Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
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Northern Territory services

 
Northern Territory
 

Have you just had a new baby? These services may help:

Parentline
Parentline is a confidential telephone counselling service aimed at providing professional counselling and support for parents and all who have the care of children.

1300 301 300 (cost of a local call)
8 am – 10 pm

Maternal and Child Health
Maternal and Child Health nurses provide health checks and immunisation for children and can provide information, support, advice and education for you and your family including feeding, sleep, safety and relationships.  To locate your closest community health centre call:

(08) 8951 7808

NT Families Website
The NT Families Website provides useful tips about parenting and living in families as well as links to other helpful websites.

Do you need to find care for your child? These services may help:

Family Day Care
Family day care is a quality home-based childcare service that's been actively helping Australian families for over 30 years. Family day care caters for young babies through to pre-teens and can offer care during standard hours, before/after school, during school holidays and, in some circumstances, overnight and weekends. Family Day Care Australia can help you locate a service near you. For further information about the Child Care Benefit and Family Day Care in your area contact:

Family Day Care Hotline
1800 621 218 (freecall)
8.30 am - 7 pm Monday – Thursday
8.30 am - 5 pm Friday

Also, you could contact Family Day Care Australia, a national body working on behalf of all members of the Family Day Care Community.

Long Day Care
Long Day Care provides Centre based quality Child Care, which generally operates for at least 40 hours per week, 48 weeks per year.  Centre based care usually caters for children aged from birth to 5 years and nurtures and encourages all aspects of your child’s development. The Northern Territory Government can provide more information about the Child Care Benefit and Centre Based Long Day Care in your area or call the: 

Child Care Access Hotline
1800 670 305 (freecall)
8 am - 9 pm Monday – Friday
1800 639 327 (TTY Service – hearing/speech impaired)

Occasional Care
Occasional care is a unique child care service that supports families by providing flexible care for children from birth to school age. Families can access occasional care regularly or irregularly. Occasional care allows the flexibility to leave children in an early childhood learning environment to socialise and interact with other children. The Northern Territory Government can provide more information about the Child Care Benefit and Centre Based Long Day Care in your area or call the:
 
Child Care Access Hotline
1800 670 305 (freecall)
8 am - 9 pm Monday – Friday
1800 639 327 (TTY Service – hearing/speech impaired)

Out of School Hours Care
Provides services to cater for the needs of primary school aged children and their families before school, after school, during non-teaching days and during school holidays. Programs are generally provided within school facilities.

For more information contact your local primary school or the Child Care Access Hotline
1800 670 305 (freecall)
8am - 9pm Monday - Friday
1800 639 327 (TTY Service - Hearing/Speech impaired)

How do I find out about playgroups?

Playgroups are a great way for small children to practise the fine art of getting along with others and to try new ways to play.  They’re good for parents too, with lots of support and social contact in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

For more information contact the Playgroup Northern Territory on
(08) 8945 7775 or
1800 171 882 (freecall) 

Is your child ready for preschool?

Preschool is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended. Preschool helps to prepare children for their schooling life.  Children can start preschool as soon as they turn four. At some non-government preschools children can start earlier than that. 

The Department of Employment, Education and Training can provide more information or call (08) 8901 4909.

Are things worrying you at home and you want someone to talk to? These services may help:

Relationships Australia
Relationships Australia provides a range of support services to couples, individuals and families including relationship counselling, mediation, family violence intervention and support for problem gambling.

1300 364 277 (cost of a local call)

Does someone in your family have special needs?

Disability Coordination Officer Program
Information, referral and support services to individuals with a disability and their family.

(08) 8951 5177

Are you looking for a directory of parenting services in your state? This service may help:

Infoxchange Service Seeker
The Infoxchange Service Seeker contains updated details on government and non-government services and agencies around Australia.

 
 
 
  • Last reviewed17-05-2006