Connect to the right support to get back on track.
For children to develop and grow in healthy and positive ways, they need life to be stable, even when their family faces tough times.
If you feel that you’ve lost your way or been side-tracked, Family and Child Connect can give you a hand to get back on track.
It’s confidential, free and worth the call. Access to interpreters is available.
How we can help
Family and Child Connect can help with a range of family and parenting challenges. We’ll talk with you about your situation and work out the type of support you might find helpful.
We can connect you to local services that can help with:
- managing your child’s behaviour (e.g. skipping school, running away from home, homework, tantrums)
- building better family relationships
- stopping any violence at home
- budgeting and managing money
- alcohol, drug or gambling problems
- housing, health care or access to other community or government services.
You can use this service as often as you need. There is no limit and no cost.
Every family is different so when you speak with us you will get advice and support specific to your situation.
What happens when I call?
When you contact Family and Child Connect you’ll speak with an experienced family support worker who will listen to your concerns and undertake a full assessment of your family’s situation.
We may be able to help you in just one phone call – either by providing advice or referring you to a support service – or we might arrange to visit you at home or a safe place to talk. You can also work with a domestic violence support worker.
In some areas, there are family support services run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. Most family support services can offer families the choice of working with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander family support worker.
How can I contact Family and Child Connect?
You can make contact by visiting us in person, calling 13 FAMILY (13 32 64) or by completing our online referral form.
| Catchment | Service Provider | Street Address | Suburb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beenleigh/Bayside | The Benevolent Society | Unit 1/12 Doig Street | Cleveland |
| Brisbane | Mercy Community, Kurbingui Youth Development and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) | 445 Zillmere Road | Zillmere |
| Browns Plains/Beaudesert | Mercy Community | Level 1, 3202/10-20 Eastern Road | Browns Plains |
| Cairns | Act for Kids, Mareeba Community Centre and Community Support Centre Innisfail | 4/202 Scott St | Bungalow |
| Gold Coast | Act for Kids | 1–3 Casua Drive | Varsity Lakes |
| Ipswich | Kummara | 16 East St | Ipswich |
| Kingaroy | South Burnett CTC | Lot 2 Somerset St | Kingaroy |
| Logan | The Benevolent Society | Level 1, 3994 Pacific Highway | Loganholme |
| Mackay | Act For Kids and Girudala Community Co-operative Society | 33A Peel Street | Mackay |
| Maryborough/Bundaberg | Churches of Christ Care | 37 Tavistock Street | Torquay |
| Moreton Bay | Mercy Community | Suites 28-29 Kingsgate Centre, 42-44 King Street | Caboolture |
| Mount Isa | Save the Children | 121 Marian Street | Townview |
| Rockhampton/Gladstone/Emerald | UnitingCare Community | 229 Musgrave Street | North Rockhampton |
| Roma | Mercy Community and Lifeline Darling Downs | 35 Queen St | Roma |
| Sunshine Coast/Gympie | Act for Kids | Level 2, 15-17 Ocean St | Maroochydore |
| Toowoomba | Mercy Community | 104 South Street | Rangeville |
| Townsville | Mercy Community | 111 Charters Towers Rd | Hermit Park |
How can I help others?
Are you worried about someone else? Maybe it’s your adult kids and grandkids, a family at school or your friend at work? You can help them get the support they need.
Simple things like organising a playdate or chatting to your friend or colleague might be the start to getting them the help they need.
One of the best ways you can help is by starting a conversation. So talk to them and encourage them to call 13 FAMILY (13 32 64) or visit their local Family and Child Connect office to get some advice and support for their situation.
You may even like to offer your support when they speak with Family and Child Connect – either over the phone or in person.
Reporting abuse
If you have reason to suspect a child is experiencing harm, or is at risk of experiencing harm, contact Child Safety.
Always phone Triple Zero (000) if you believe a child is in immediate danger.
What other support is available?
If you are looking for practical support to help with the day-to-day work of raising children there are a number of websites and services that provide useful tips and information for parents and families:
Raising Children Network – A comprehensive website offering resources and information on parenting for children of all ages.
Triple P – Positive Parenting Program – A free parenting program for Queensland parents and carers to raise happy, healthy children and teenagers.
Parentline – A confidential telephone counselling service which supports parents and carers of children.
Talking Families – A website full of useful tips to help start a conversation – either so you can ask for help for you and your family or offer support to a family you know.
oneplace – A free, online community services directory for Queensland parents, young people and families who are having tough times, to find help in your local area.