Child Care & Family Information Line

The Child Care and Family Information line (Phone: 1800 803 820) is a referral service funded by Community Services. Each year, over 3000 callers are assisted in finding information about services relating to children and families.

Statistics show that parents make the largest percentage of calls to the info-line. A significant amount of calls received, both from rural NSW and the metropolitan Sydney area, request information in finding help for children at risk, where they are subsequently referred to the Community Services helpline for further assistance.

Of particular interest in 2010 was an increase in enquiries for information about youth support up to the age of 16 years. Two other areas where families continue to make requests are gaining access to legal assistance for Family Law matters such as separation and child custody. Health and child development are also popular enquiries as parents become more familiar with research-based evidence on early childhood and have shown an interest in increasing their knowledge of this area. Gowrie NSW has been able to direct parents to key organisations and support groups working towards children’s rights and wellbeing.

Gowrie will continue to conduct statistical analysis and facilitate the ongoing improvement and tailoring of this service to the needs of practitioners, parents and the general public. This ensures the service remains relevant and helpful to the wider community.