Practical guidance and support to strengthen your family
Parenting is challenging, and times of intense stress, isolation and uncertainty can make caring for your children feel overwhelming.
Specialised parent support programs in Newcastle provide practical guidance, home visits and group learning tailored to help parents manage child behaviour, strengthen emotional bonds and maintain safe home environments.
Whether you need short-term advice or intensive home-based support, experienced caseworkers partner with your family to help you achieve your goals.
Who is eligible for the Parent Support Program?
- Live in or around the Newcastle area
- Have children 0-12 years old in your care
- Are experiencing challenges that make it difficult to support your family, such as:
- Financial strain or limited household resources
- Feelings of isolation or lack of community support
- Mental health difficulties
- Domestic or family violence
- Caring for children with disability or additional support needs
- The impact of drug, alcohol or gambling problems.
What does the Parent Support Program involve?
- Direct guidance and connections to relevant community, health and specialist services.
- Tailored one-on-one casework delivered in your home, at our family centre in Waratah, or at a safe community venue.
- Structured playtime activities to build your child’s social skills and strengthen parent-child bonding.
- Access to parenting group programs focused on practical strategies, building routines and connecting with other parents.
- Discuss what is working well, address any worries, and plan next steps together.
- Provide practical suggestions to improve daily family life and routines.
How to access the program
Getting started with individual casework or enrolling in a parenting group is straightforward.
Self-referrals
Parents, guardians, and individuals can reach us directly by phone or submit an online enquiry form to request support.
- Call reception on (02) 4926 3577 or submit a completed referral form below.
- An intake worker will hear your concerns, discuss your current situation, and determine the most appropriate support stream with you
Professional and agency referrals
Health professionals, schools, legal aid providers, police, and community workers can submit a referral on behalf of a client with their consent.
- Call reception on (02) 4926 3577 or submit a completed referral form below.
- An intake worker will hear your concerns, discuss the current situation, and determine the most appropriate support stream for your client.
Frequently asked questions
How can I find a parenting group?
Family Support Newcastle runs a range of parenting groups and programs. Visit our Support Groups section to explore the programs available and find out how to participate.
Are parent support programs free?
Yes. All casework, home visits and parenting group programs are provided free of charge to eligible families living in or around the Newcastle LGA.
How do I register for group sessions or individual casework?
You can register by calling our phone intake line on (02) 4926 3577 during business hours or by completing our online referral form.