Parent Line

In addition to our telephone counselling service, Parent Line can also offer referral and service information for our callers.  We often refer people to other services for areas that we are not able to provide advice for; for ongoing support or access to local services.  Below we have provided information and links to key organisations to help you access the right information quickly.

Interstate Parent Help Lines

If you live outside New South Wales and would like to access a parent help line, please click here for details of similar services in other Australian states and territories. 

Medical Advice or Care

If you require medical advice or health care for your child, please contact one of the following:

• If you are unsure whether you need to go to a hospital or doctor, Health Direct can provide telephone advice on medical concerns for you and your children.  Contact Health Direct on 1800 022 222, available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
• Your local hospital.
• Your GP.
• Call 000 in an emergency. 

Legal Services

Parent Line counsellors are not qualified to give legal advice.   Please contact one of the following services:

• For matters relating to separation or divorce, mediation, access visits or custody, or other family law court issues, please contact the Family Relationships Advice Line on 1800 050 321 Monday to Friday 8am-8pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm.  The FRAL is a national service provided by the Australian Government.  You can also access information via the website here.
• Law Access is a free government service in NSW providing legal information, advice and referral.  The telephone service is available on 1300 888 529 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. 

Mothercraft

Parent Line counsellors can give some general advice on mothercraft and specialise in behaviour management and parent support across all ages.  However we recommend that for mothercraft advice for infants and children under 5yrs, NSW callers access one of the following specialist help lines:

• The Tresillian Parent Help Line is available 24 hours a day on 02 9787 0855.  Callers outside the Sydney metropolitan area can call 1800 637 357.  You can call Tresillian for 'on the spot' advice about feeding your baby; settling and sleeping; your baby's routine; toddler and preschooler behaviour; coping with your new role as a mum or dad. 
• The Karitane Careline is accessible 24 hours a day on 1300 227 464 24.  You can call Karitane to discuss feeding problems and weaning; sleep and settling routines; immunisation information; toilet training; developmental milestones; toddler behaviour and common childhood illnesses or problems. 

Services for Children

Kids Helpline provides telephone counselling and support for young people aged 5-25 years.  The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 55 1800. 

Recommended Websites for Parents