Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Description

ParentlineExternal Link is a statewide telephone counselling and support service for all Victorian parents and carers of children from 0-18 years. Experienced social workers, psychologists and family therapists can give you counselling and information around a wide range of parenting issues.

Parentline aims to:

  • contribute to the development of positive parenting and personal coping strategies and skills
  • enhance parent/child relationships
  • promote and contribute to the confidence, resilience and wellbeing of families
  • link families with their local community resources and services.

Services provided

  • Telephone helpline (available 8 am to 12 midnight, 7 days a week, every day of the year).
  • Expert parenting advice and support from qualified and experienced counsellors.
  • Confidential and anonymous advice and calls are not time limited.
  • Ring as often as you need, and you can ask to speak to the same counsellor.
  • Advice on issues such as child behaviour and development, family relationships, education, bullying, living with teenagers, family violence and parental stress.
  • Information on parenting services in your local area.
  • Secondary consultation is available for professionals who work with parents and carers.

Eligibility

Available to all Victorian parents and carers with children 0 to 18 years.

How to access

Contact ParentlineExternal Link for parenting information and advice on 13 22 89.

The National Relay Service (NRS)External Link is available to help callers who are d/Deaf, or find it hard to hear or speak to hearing people on the phone.

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)External Link is available (24 hours, 7 days) for callers who speak other languages. Call 131 450.

Costs

Cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria. We can call you back to minimise the cost.

If you are unsure, check with your service provider.

Tip

Parentline offers help to parents with children who are up to 18 years old.

Important

  • Parentline counsellors are experienced social workers, psychologists and counsellors and will not criticise or judge you when you call them.
  • The trained staff at Parentline can help you develop strategies that could improve your relationship with your children and the rest of your family.
  • Parentline counsellors do not offer medical or legal advice but they can refer you to appropriate services that might be able to help you.