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22 Mar 2023... This resource provides information to help parents who are settling in Australia to keep their families strong, happy and healthy. Parenting can be difficult. For parents who have come to Australia from overseas, there are the added pressures of raising children in a new country and a new cultural environment. Children, through school and other activities, often adapt more easily and may learn Australian customs, language and culture faster than their parents. This booklet will help parents care for their families in Australia and find help when needed.

This brochure explains what will happen when Community Services want to talk about your children.

We use your family income estimate to work out how much family assistance to pay you. This includes Family Tax Benefit (FTB) and Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

30 Oct 2023... A child representative is a person who does things and makes decisions about the NDIS on behalf of a child participant. The term "child" in this fact sheet refers to a person younger than 18. This fact sheet will explain: what a child representative is what a child representative does how you become a child representative when your role as a child representative ends.

12 Nov 2024... A poster about Parent Pathways, a support service for parents and carers with children under 6 years old.  Parent Pathways connects parents and carers with someone who can help them meet their goals. This service can support parents and carers to get help with child care, find community support, study or do training. This service can also support parents and carers to pay for a uniform or tools, look for work when they are ready, and pay for a computer to work or study.

12 Nov 2024... A brochure about Parent Pathways, a support service for parents and carers with children under 6 years old.  Parent Pathways connects parents and carers with someone who can help them meet their goals. This service can support parents and carers to get help with child care, find community support, study or do training. This service can also support parents and carers to pay for a uniform or tools, look for work when they are ready, and pay for a computer to work or study.

30 Mar 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage is about the Establishment step in your Court case after Community Services take your child. It explains that the magistrate must decide if Community Services were right to say your child was not safe. It tells you the 3 choices you can make in Court and what each choice means. The webpage says to talk to your lawyer so you understand your options and what may happen next.

30 Mar 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage explains what you can do if you worry about your child while they are in foster care.  It gives examples of things parents may worry about and the steps you can take. The page explains when to talk to your lawyer or caseworker, and what to do if your child may be in danger.  It also links to other easy read fact sheets, including What is foster care? and You want to make a complaint.

28 Feb 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage explains the rights of parents who are working with NSW Community Services.  It says you have the right to fair treatment, to get legal help, and to understand reports and other papers about you and your child. It also explains your right to ask for information in ways that help you understand, and to have a support person or advocate in meetings.  The page links to other fact sheets, including Who are NSW Community Services? and What is an advocate? .

01 Dec 2019... This booklet is designed for interacting with children aged between 11 months and 30 months. Young children are constantly learning. It outlines simple and effective strategies to help them to develop communication and social skills.

Play is more than just for babies and children. It's how they learn and develop. Playing with your child is one of the most important things you can do.

06 Oct 2025... Taking part in a quality kindergarten program from the age of three boosts children's learning development, health and wellbeing outcomes. All children in Victoria have access to two years of funded Kindergarten from 2022 for two years.

15 Oct 2023... A video animation describing The Orange Door services. They also help families in need of support with the wellbeing and development of children. It provides details on when and how The Orange Door can help, how to access its services and other important information.

An outline of: what a 'Care by Secretary Order' is; how long it lasts; living arrangements for its duration; young people's rights and responsibilities and where to get help.

01 Sep 2021... Child Care Subsidy helps with the cost of approved child care. This audio resource talks about the eligibility criteria you must meet.

01 May 2020... Easy English toolkit separated into 3 parts to help women with disability learn about Child Protection

This sheet contains information for parents and guardians about contact with their child while not in their care. It explains what contact is for and how it is arranged.

This brochure explains how to make an appeal against a decision from the Children's Court.

28 Mar 2025... This resource explains what makes child care safe and high quality. It highlights the importance of well-trained, consistent educators, good staff-to-child ratios, and trustworthy relationships. It also encourages parents to be aware of ownership, staff stability, and centre ratings, and to listen to children and trust their feelings about safety.

30 Jun 2025... This booklet gives clear, caring information about paediatric palliative care and the support available for children and their families. It explains care options, how to include children in decisions, and what to expect from health professionals.  The booklet also encourages reflection, questions and open conversations.

01 Nov 2017... This glossary is designed to help you understand the technical terms related to child, family and relationship services in Victoria. In particular, it explains the terms used in the 'Child, family and relationship services' video. It may also help the work of interpreters in this area.

30 Apr 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage is about keeping your child safe and well. It explains different ways children can be hurt, including abuse and neglect. It talks about physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and what neglect means. The webpage shares ideas from other parents about how to keep children safe, like getting help, learning new skills, taking your child to the doctor, and making sure they go to school. It also says it is okay to ask for support if you are finding parenting hard.

28 Feb 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW.  This webpage is about what happens if Community Services say your child is not safe. It explains the different things they may do. They may make a Safety Plan with you. They may arrange short-term care for your child. Or they may remove your child and go to court. The webpage explains what a Safety Plan means, how temporary care works, and why you may need to go to court. It also says you can ask a support person or advocate to help you.

28 Feb 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. It is about getting help to keep your child safe. It explains what happens if you ask Community Services for help, or if they contact you after a Child Protection Report. The webpage tells you what Community Services can do, like checking your child is safe and finding support for your family. It talks about safety plans, temporary care, and going to court. It also says you can ask for a lawyer, advocate or support person to help you.

30 Mar 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage explains who will be in the Children’s Court room for your child’s case.  It tells you about the magistrate, your lawyer, your child’s lawyer (Independent Legal Representative or Direct Legal Representative), and the DCJ lawyer.  It also talks about you, your advocate and support person. The page explains if children can go to Court and what choices they can make.

30 Mar 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage explains what a Care Plan is after Community Services take your child. It says Community Services must write a Care Plan and invite you to a meeting. The plan talks about where your child will live, who makes decisions, and who can see your child. It can also include your child’s health, culture and other needs. The webpage says you can take a support person, talk to your lawyer, and do not sign anything you do not understand.

28 Feb 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage explains what an advocate is and how they can help you.  An advocate can help you speak up, understand what is happening, and think about your choices. They can go to meetings and help you talk to Community Services. Most advocates are free.  The page links to other easy read fact sheets about getting help and who to call for lawyers and advocacy.  

28 Feb 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage is about getting help to parent well.  It says all parents need support. You can get help from parenting groups, family, friends and services. It shares groups for parents whose children are at home or in care.  It also lists websites, Parentline, DCJ and NDIS help. The page gives simple ideas and places to find support.

30 Apr 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage is about seeing your child when there is a Court Order.  It explains contact, family time and visits. It tells you the rules, what you can say, and how to say goodbye. It shares what to do if you are sick and how to ask to change contact.  It also gives ideas from other parents about how to have fun and be ready for visits.

30 Mar 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This  webpage explains your child’s lawyer in court.  It tells you that your child has their own lawyer who speaks for them. For children under 12, the lawyer says what is best for the child. For children over 12, the lawyer helps the child share what they want.  The page also links to other easy read fact sheets, including You worry about your child and Your child is in foster care .

30 Apr 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This  webpage explains how to put your child first.  It talks about your child’s rights, keeping your child safe, and speaking up if you are worried. It also shares ideas for helping your child feel loved and safe, learning new skills, and looking after your mental health.  The page encourages you to work with Community Services and not give up.  

01 Aug 2023... This document is bilingual. Scroll to the end of each translated resource to read the English version. Child Care Subsidy helps with the cost of approved child care. This information sheet lists the eligibility criteria you must meet.

01 Jul 2016... This fact sheet explains what happens in the children's court and young people's rights and responsibilities.

01 Nov 2019... Information to help you in the early weeks with your baby, including health checks, support services and government paperwork.

12 Nov 2020... This bilingual resource provides advice when you are concerned for your or your family's safety. It is a checklist of things you will need when contacting Child Support, Centrelink, or Medicare, such as identity documents and other requirements. This document is bilingual. The English version is included in each translated resource. Please scroll down to access the English text.

Centrelink/Services Australia has multilingual information on how separating affects your payments and help with child support arrangements between separated parents. Documents are bilingual. The English version is included in each translated resource. Please scroll down to access the English text.

12 Nov 2024... Parent Pathways is a support service for parents and carers with children under 6 years old.  Parent Pathways connects parents and carers with someone who can help them meet their goals. This service can support parents and carers to get help with child care,  find community support, study or do training. This service can also support parents and carers to pay for a uniform or tools, look for work when they are ready, and pay for a computer to work or study.

01 Dec 2025... This resource explains the significance of a positive start in early years services and their role in children’s education in Australia. Educators and service providers are encouraged to download and share this resource with families. It includes information on Early Childhood Education and Care services in Victoria are guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).

30 Mar 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage shares tips from parents about working with your Community Services caseworker. It explains how meetings work and why it helps to take notes and bring a support person. It says you can ask for information in a way you understand, like Easy English or large print. The webpage also encourages you to join courses and programs, go to all meetings and visits, and ask questions if you do not understand something.

28 Feb 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage explains legal help and how a lawyer can support you in Court.  Court can feel scary and hard to understand. A lawyer can explain the law, your rights and your choices. They can help you get ready and speak for you in Court.  The page links to other easy read fact sheets about finding a lawyer and who to call, and shares more helpful information.

07 Sep 2017... This information sheet provides information for parents about their child being placed in emergency care.

This factsheet explains what to expect when a child protection worker visits your home.

This brochure explains what will happen when Community Services remove your children from your care.

03 Sep 2024... Content warning : This video discusses child sexual abuse and may be distressing for some viewers. If you need support, contact **Lifeline** on 13 11 14 or **1800 RESPECT** (1800 737 732). This video explains what parents and carers can do if a child has experienced sexual abuse online. It encourages adults to stay calm and reassure the child that the abuse is not their fault. It highlights the importance of ensuring the child’s safety and reminds families that they are not alone — support is available through services such as Bravehearts, Kids Helpline, ReachOut, and Blue Knot.  It also provides guidance on reporting online child sexual abuse to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via their confidential online form.

13 Aug 2025... Translated poster for parents and carers to support early connection of young children to services before starting primary school.  

28 Feb 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage is about NSW Community Services, now called the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). It explains what Community Services does and why they may come to your home. They check that children are safe and well. Sometimes they may need to take a child away if they think the child is not safe. The webpage also explains how you can get help. It says you can ask for clear written information, get support from someone you trust, and talk to a lawyer.  

28 Feb 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage is about Day 1 in Court when Community Services take your child. It explains what to do when you arrive at Court and how to speak with a free lawyer before going into the courtroom. It tells you what the magistrate will decide, including who will look after your child for now. The webpage also says you can take a support person, ask questions, and get help to understand what is happening.

30 Mar 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage explains new words you may hear when your child is in care or when you go to Court. It has 4 parts: When your child is in care, Court, Supports and Other words. It gives simple meanings to help you understand.  It also has links to other easy read resources like Establishment and your choices, What is foster care?, What is a care plan? and more.

30 Apr 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage tells you who to call for help. It shares phone numbers for legal help in NSW, like Legal Aid, Law Access and the Aboriginal Legal Service. It explains who each service can help, for example Aboriginal parents, women, or parents in Children's Court. The page also lists disability advocacy services in NSW and other states. An advocate can help you speak up or speak for you. It tells you how to find an advocate near you. There is information about support for parents, including phone help, parent groups and the NDIS. It also tells you to talk to your DCJ case worker.

28 Feb 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage explains who can help you when you are working with Community Services (DCJ, FACS or DOCS).  It says you do not have to do this on your own. You can get help from a lawyer, support person or advocate. You can also get help to parent well and look after yourself.  The page links to other easy read fact sheets about legal help, support people, advocates, parenting help and self-care.

28 Feb 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage explains what a support person is and how they can help you.  A support person can come to meetings and Court with you. They can help you understand what things mean . It has advice on who your support person can be and who is a good support person. 

01 Apr 2019... Parents in Australia often go to services for help with family matters. Services welcome families from all cultures and communities. They can help just as family or community might have helped you in the past.

30 Mar 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage explains foster care and kinship care.  It tells you what happens when your child lives in out-of-home care, and the difference between living with family or a foster family. The page explains who makes decisions about your child, what you can know, and how you can stay involved in your child’s life.  It also links to other easy read fact sheets, including Seeing your child and Who are NSW Community Services?

30 Mar 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage explains what adoption means when a child is in out-of-home care.  It describes how a child can become part of a new family and what this means for parents. The page explains why Community Services may support adoption, what an Adoption Plan is, and how parents can take part in meetings and share their views.  It also links to the fact sheet What is foster care? for more information about out-of-home care.

This information sheet explains what the children's court does.

30 Mar 2016... This fact sheet provides information to a young person about being placed in emergency care by a child protection practitioner.

If you think things have changed since the Children's Court made orders, you can make an application to the Children's Court for the orders to be changed ('variation') or cancelled ('rescission'). These are called 'section 90' applications.

The brochure explains what happens when the Court places your kids under the care of Community Services.

07 Jan 2022... A video which explores how to strengthen family relationships, and have parents work together as equals.

21 Mar 2024... A brochure developed by Migrant Information Centre (East Melbourne) with information on services you can access for you and your children's needs when you are experiencing family violence. It also has information on women's support groups and respectful relationships programs in Victoria.

If you are the primary carer for a child under 18 and are separated, then you may be entitled to child support. Here's what you need to know.

28 Feb 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW.  This webpage is about what happens when Community Services knock on your door. It explains that they may have received a Child Protection Report saying your child may not be safe. The law says they must talk to you and ask questions. They may also talk to other people and look at records to check your child is safe. The webpage explains what staff may worry about and what they can do next. This may include making a Safety Plan, organising short-term care, or going to court. It also says you can ask for a support person or advocate to help you.

28 Feb 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage is about what happens when Community Services take your child and you need to go to Court. It explains each step in the Court process, from Day 1 in Court to the Final Order. It talks about foster care, Care Plans, Consent Orders, hearings and what the magistrate decides. The webpage has links to other helpful fact sheets, including What is foster care? , Day 1 in Court, Establishment and your choices, What is a Care Plan?, and New words. It helps you understand what to do and how a lawyer or support person can help you.

30 Mar 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage shares tips from other parents about going to Court.  It explains what clothes to wear, how you might feel, and why it helps to take a support person. It tells you to be on time and what to expect at security.  The page explains what to bring, how to get help from a duty lawyer, and when you can speak in Court. It also tells you about closed Court and how to find support.

28 Feb 2020... Use this webpage if you live in NSW. This webpage is about looking after yourself when things are hard.  It talks about caring for your feelings and your body. It shares simple ideas like talking to a doctor or counsellor, joining a group, exercising and eating well. It also suggests ways to enjoy time with your child.  The page links to other easy read webpages such as Seeing your child, Help to parent well and Get help. Who to call .