Child, family and relationship services
Actions for this page
There are family support services available to help parents raise their children. Creating a safe and nurturing environment for our children is a priority and can sometimes meet challenges. Understand the kinds of support that are available to children, their parents and carers in Victoria.
- Child Protection Service
The Victorian Child Protection Service provides child-centred, family-focused services to protect children and young people who are at risk of significant harm.
- Children, young people and mental health services
Growing up is not easy and at each stage of development, from pre-primary right through to the teen years, there are challenges that will test a child’s emotional and mental health.
- Children’s Health and Wellbeing Locals
Children’s Health and Wellbeing Locals provide health and wellbeing support for children aged zero to 11 and their families and carers.
- Recognising when a child is at risk
Too many children are physically, sexually and emotionally abused and when this happens, it is up to adults to speak up.
- Complaints about family, child and relationship services
Find advice for the circumstances under which you can complain, tips for making the complaint and to whom you can address your complaint.
- Crisis support services for families
In times of family crisis it’s good to know there are emergency services only a phone call away.
- Family and child support services
There are many government funded family support services available to help parents and young people deal with family issues.
- Family violence explained
Perpetrators often make excuses for their violence, for example, blaming alcohol or stress.
- Personal and relationship services
There are personal and relationship services available to you that offer counselling and relationship advice.
- Child abuse - reporting procedures
Any person who believes, on reasonable grounds, that a child needs protection can notify Child Protection.
- Elder abuse
Any act occurring within a relationship where there is an implication of trust, which results in harm to an older person. Abuse may be physical, sexual, financial, psychological and/or neglect.
- Family violence explained
Perpetrators often make excuses for their violence, for example, blaming alcohol or stress.
- People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect
People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect can seek help from a range of services specifically designed to help them.
- Personal and relationship services
There are personal and relationship services available to you that offer counselling and relationship advice.
- Recognising when a child is at risk
Too many children are physically, sexually and emotionally abused and when this happens, it is up to adults to speak up.
- Childcare options and support
Early childhood education and childcare options to choose from include preschool, education and care at a centre, family day care, occasional care, after-school care and private nannies.
- Children and families at risk due to living circumstances
Certain children are at a higher risk of physical or emotional harm than others due to their living circumstances or home environment.
- Children and health services
There is a range of subsidised and free health services, including services for mental health and dental health, available for children in Victoria.
- Children’s Health and Wellbeing Locals
Children’s Health and Wellbeing Locals provide health and wellbeing support for children aged zero to 11 and their families and carers.
- Early support for a child with disabilities
For children diagnosed with a disability, getting the support they need as early as possible will give them the best chance of minimising the long-term effects of the disability.
- Family and child support services
There are many government funded family support services available to help parents and young people deal with family issues.
- Family conflict
It is normal to disagree with each other from time to time and occasional conflict is part of family life.
- Personal and relationship services
There are personal and relationship services available to you that offer counselling and relationship advice.
- Recent arrivals, asylum seekers and family support services
Provides an overview of family support programs and health services available to refugees and asylum seekers living in Victoria.
- Sexual abuse - helping your child
As a parent, you have an important role in helping your child recover from sexual abuse.
- Who provides immunisations in Victoria
Immunisations in Victoria are provided by local councils, GPs, nurses in medical clinics and community health services, maternal and child health nurses, travel clinics, pharmacists and hospitals.
- Young people and health services
There are many subsidised and free medical, dental, mental, community health services available to support young people in Victoria.
- Children’s Health and Wellbeing Locals
Children’s Health and Wellbeing Locals provide health and wellbeing support for children aged zero to 11 and their families and carers.
- Maternal and Child Health services
Your local Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service will be a great source of support after your baby is born.
- Nurse-on-Call - 1300 60 60 24
Nurse-on-Call is a free, confidential telephone helpline that provides immediate, expert health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Relationship support services
You may need outside help to resolve problems and ensure your relationship stays healthy and strong.
- Who provides immunisations in Victoria
Immunisations in Victoria are provided by local councils, GPs, nurses in medical clinics and community health services, maternal and child health nurses, travel clinics, pharmacists and hospitals.
Reviewed on: 23-02-2022