Informal Grandparent and Other Carers in New South Wales
If something serious happens to the child or young person in your care or if you think a child or young person is at risk of significant harm from abuse or neglect, call the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The internet is a useful source of information for out-of-home carers. This page contains links to Commonwealth, state and territory, and non-government information, supports and services that may be useful to you.
Go to National Support and Services to find out what Commonwealth and non-government support you may be eligible for.
Find the answer to Frequently Asked Questions about Australian Government support.
New South Wales Government information and support for grandparents raising grandchildren
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- NSW Supported Care – If you have come to a private arrangement with the family, you may be able to get help from the New South Wales Government.
Legal information and assistance
Information to help you raise the children in your care
- Parentline NSW – A free, professional telephone service to help you with raising children aged 0 to 18 years. Call 1300 1300 52 to speak to someone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Careline – If you have any problems raising grandchildren aged 0 to 5 years, you can call 1300 CARING (1300 227 464) 7 days a week for professional help.
- Raising a Grandchild – Find information for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren in Australia.
- Parenting Information – Tips and guides on raising children.
- Healthy Kids – Information and ideas about physical activity and healthy eating for children and young people.
- Support for children – If your grandchild has experienced family violence or child abuse they may need professional counselling. This website has a list of services that might help.
Carer supports
- Council of the Aging (COTA) NSW – The NSW branch of an organisation that works to help older Australians.
- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – Information about supports and services available to grandparents raising their grandchildren in NSW
- Grandparent Support Groups – Find out about grandparent support groups in your local area.
- MyTime for Grandparents - MyTime for Grandparents is a national network of peer support groups for grandparent carers who are the full-time carers of their grandchildren aged up to 18 years. Find out more about the groups and if there is one near you.
Promoting the rights of children and young people in New South Wales
Information for Indigenous carers and carers of Indigenous children and young people
- AbSec – The NSW Aboriginal non-government body for issues affecting Aboriginal families and children involved in child protection.
- Aboriginal Legal Services – Legal advice and representation for Indigenous people in NSW and the ACT.