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Department of Health and Human Services - Family Support

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Department of Health and Human Services - Family Support

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Family services aim to ease parenting challenges experienced by low-income and vulnerable families. Information is available on Child FIRST and the Cradle to kinder program.

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The Australian parenting website: comprehensive, practical, expert child health and parenting information and activities covering children aged 0-15 years.

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Maternal and child health service helps parents meet various challenges of parenthood, it is available with no cost.

Positive parenting, it aims to assist parents with difficult job of parenting and give parents the skills they need to prevent problems developing in their children in the first place.
- creaste supportive family.
- build positive relationships with their children.

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The Centrelink Master Program, or more commonly Centrelink, is a "Department of Human Services master program of the Australian Government".

It assists families that have a joined low income and can't afford the costs of children.

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Raising Children Network
produce and maintain educational tools and resources for families raising children in Australia.

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Parents may influence child's self concept as they grow up. having a cooperative and helpful relationship may help establish who they are and who they want to be later in life.

Parents having a honest and helpful relationship with their child may help increase their self-esteem and their self-worth

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Food, clothing, housing, health, personal care, education, activities, energy bills

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Need to go out of the way to care for you're children - your child will depend on you!

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Respectful and healthy relationships between parents and children may help increase socialisation for the child as they may be encouraged to socialise with parents and new individuals

Good relationships with parents may help children establish peer groups as they may be encourage to participate more in social activities

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An Influence a parent gives their child is how they perceive and their outlook on life. This includes their actions, personality, opinions, beliefs. This all comes down to  they way they socialize, their mental health, physical health, spiritual health, emotional health.

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An Influence a parent gives their child is how they perceive and their outlook on life. This includes their actions, personality, opinions, beliefs. This all comes down to  they way they socialize, their mental health, physical health, spiritual health, emotional health.

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As a parent you need to reconsider your responsibilities and adjusting your lifestyle.

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Maintaining a stable environment / relationship with your partner. 

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Maintaining a stable environment / relationship with your partner. 

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- Playgroup Victoria
- Nurse on Call
- Parentline
- O' Connell Family Cntre
- Queen Elizabeth Centre
- Tweddle Child
- Family Health Service

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Talks about pre-prerequisites that are need to take care of children, How to take care, knowledge if it's somones first time having/taking care of children etc...

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/parents/support/Pages/default.aspx

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For some

women, the timing of when to have a baby is a

consideration based on where they are in their

chosen career and what they consider is the best

time in terms of their career progression.

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Responsibilities of parenthood that need to be considered

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Responsibilities of parenthood that need to be considered

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- to care for their child/children and spend time with them
- to love and protect, ensuring a sense of security
- to listen, support and provide guidance
- to provide a sense of belonging
- to teach values, morals and behaviours
- to provide food
- to provide a clean and safe home
- to provide clean and warm clothes
- to educate
- to pass on family culture and heritage
- to maintain positive communication

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Having a healthy and respectful relationship between parent and child may lead to the child being encouraged to participate in physical activities.

Child may be encouraged to sleep adequately when having a good relationship

Parents may provide their children with nutritional and healthy food which may help them grow physically

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Good parent-child relationships may increase socialisation as child may feel more open to communicate to parents and other individuals

Parents may encourage children to participate in social activities, increasing socialisation

Children may establish new peer groups when having good relationships with parents as they will be encouraged to do so

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Your local therapist, recommended to search online or get brochures from hospitals or local medical centres near you.

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Beyond Blue - Healthy Families

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Healthy Families is all about giving you the information, knowledge and confidence to support the young people in your life - whether you're a parent, guardian, grandparent, a favourite uncle or an awesome auntie. We're also here to help you take care of your own mental health and wellbeing, especially if you're a new parent or about to become one.

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Healthy Families is all about giving you the information, knowledge and confidence to support the young people in your life - whether you're a parent, guardian, grandparent, a favourite uncle or an awesome auntie. We're also here to help you take care of your own mental health and wellbeing, especially if you're a new parent or about to become one.

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Supporting your unique breastfeeding journey | Australian Breastfeeding Association

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Funding ends in 2026 and without Government support, families could lose 24/7 breastfeeding support.

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Kids invest for free with Stockspot - find out more here!
Raising a child is one of the biggest costs a family will face, and it helps to be financially prepared for it. Here we look at the cost of raising a child in Australia.
While it's common knowledge that children bring indescribable joy to their families, they also come at a large financial cost. The most recent NATSEM report ¹ found that the cost of raising a child has risen twice as fast as incomes over the last 8 years. Meanwhile the median age of people moving out of home is currently at 20.9 years which is as late as its ever been.

If these trends continue, the importance of having a sensible budget and savings plan in place to ensure the best for yourself and your kids is critical.

Here's what you can expect to fork out along the road ahead...

0-2 yrs: Infancy

On average, parents will spend $144/week on their child which equates to $14,976 over 2 years.

From the moment your bundle of joy takes its first breath, you will begin to spend money on items you never knew existed.

You'll need...

A pram - setting you back anywhere from $150 to $1,599 if you're after a top of the range 4 wheeler that offers 'a mix of pure function with Italian style'.

A cot - setting you back anywhere from $100 to $600 (mattresses sold separately).

A car seat - generally priced between $100 and $400 (depending on weather or not your child needs cup holders).

A baby carrier, bedding, clothes, medication, vaccinations, food, toys, bottles, dummies, baby wipes and nappies... mountains of nappies.

During their first year of life babies can go through up to 10 nappies a day. If you factor in wipes, this department alone can cost up to $2,000 in the first year. When you look at it this way, toilet training will eventually take on a whole new meaning.

3-5: Childcare

On average, parents will spend $26,000 over these 3 years.

The Australian Paid Parental Leave scheme gives eligible employees who are the primary carer of a newborn or adopted child 18 weeks' leave paid at the national minimum wage. Once the 18 weeks are over, parents have to decide whether to go back to work and use childcare services, or take unpaid parental leave.

As a result, childcare presents a major cost to many families up until a child's first day of kindergarten and a full day of childcare can cost up to $170 a day. While the federal government is addressing childcare in this year's Budget to help offset some of these costs, steep childcare costs can act as a disincentive for a secondary earner to work, especially if take-home pay only just covers childcare spending.

On top of childcare, these munchkins will be eating more food, growing into larger clothes sizes and demanding the newest iPad.

6-12: Primary school

On average, parents will spend just over $82,000 on a child during these 7 years.

Transport becomes a major cost contributor during the primary school ages. Running the kids to after-school piano lessons, karate, and Saturday sports such as soccer, netball, tennis and footy can account for a sizeable portion of the weekly fuel budget. Not to mention all the necessary gear. All up, parents can expect to spend almost $79,500 in transport expenses per child from birth to move out day.

Food also accounts for a significant portion of the household income during these years as kids go through one growth spurt after another. On average, families can expect to pay around $70,000 on food per child over the course of their time spent in the family home.

Other items like school excursions, uniforms, birthday party gifts, clothes, shoes and recreational items like bikes, trampolines and computers start to add up.

During this time, you're likely to find yourself spending more on lessons and activities too.

13-18: High school

On average, parents will spend close to $131,300 on a child during these 6 years.

The main cost during this age is education.

NATSEM estimates that private schooling costs parents an average of $216 per week in fees, compared to an average of $81 for Catholic schools or $12 a week for government schools. The Private vs. Government vs. Catholic school choice is a major one for parents as after 6 years of high school, the total cost ends up being around $68,000, $25,000 and $4,000 respectively per child.

With such a huge focus on education during these years, many kids will also attend before or after-school private tutoring. Regardless of whether it's for extension maths, french or playing the piccolo, a single tutoring session can cost parents up to $80 an hour.

19-Moving out: University, TAFE, further training

On average, parents could spend up to $150,000 during their time at university if fees are paid upfront and the child continues to stay at home.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) says that of the 54% of Australians continue to study beyond high school, either at universities or end up studying for certificates and diplomas at other institutions.

Those who choose to take advantage of the government's Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) can reduce this cost, but there are still costs associated with textbooks and travel. Another way to help with the cost is for the child to get a part-time job, which will also benefit them in gaining work experience.

The moral of the story

The cost of bringing up a child for a typical middle-income family sits at approximately $406,000 ¹, so it's wise to get a handle on your finances as early as possible.

ASIC's MoneySmart Savings Goal Calculator estimates that a $1,000 upfront investment in a diversified portfolio earning 7% pa, plus a regular contribution of $100 a week, could give parents an education fund worth $100,000 by the time their child is ready for high school.

What to consider when investing for a "kids" fund

Compounding returns

Compounding returns means your interest and dividends earnings are re-invested, which enables you to achieve additional returns over the long-run. High fees can have the opposite effect, eroding your investment balance over time. Striking the right balance between returns and fees is vital and can have a meaningful impact on the final investment balance.

Ability to invest regularly

Make sure that the option you choose allows you to easily invest for your child on a regular basis without incurring fees like entry fees or brokerage.

Ability to withdraw money as it's needed along the way

As your kid reaches the various stages in life, you'll need to start drawing on the money in the fund. Therefore, it's important that the funds are not tied up in illiquid assets that can't be sold easily and in small pieces. Property is one investment which typically can't be sold slowly over time - whereas shares and bonds allow for small frequent sales. Also try to avoid any exit or brokerage fees when withdrawing the funds if possible.

Educating your kids about money

Educating your kids about saving and investing early themselves can set them in good stead for their own financial futures. Encouraging them to establish effective saving habits early could even mean they'll be financially independent sooner rather than later!

Investing smart and investing early can mean the difference between scraping the barrel and having enough of a cash cushion to live comfortably as you raise your children.

Low fee, hassle-free investing

Stockspot is Australia's largest and most experienced online investment adviser. We make investing easy and affordable. Whether you're growing your wealth, saving for a home, a family or retirement, we help you do it with the right investment portfolio and guidance.

Find out more

¹ NATSEM Income and Wealth Report Issue 33 - Cost of Kids: The Cost of Raising Children in Australia

Related posts

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The real cost of raising a child in Australia | Stockspot

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Kids invest for free with Stockspot - find out more here! Raising a child is one of the biggest costs a family will face, and it helps to be financially prepared for it. Here we look at the cost of raising a child in Australia. While it's common knowledge that children bring indescribable joy ...

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Child FIRST - Child and Family Information, Referral and Support Team

Child FIRST is a State Government Initiative to help vulnerable families, children and babies.

The primary purpose of Child FIRST is to ensure that children, young people and their families are linked effectively into all relevant services.

Family Life is a partner service provider in the Southern Victorian region from Portsea to Port Phillip.

Call Family Solutions Child FIRST on 1300 721 383.

Child FIRST can help with:

providing support for you and your family

information and advice

linking children, young people and their families into community services

identifying and understanding what your family needs

assisting families to work towards their goals and meet their needs

support in joining groups such as playgroups, young mum's and dad's groups, parent education groups, volunteer and mentoring support programmes and social support groups

Child FIRST Referrals

Child FIRST was set up under the Children Youth and Families Act Vic (2005) to be the entry point for all Family Services support programs.

If there are concerns about the well-being of a child (this can include an unborn child), Child First is the first point of contact.

A report should be made to Child Protection if you have immediate concerns about a child's safety, stability or development.

Is it confidential?

A person making a referral may choose to have their identity remain confidential. However, in most cases, better outcomes for the child, young person and family are achieved when a referral is made with their consent and participation.

Child FIRST operates confidentially in line with the Children Youth and Families Act Vic (2005 and the Privacy Act).

How much does it cost?

Child FIRST programs are free and available to families of any cultural background with children aged 0 to 17 years. If you are pregnant, you are also eligible to receive support to help you prepare for the birth of your baby.

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Child FIRST is a State Government Initiative to help vulnerable families, children and babies. The primary purpose of Child FIRST is to ensure that children, young people and their families are linked effectively into all relevant services. Family Life is a partner service provider in the Southern Victorian region from Portsea to Port Phillip.

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Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

Australia's leading pregnancy and baby website, supporting parents on the journey from pregnancy to preschool. Discover more about pregnancy, birth, being a parent and raising a child.

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Pregnancy, Birth and Baby supports parents on the journey from pregnancy to preschool. Trusted information about pregnancy, birth and raising a child up to 5 years of age.

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The program equips parents with skills and strategies to:
- create a supportive family
- encourage appropriate behaviour
- resolve conflict
- build positive relationships

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Use Positive Parenting | Proven strategies | Triple P Australia - Triple P Positive Parenting Australia

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4 million kids & counting! Triple P - Positive Parenting Program works for toddlers & teens. Get parenting tips & classes in Australia: face-to-face or online.