Resources

There are many excellent (and some not so great) resources out there to support people through the process of separation and being a sole parent. What you want or need will depend on your individual situation. This section provides just some of the resources available, if you know of or can recommend any others please let us know and we will provide links to them. Or, if you do try one of these resources and find it less than helpful please let us know that as well.

Perhaps a good place to start is with Family Relationships Centres . The Federal Government recently set up a network of Family Relationship Centres around Australia to provide families with information and support for relationship and separation issues.  These are a bit like "one stop shops" for most issues to do with relationships, separation, and children. If they can't assist you, they can probably direct you to the most appropriate places for your situation.

Family Relationship Centres are run by professionally qualified staff who deliver confidential and impartial services such as mediation, and are able to link you up with other services if necessary.

To find a Centre near you, call 1800 050 321 or go to Family Relationships Online.

Prior to going to Court over children, parents are required to attend mediation to try to resolve their issues and help them to focus on the children. This requirement is waived where there is violence or other risk to safety for either the parent or children.