community services.
ParentLink guides are full of practical information and tips to manage parenting challenges, including sibling rivalry, sleeping, blended families and grandparenting.
Whatever your child’s age, you will find lots of good ideas.
e [email protected] w www.parentlink.act.gov.au
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Useful contacts
Contact details for a range of emergency, health, social and support services.
24-hour services
Ambulance, Fire, Police (life-threatening or time-critical emergency)
000
ACT Police Assistance 13 14 44
Alcohol and Drug Helpline 6207 9977
Calvary Hospital 6201 6111
Calvary John James Hospital 6281 8100
Canberra Hospital 6244 2222
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 6247 2525
Domestic Violence Crisis Service 6280 0900
HealthDirect 1800 022 222
Lifeline 13 11 14
Mental Health ACT Triage 1800 629 354
Mental Health Service (Queanbeyan) 6128 9900
Poisons Information 13 11 26
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Child protection (reporting)Child and Youth Protection Services General public (where the child is in the ACT) Mandated reporters
1300 556 729 1300 556 728
Child Abuse Prevention Service Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm 1800 688 009
NSW Department of Family & Community 24hrs Services (where the child is in NSW)
13 21 11
ParentingAustralian Breastfeeding Association 1800 686 268
Child and Family Centres ACT Gungahlin (Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm) Tuggeranong West Belconnen
6207 0120 6207 8228 6205 2904
Childcare Access Hotline Mon–Fri: 8am–9pm 1800 670 305
Children’s Services Program 6207 1103
Community Health Intake Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm 6207 9977
Karitane Careline 24hrs 1300 227 464
Maternal and Child Health Nurse Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm 6207 9977
OneLink 1800 176 468
PANDSI (Post and Antenatal Depression Support and Information)
6288 1936
Parentline ACT 6287 3833
Queen Elizabeth II Family Centre Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm 6207 9977
Raising Children Website raisingchildren.net.au
Tresillian Parent Help Line 1300 272 736
Women, Youth & Children Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm 6207 9977
Access Canberra provides a single point of contact to make it easier for the community to do business with the ACT Government.
Contact Access Canberra for information on all ACT Government Services, transactions and payments.
Call 13 22 81 or visit www.act.gov.au/accessCBR
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© Australian Capital Territory, Canberra 2019 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the Territory Records Office, ACT Government.
ACT Publication No. 19/0208
Enquiries about this publication should be directed to: Child and Family Centres ACT Community Services Directorate GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone 13 34 27 (Access Canberra) Email [email protected] Web www.act.gov.au/childandfamilycentres
Accessibility
ACT Government is committed to making information, services, events and venues, accessible to as many people as possible.
If you have difficulty reading a standard printed document and would like to receive this publication in an alternative format (such as large print or audio) please telephone 6205 0619.
If English is not your first language and you require the translating and interpreting service, please telephone 13 14 50.
If you are deaf or hearing impaired and require the TTY typewriter service, please telephone 6205 0888.
ACT Interpreter Service for the deaf and blind, please telephone 6287 4391.