Family, Youth & Children
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Family Support

Crisis Numbers

Crisis Numbers Contact Number

Life Line 24 hours

13 11 14

Parent Line

13 22 89

Maternal & Child Health 24 hours

13 22 29

Kids Help Line

1800 55 1800

Family Support Service

Family Support Service is a free confidential service for families with children under the age of 18 years living in Port Phillip and having difficulties in their every day life. To use this service you need to live in the City of Port Phillip.

We offer support and provide practical information and skills:

  • during stressful times of life such as birth, sudden illness and with parenting difficulties
  • in dealing with family relationships, general communication and on ways to care for children
  • with alternative behaviour management strategies and developing social skills
  • to help parents with decisions that affect their family situation (where they may lack confidence or knowledge in dealing with certain issues or events) e.g, household management and budgeting
  • with school options and choices
  • on being isolated and lacking of support from relatives, friends or neighbours
  • to encourage families to participate and connect with their community
  • to promote a healthy family lifestyle

We can assist families with:

  • In Home Support; regular support visits in the comfort of your own home
  • provision of case management to assist families who have many other agencies involved, preventing unnecessary doubling up of services
  • creation of support groups / social groups / educative groups / single parent groups / play groups / coffee mornings
  • information and referrals either by visit or by telephone 

When you contact us you will be put in touch with a worker to discuss your needs in person. Together, you will work out how we can best assist with the help you need.

All information provided by families will be treated confidentially and shared only with other professionals with your written permission. However, in situations where we believe children may be at risk, we have a professional duty of care to contact the Department of Human Services.

A referral to this program can be made by contacting Child First on 1300 367 441 between the hours of 9am and 5 pm, Monday-Friday (excl. public holidays)

Other Family Support Agencies

Inner South Community Health Centre's
South Melbourne: (03) 9690 9144
St Kilda: (03) 9525 1300
Prahran: (03) 9525 1300
Website: www.ischs.org.au

Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service
Assistance for families in need
Suite 5 / 22-28 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
Telephone: (03) 9537 1416
Website: www.goodshepvic.org.au

Contact us or use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. Ask for Family and Chidlren's Services.