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As a parent it’s good to know about services available in your area. They can give you some help when you need it.
Things we might need support for:
Sometimes we need help with things such as our:
- health
- feelings
- relationships
- money
- housing
- children’s schooling or behaviour
- legal matters
- drugs, alcohol, violence.
Contact details of some services that may be able to help are provided at the end of this guide.
When there are problems try to:
- stay calm
- plan what you can do
- talk with a trusted friend
- find a service that can help.
Tell your children what’s happening —but not too much about adult problems.
Getting support and dealing with problems early can stop them getting worse.
Your rights and responsibilities
Your rights
When using a service you have the right to:
- be treated fairly and with respect
- give feedback to the service about your experience — whether it was good, or not so good. It’s OK to get someone to come with you when you give feedback or to write a letter if you prefer.
Your responsibilities
When using a service:
- find out a bit about it before you go, so you know what to expect
- treat staff with respect, even if you feel upset or angry
- do your part. Work with staff to achieve your goals.
Confidentiality
Services are bound by confidentiality. A worker or service cannot share information about you with other services or people in the community, unless you give permission or a child or someone else is at risk of harm.
Try both mainstream and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services.
Ask if they have Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander workers, if you prefer.
Stay calm, it helps children to feel safe and secure.
Services for children
- If children need help, doctors, Aboriginal health services, and the Child and Family Health Service are good places to start. They can tell you where to get help with things like education, disability, behaviour, dental and mental health.
- If there are problems at school, talk with your child’s teacher. Some schools have counsellors or Aboriginal workers.
There are lots of services available.
Keep trying until you find one that’s right for you!
Looking for more information
ParentLink - for other parenting guides, online parenting information:
Child and Family Centres - for parenting information and support
Raising Children’s Network - covering topics for parenting newborns to teens
Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation t 6296 8900
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service t 6284 6222
Relationships Australia Dhunlung Yarra Service is dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples t 6122 7100
This guide’s content was produced by Parenting SA, Women’s and Children’s Health Network.
© Department of Health and Ageing, Government of South Australia (revised 02/16). Reproduced with permission and adapted by the ACT Government to reflect Australian Capital Territory laws (05/17).
Important: This information is not intended to replace advice from a qualified practitioner.
Published by ParentLink
Community Services Directorate, GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601, email parentlink@act.gov.au, telephone 13 34 27.
ACT Government Publication No. 17/0604 (June 2017)
The text for this topic is copyright Parenting SA, Government of South Australia.