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Family support and counselling

Family support and counselling services are available to families with children up to the age of 18 who live, work or study in the City of Melbourne. 

Two people sit on a couch across from counsellors who appear to be providing advice.

On this page

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We provide social work and family support services for families with complex issues and help families to overcome practical and emotional challenges.  

We advocate and can provide referrals for counselling where required, as well as linking families to social support and community activities. Several group programs are also available.

Our support services are available to families living, working or studying in the City of Melbourne. To check if that’s you, please refer to the City of Melbourne boundary map. 

Counselling

Talk to a skilled counsellor who has experience working with children, teenagers and parents. Our counsellors meet with family to discuss the issues that are worrying them. We also refer families to counselling services within their community as required.

Family counselling can involve the whole family, or just parents, or just children. It is voluntary and confidential.

Counselling can be helpful if:

  • You are feeling sad, or angry, or worried about yourself, your child, or your family.
  • You are finding it hard to adjust to having a new baby.
  • You don’t understand your baby or child’s behaviour and what it means.
  • Your child seems upset or worried or angry a lot of the time.
  • Your partner and you do not agree on how to parent your child.
  • You are not sure how to talk, play or enjoy being with your baby or child.

Family support and social work

Our Family support and counselling program targets vulnerable children and families where the child’s safety and development are at risk, or where parents are experiencing difficulties which then impact on their parenting abilities and children’s wellbeing.

Issues facing children and families may include:

  • mental health, including postnatal depression and anxiety
  • adjustment to parenting and ongoing parenting struggles
  • substance abuse
  • family violence or conflict
  • issues of structural disadvantage such as homelessness, poverty, cultural and language barriers to accessing services.

As part of our service, we provide bilingual support workers and offer interpreters where required. Appointments can take place in your own home, at one of our centres or at any other agreed location.

For assistance or to arrange an appointment, please contact the Family support and counselling team on supportandcounselling@melbourne.vic.gov.au 

Family violence support

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Sometimes things at home or in a relationship don’t feel safe, and you may not know where to turn for help. If you’re experiencing family violence or you’re concerned for another person’s safety, there is help available.  

If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 000Opens in new tab and ask for Police.

Safe Steps

Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre for confidential crisis support, information and accommodation for women (and women identifying) victims of family violence. 

InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence

Intake workers (available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) specialise in working directly with migrant and refugee women who have experienced family violence. 

1800 RESPECT

National sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service. This is free, confidential support is available 24/7.

Safe Steps

Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre for confidential crisis support, information and accommodation for women (and women identifying) victims of family violence. 

InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence

Intake workers (available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) specialise in working directly with migrant and refugee women who have experienced family violence. 

1800 RESPECT  

National sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service. This is free, confidential support is available 24/7.

The Orange Door

The Orange Door provides help and support for family violence, as well as to as families in need of support with the wellbeing and development of children and young people. Access is free and confidential regardless of age, gender, sexuality, culture, religion and ability. Available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (closed public holidays).

Djirra  

A specialist Aboriginal family violence service that provides a culturally safe place where culture is celebrated and practical support is available, Djirra supports Aboriginal women’s journey to safety and wellbeing. Available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

Elizabeth Morgan House (EMH)

This refuge accommodation and specialist family violence provides services to Aboriginal women and their children. EMH welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, non-binary, sistergirls, brotherboys, intersex and two spirit queer folk who identify as women or feel comfortable accessing a women’s service. Available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 4pm on Friday.

Yarning SafeNStrong

Telephone crisis line for Aboriginal people and families who need to have a yarn with someone about their wellbeing. Available 24/7.

Dardi Munwurro’s Brother to Brother

Telephone crisis support for Aboriginal men with family violence issues. Available 24/7.

Rainbow Door

A free specialist LGBTIQ+ helpline that supports individuals and families of all ages and identities with family violence, including intimate partner violence, elder abuse, sexual assault and relationship issues. Available 10am to 6pm, daily.

WithRespect

WithRespect provides resources, tip and advice for LGBTIQ+ people on having and maintaining healthy relationsh ips.  We also provide support for LGBTIQ+ people of all ages and their families experiencing difficulty in their relationships, including family violence.

Seniors Rights Victoria

Free and confidential services to support older Victorians experiencing abuse. Available 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Sexual Assault Crisis Line 

Crisis counselling service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault. Available 24/7. 

Victims of Crime 

Information and support for any victims of family and sexual violence and victims of violent crime. Available 8am to 11pm, daily. 

Child Protection – West Division 

To report children and young people whose safety is at risk. 

  • Call: 1300 360 462
  • After hours Child Protection Emergency Service: 13 12 78 (5pm to 9am Monday to Friday, 24/7 on weekends and public holidays) 
Kids Helpline 

Private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Available 24/7. 

Parenting and family support

our acknowledgement

  • Torres Strait Islander Flag
  • Aboriginal People Flag

The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. 

 

We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.

We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.