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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.
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.
Independent Victorian providers offering services in this category. Availability and response data is shown where measured.
FR
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
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
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
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
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
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
Are you a Victorian allied health or child-development provider?
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