Parent Pathways is a free, voluntary service providing personalised support and financial assistance to eligible parents and carers of children under six.
Our mentors are dedicated to helping you achieve your personal, study, or work goals at a pace that works for you.
We listen to what matters most to you and your family and engage with all our participants in a culturally respectful and informed way.
How Parent Pathways works
We are here to support you throughout your Parent Pathways journey and ensure that you have the right information and resources every step of the way.
When you connect with a mentor, they will really take the time to get to know your goals and help you figure out the best way to reach them in a way that feels right for you.
Financial support is available to help you buy items and access various supports to reach your goals, including additional funding for a wider range of options.
Once you and your mentor agree on the Goal Plan, you will receive ongoing support to achieve your goals.
Am I eligible for Parent Pathways?
Parent Pathways is for parents & carers who:
- Have a child, or are a primary caregiver for a child under the age of 6
- Are not engaged in paid employment
- Reside in an area with a Parent Pathways provider.
Eligible participants must receive one of the following payments:
- Parenting Payment
- Carer Payment
- Special Benefit.
Those not receiving Centrelink payments may still qualify if:
- They are under 22 years old
- They are early school leavers (parents or caregivers without a Year 12 qualification)
- They identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
How we can help you
- Identify your personal, study or work goals and develop a goal plan including addressing any barriers you may face.
- Gain confidence and motivation to achieve your goals.
- Develop effective problem-solving, critical thinking, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Explore training and study options.
- Access services in your community, including childcare and counselling.
- Develop practical skills to help you get a job.
We can also help you access financial support for local activities and support services, including:
- Education and training courses
- Driving lessons and costs to get a driver licence.
- Expenses related to study, training and work
- Pre-employment training related to work, such as First Aid certificate, White Card and Blue Cards
- Domestic, family violence, and crisis support services.
- Parents groups or parenting courses.
- Courses aimed at improving language, literacy, and numeracy skills.
- Engagement support vouchers to help with everyday costs, including fuel, bills, and groceries.
