Children's wellbeing and parenting support

Give children steady, age-appropriate reassurance

Children can have different reactions to separation, grief or changes in care. Reassure them that adult decisions are not their fault. Predictable routines, trusted adults and space to ask questions can help, without asking children to manage adult conflict.

Keep children out of messages about money or disputes. Ask a GP, school or child-health service about support if you are worried. Tell the service about safety, disability, communication and cultural needs.

• Find services for children after separation (external website)↗

Check parenting arrangements and help together

A parenting plan and a court order have different legal effects. There is no universal equal-time arrangement that this website can select for your family. Get advice about orders, relocation or safety concerns. Do not ask a child to decide a legal dispute between adults.

Family Relationship services can explain options and referrals. Mediation or joint contact may be unsuitable where violence or risk is present; ask about safety assessment and legal exceptions.

• Understand separation and family relationship services (external website)↗

Make support practical for you too

Ask about parenting courses, counselling, peer groups and practical help with appointments or childcare. Check costs, referral requirements and whether the program suits the child's age and your circumstances.

Bereavement and kinship care can need different support from ordinary separation. If you are overwhelmed, seek health or specialist help and use the urgent-help page for crisis contacts. You do not need to solve every administrative task at once.

Your next step

Use the official links above, or find local services in your state.

Related guides

• Family law when a relationship ends
• School costs and support for children
• Health, Medicare and dental care
• Practical help and community support
• Bereavement, kinship and other caring arrangements