Launch of new booklet entitled 'Relationships - A Parent's Guide'

6/11/97

A new resource to help children deal with family pressures has been launched today by Family and Children's Services Minister Rhonda Parker.

"The booklet, entitled 'Relationships - A Parent's Guide', has been produced to address a range of issues of concern to families, including drug abuse, suicide, employment and child abuse," Mrs Parker said.

"Kids Help Line has identified the need for this type of booket, with 60 per cent of calls received through the Help Line indicating problems in communication between young people and others they are involved with."

The publication focuses on relationships between parents and their children and how communication is a vital factor in these relationships.

Kids Help Line provides a national 24-hour freecall, confidential and anonymous telephone counselling service for children and young people aged from five to 18 years.

"The booklet also has suggestions for parents, including basic information about how to take time out for themselves to enable them to have good relationships with their children," Mrs Parker said.

"The Government has already introduced Parenting Information Centres at shopping centres in country and metropolitan areas, where parents and family members can get advice and access books and videos containing information about families and parenting."

The new booklet is available throughout WA from Scouts Australia, Kids Help Line and the Government's Parent Information Centres.

Media contact: Donna Cole on 9481 7810