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Support category

Family Support Services

Practical help, community connections and guidance through local child and family services.

Published 4 October 2026Last reviewed 4 October 2026

What Are Family Support Services?

Family support services can include:

The exact service depends on the organisation and the family's circumstances.

  • practical family support
  • parent and carer support
  • service navigation
  • community connections
  • parenting programs
  • peer support
  • supported playgroups
  • information sessions
  • family education
  • transition support
  • connections to local health, education and community services

When Might a Family Seek Family Support?

Families may look for broader family support when:

Family support does not necessarily replace an allied health or medical service. Often, the most useful pathway combines different types of support.

  • they are unsure where to start
  • several services are involved
  • they need help finding local programs
  • a child has developmental concerns and the family wants practical guidance
  • parents want peer connection
  • family routines are under pressure
  • the family is preparing for kindergarten or school
  • they need help understanding which professional or service to contact

Family Support and Thriving Kids in Victoria

Victoria describes Thriving Kids as child and family-centred, strengths-focused and designed to help families build knowledge, skills and confidence. Depending on a child's needs, goals and family circumstances, support may include parenting support, peer support and local community programs.

From 1 October 2026, Victoria also lists supports including the Strengthening Parent Support Program, which provides facilitator-led and peer-led support groups, parenting education, information sessions and individual support for eligible families.

Thriving Kids is being rolled out progressively. The first six Victorian sites for targeted allied health and developmental checks are Bendigo, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Loddon, Maribyrnong and Melton, with those supports opening from January 2027.

Family Support Versus Allied Health

These services have different roles.

A speech pathologist may focus on communication. An occupational therapist may focus on everyday participation. A psychologist may support emotional wellbeing. A physiotherapist may support movement. A social worker or family support service may help a family navigate broader practical and social circumstances.

A family may need one of these services, several services or mainly information and practical family support.

What Should Families Look For?

When comparing family support services, check:

  • who the service is designed for
  • age range
  • location
  • individual or group format
  • home or community options
  • referral requirements
  • fees, if applicable
  • accessibility
  • languages available
  • whether the service works with other professionals

For Referrers

A useful referral or introduction can explain:

The family should remain involved in deciding what support is appropriate.

  • the family's main concern
  • the child's age
  • developmental or participation concerns
  • existing services
  • what the family wants help with
  • location
  • language or accessibility needs

For Family Support Providers

A clear Victorian provider listing should make it easy for families and referrers to understand what you do and where you work.

Include:

  • service type
  • age range
  • family or child focus
  • program format
  • location and service area
  • home or outreach options
  • referral pathway
  • cost information where relevant
  • accessibility information
  • current availability

Related support

Explore related services

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

Disclaimer

TK Victorian Providers/Thrivingkidsvic.au is an independent platform associated with Qaswa.au. We are not a Victorian Government, Australian Government, NDIA or NDIS website, and we do not administer the Thriving Kids program.

About

Discovery

Providers relevant to family support services

Independent Victorian providers offering services in this category. Availability and response data is shown where measured.

Family Relationships Institute Inc.

Verified information

Psychology

Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Social Work • Family Support Services

Family Relationships Institute Inc., trading as RelateWell, was founded in 1978 and is a not‑for‑profit community organisation delivering essential prevention and early intervention services across key transition points in the family lifecycle. Family and relationship services deliver the strongest outcomes for children by providing early, structured support that strengthens parental wellbeing, reduces conflict, and promotes secure, healthy family relationships. RelateWell’s services target the major stages of relationship formation, extension and separation, with a focus on strengthening relationships, preventing breakdown, and promoting wellbeing through counselling and psychoeducation. Our specialist mental health services provide structured, evidence‑based interventions tailored to the needs and complexities of adults, adolescents and children requiring targeted psychological support. RelateWell is a recognised leader in primary prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery, working closely with key stakeholders to support community wellbeing during significant life events. We are committed to providing accessible, safe and inclusive services to all members of the community. RelateWell is a registered NDIS provider of Therapeutic Supports, delivering specialised mental health, counselling and therapeutic services to eligible NDIS participants. Our Family and Relationship Services (FaRS) are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) and have been Commonwealth‑funded since our inception in 1978. RelateWell is also a Commonwealth service provider of contracted mental health services. As a registered NDIS provider of Therapeutic Supports, RelateWell is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based services that support participants to improve wellbeing, build capacity and achieve their individual goals.

Coburg
Telehealth available
Ages 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years, 3-5 years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredNDIS registeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply

New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete

Care For Your Mind

Verified information

Psychology

Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Social Work • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills

Care For Your Mind is a private psychology and counselling clinic located in Central Victoria, with two convenient locations in Bendigo and Castlemaine. We provide specialised therapeutic support for a range of mental health challenges, including: Abuse (sexual, emotional, psychological, physical & neglect) Trauma Relationship breakdowns Family dysfunction Stress Anxiety Depression Grief and loss Sexuality and gender identity affirmation Problematic Sexualised Behaviours Sensory processing difficulties Whether you are seeking therapy in Bendigo or Castlemaine, we are here to support you to Care For Your Mind. Care For Your Mind is grounded in the belief that individuals truly engage and begin to experience significant change when they are seen, heard, validated, and understood. We utilise a whole-brain approach that emphasises relational, sensory, and emotional safety to ensure our clients feel supported. Our treatment focus is person-centered and evidence-based, recognising that the strength of the therapeutic relationship is crucial for lasting change. Our practice offers a variety of mental health services tailored to your unique needs, including: Individual counselling Couples and Family Therapy Art and Expressive Therapy Psychological Assessments Neuroaffirming Therapy EMDR therapy As trusted therapists in Bendigo and Castlemaine, we are committed to guiding you on your journey to well-being.

Bendigo
Telehealth available
Ages 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Short waitlistNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply

New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete

Illustrative psychology therapy session with a child, featured by Dr Grace Hancock - Clinical Psychology & Autism Support

Dr Grace Hancock - Clinical Psychology & Autism Support

Verified information

Psychology

Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills

Dr Grace Hancock is a clinical psychologist with over 10 years experience supporting children, teens, and their families. Dr Hancock provides a range of clinical psychology services, with particular experience in autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences. Services are neuro-affirming, evidence-based and focused on helping young people and their families better understand their individual strengths, needs and ways of functioning. She also focuses on balancing acceptance of differences while still working towards progress and growth. Services include comprehensive developmental and psychological assessments (including autism, ADHD, cognitive (IQ) and adaptive functioning), individual and parent-focused psychology support, and small peer group programs. Support may focus on emotional regulation and wellbeing, anxiety, executive functioning, social understanding and connection, everyday independence, and building a young person’s understanding of their own neurotype. The practice also works collaboratively with parents, schools and other professionals to help translate this understanding into practical strategies and supports across home, school and community settings.

Williamstown North
Telehealth available
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply

New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete

Illustrative occupational therapy exercise with a child using a resistance band, featured by Occupational Therapy Group

Occupational Therapy Group

Verified information

Occupational Therapy

Speech Pathology • Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Assistive Technology • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills • Help Navigating Support Pathways

At The OT Group, our paediatric allied health team delivers integrated Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech Pathology services across Greater Melbourne, Bendigo, and regional Victoria. We provide goal-directed, evidence-based, and neuroaffirming supports across home, clinic, early learning centre, and school environments to build capacity and empower children to achieve independence and active participation. We focus on helping children develop the skills they need to grow into functional, independent adults. We support children to address challenges associated with sensory, motor, social and emotional development which can impact a child's ability to perform everyday tasks, engage in meaningful activities and perform at school. Our Occupational Therapists support children to develop the functional skills required for everyday activities, play, and learning: Fine & Gross Motor Skills: Strengthening hand function, dexterity, posture, coordination, handwriting, and physical play skills. Sensory Processing & Self-Regulation: Supporting sensory modulation and emotional regulation so children can comfortably engage and focus in various environments. Independence & Daily Living Skills: Developing self-care routines, personal independence, and practical life skills. Executive Functioning & School Readiness: Building organisation, planning, attention, task completion, and social participation skills Our Speech Pathologists evaluate and support all facets of communication, literacy, and mealtime safety: Early Intervention & Language Development: Assessing and treating expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language skills in early childhood and school-aged children. Speech Sound & Articulation: Improving speech clarity, articulation, phonological sound production, and fluency. Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC): Assessing, prescribing, and trialling low-tech and high-tech AAC devices using a total communication and neuroaffirming approach. Literacy & Phonics Support: Conducting phonological awareness and literacy assessments to deliver evidence-based reading, writing, and spelling instruction. Paediatric Feeding & Swallowing: Evaluating oral motor mechanics, drinking, and mealtime safety to provide interventions for eating and swallowing challenges.

Clinics in Bendigo
Telehealth available
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredNDIS registeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply

New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete

SdW Therapy Service

Verified information

Occupational Therapy

Capacity Building & Everyday Skills • Early Childhood Development Support • Assistive Technology • Family Support Services • Parent & Family Support • Developmental Assessments

At SdW Therapy Services, therapy is never a battle. We believe real progress starts with connection—not forcing a child to sit still, behave, or perform. When your child feels safe, understood, and regulated, that's when the magic happens! Through play and positive relationships, we help kids build essential skills like emotional regulation, confidence, and active engagement. Most importantly, we work right alongside you. You're an essential part of the journey, and we're here to make sure you feel supported, confident, and empowered every step of the way.

Melton
In person only
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply

New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete

The Psych Approach Clinic

Verified information

Psychology

Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills

The Psych Approach Clinic | Broadmeadows The Psych Approach Clinic provides warm, neuroaffirming and culturally responsive psychological support for children and families. We support young children experiencing developmental differences, autism, emotional regulation difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, behavioural challenges and other social-emotional needs. Our approach is family-centred and evidence-based, incorporating play and art-based approaches, CBT, ACT, parent support and skills-based interventions. We work collaboratively with families and other professionals to help children build confidence, emotional skills and meaningful participation at home, school and in the community. We are committed to making psychological support accessible and culturally safe for diverse families across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Broadmeadows
In person only
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply

New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete

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