Parenting Line is providing help to thousands of families

15/5/96

Thousands of Western Australian families are receiving regular help from the State Government with assistance through the Parenting Line - a telephone advice service.

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes said parents today often needed help in dealing with the increasing pressures of work, the stresses of parenting and the balancing of career and home lives.

Mrs Edwardes said today's celebration of the United Nations International Day of Families was the perfect opportunity to remind parents of the assistance available.

"Family and Children's Services actively encourages parents in their changing and often difficult roles," Mrs Edwardes said.

"While some parents want practical advice on managing their children's behaviour, others want to know what services are available in their areas or what information they can access.

"The department has in place a range of programs to assist families and parents across the broad spectrum of issues faced each and every day.

"The Parenting Line in particular means that parents, grandparents, friends and the wider community now have easy, quick and free access to trained staff through a dedicated telephone helpline."

The Parenting Line offered a free service to people across the State dealing with babies, children and adolescents up to age 18.

"Trained staff help on a range of issues from parental concerns about babies to toddler tantrums and behavioural worries right through to the best strategies for dealing with teenage rebellion, avoiding drugs and other special needs," Mrs Edwardes said.

"The line is linked to a database of services which can support parents and carers. For example, a new mother or father can call the line for information on which community groups operate in their area, what relevant courses are available and where essential services are located.

"It is very important, particularly during our current Family Week celebrations, that all members of our changing family groups realise that services do exist to help them if needed."

Mrs Edwardes urged parents to make use of the services available through Family and Children's Services and other non-Government organisations.

The Parenting Line is available across the State on Freecall 1800 654 432. Family and Children's Services also provided a range of handy literature on child development including magazines like Living With Babies, Living With Children and Living With Teenagers.

Mrs Edwardes said that more than 72,000 magazines had been distributed to parents since their launch six-weeks-ago and were available through schools, district department offices and the Parenting Line.

Specific information on Family week activities in local areas could be obtained by phoning the nearest Family and Children's Services office or by calling Public Affairs on (09) 222 2986.