Support for parents
We run a huge array of programs to help the families of Darebin to get the best start possible.
Parent education groups
We run a range of parent education groups during school terms. These services offer support, education and the opportunity for you to meet other parents.
Group sessions are free and available to Darebin residents.
Personal details are requested for the purpose of communication about updates to event information and responding to the needs of individuals and families at the event (early parenting program privacy statement(PDF, 64KB)). Read more about our privacy statement.
Parent-child Mother Goose program
This is a highly regarded early years program for parents and carers and children aged 0—4 years. The program is aimed at promoting healthy development in young children and positive family relationships. Facilitators will deliver the weekly sessions with families, including fun activities such as rhymes, songs, simple action games and oral story telling.
Priority of access is given to families holding a Health Care Card (or equivalent concession status) or with concerns with their child’s communication abilities.
You can register to join the wait list for the 2025 program by completing the booking form provided below.
Register for the Mother Goose program
Brush Book Bed
An interactive dental hygiene program for families with young children. The program will help you teach your children to brush their teeth and practice good dental hygiene. Sessions include songs and play-based learning strategies. You can take part with your children in the session.
Next BBB session is on Thursday 28 November 2024 10am-11.30am at Narrandjeri Stadium (multi-use room upstairs)
Register your interest for the BBB program
INFANT parenting program
Darebin City Council is running a free INFANT (INfant, Feeding, Active play and NuTrition) program developed by Deakin University it promotes healthy eating, active play and reduced screen time for babies aged from 3 months to 18 months.
The program is designed to be delivered as a four 2—hour sessions. Families can choose to attend the number of sessions, or the age / stage session that suits them best.
Each of the four sessions is targeted to a specific age group 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.
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Age group
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Session date and location
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Booking
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For 3 month old babies
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Tuesday 5 March 2024
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Session completed
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For 6 month old babies
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Tuesday 18 June 2024
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Session completed
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For 9 month old babies
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Tuesday 10 September 2024,10am—11.30am
Reservoir East Family Centre
15 Gisborne Crescent, Reservoir
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Session completed
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For 12 month old babies
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Tuesday 19 November 2024
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Bookings now open
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For more information, download the INFANT program information sheet(PDF, 1MB).
Bookings essential. Families are welcome to book into one session, or multiple sessions when available.
Register for the INFANT program
Raising preschoolers' session
Tuesday 12 November 2024, 10am—11.30am
Reservoir East Family Centre
Darebin’s Maternal Child Health Service and the Early Years Team are hosting a Raising Preschoolers parenting session for Darebin families with children aged 3 years to 5 years. This session will provide play-based activities for children to play and explore, while families receive information on various topics.
For more information, download the Raising preschoolers information sheet(PDF, 1MB).
Register for this early parenting program
Tuning into Kids parenting program - Term 1 2025
Every Wednesdays from 12 February to 19 March 2025, 10am—12pm
Reservoir Community and Learning Centre
Darebin City Council Family Services are offering a six week Tuning into Kids(PDF, 1MB) parenting program. Tuning in to Kids is an evidence-based program that focuses on an emotion coaching parenting style. The group supports parents/carers to develop an emotional connection with their child and shows parents how to help their child learn about emotions and develop emotional intelligence. Parents will learn different ways to talk with and understand their child, as well as how to help their young person manage emotions and deal with conflict. (Please note no child minding available onsite).
Register by calling Lisa on 0407 102 423 or emailing family.services@darebin.vic.gov.au
Circle of Security parenting program - Term 2 2025
Every Wednesday 7 May to 11 June 2025, 10am—12pm
Keon Park Children's Hub
Darebin City Council Family Support Services are offering a six-week Circle of Security(PDF, 1MB) program for parents and carers of children aged 0-8 years. Research shows that children who are in a secure relationship enjoy more happiness with their parents, solve problems on their own, get along better with friends, feel less anger at their parents, have higher self-esteem, and do better at school. This program will help you understand your child's emotional needs, strengthen your attachment and relationship with your child, give you knowledge to better respond to your child's needs, and help you reflect on your current parenting practices. Please note no child minding available onsite.
Register by calling Lisa on 0407 102 423 or emailing family.services@darebin.vic.gov.au
Play activities list
A list of fun family activities(PDF, 358KB) to engage with your children.
Family Services
Family Services can provide short- and long-term support to families experiencing complex issues such as family violence, mental health, substance abuse that can affect their children's safety, stability and healthy development. Our services include intake and duty work, information and referral, in home parenting support and advice, case management, linkages and advocacy and groupwork (see list below for programs offered).
Phone: 03 9496 1018 or 0407 102 423 or email us at family.services@darebin.vic.gov.au
Email the family services team
Parenting after violence group
A group for women dealing with the effects of family violence.
Email us about the parenting after violence group
Youth services
Youth services support young people aged 12—24 who live, work and play in Darebin. We provide safe and welcoming spaces and offer a wide range of skill development and leadership opportunities, events, social activities and linkages to specialised support services.
Email the youth services team
Orange door (in north-eastern Melbourne)
A centralised telephone intake service that gives children and their families information and referrals.
Phone: 1800 319 355
Single-parent families
Single-parent families include families where there may be only a mother or a father, or even a grandparent raising children. These families have additional stress involved with raising children, managing a household, working and keeping ahead of household bills.
We have a range of services to help you:
Financial help
If you're a single-parent family and you're eligible for a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card, you're also eligible for discounts on:
- municipal rates
- pet registration
- green waste collection
- kindergarten and childcare application lodgement fees.
- toy library joining fees.
Government grants are also available for eligible residents experiencing financial hardship. Grants can help you pay any electricity, gas or water bills that are overdue due to a temporary financial crisis. The Brotherhood of St Laurence and Victorian Government can help you find and switch to cheaper energy companies.
For more information, download the:
Our Maternal and Child Health team can help if you need resources for your baby or toddler.
We also work closely with St Kilda Mums and Big Group Hug to provide essential items for families experiencing financial hardship.
For more information, talk to your Maternal and Child Health Nurse or call 03 8470 8298.
More information
Contact Darebin Family Services, 9am—5pm, Monday to Friday
Phone: 03 9496 1018
Mobile: 0407 102 423
Email: family.services@darebin.vic.gov.au