About
Parent Pathways is a free, voluntary and flexible service that supports parents and carers of young children to set and work towards personal or family goals. Participants are partnered with a Parent Coach who provides guidance, encouragement and links to local services. Support is tailored and may include developing life skills, accessing education, preparing for employment, connecting children to activities, or navigating childcare and financial supports. Parent Pathways helps parents build confidence and create the future they want for their family.
Eligibility criteria
Parent Pathways is designed for parents and carers who are caring for a young child and are currently not in paid employment.
To participate, your youngest child must be under six years old, and you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a nominated visa.
In addition to this, you need to meet at least one further condition: you may have been receiving Parenting Payments for the past six months, be under the age of 22, identify as a First Nations parent or carer, or not have completed Year 12 or a Certificate III.
Referral process
Parents and carers can access Parent Pathways through a simple and direct referral process. People can contact the service themselves by phone, email or through the website.
Once contact is made, a Parent Coach follows up to explain how the program works, confirm eligibility, and understand the parent’s goals.
Together, they then arrange sessions at times and locations that suit the needs of families with young children, whether that is in person, by phone or via video