Parent information

Parent information sessions

We currently don't have any sessions scheduled. Please re-visit this page for any upcoming information sessions.

We run parent information sessions on a variety of topics. All parents and guardians are invited to attend.

If you would like to speak to someone about parent information sessions, you can contact the Children Services Unit by emailing info@merri-bek.vic.gov.au  or calling 9240 2316.

Other resources/information for parents

Early years services and support
Children's health and wellbeing services and resources
  • Raising children network provides ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts.
  • Maternal and Child Health Line is a confidential 24-hour Maternal and Child Health telephone service, providing information and advice about the care and health of children from birth to school age.
  • Holstep Health promotes happy, healthy children, young people and strong families with a wide range of health services.
  • Kids Health Info is designed to support children to thrive. Created with experts at The Royal Children's Hospital, Kids Health Info includes digital fact sheets, videos, podcasts and social media content.
  • Emerging Minds provides mental health and emotional wellbeing support for Australian infants, children, adolescents and families.
  • Smiling Mind provides proactive tools and programs to support children to have positive mental health.
  • The BRAVE program is an interactive, free online program for the prevention and treatment of childhood and adolescen anxiety.
  • Kids Helpline is Australia's free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
  • esafety Commissioner provides advice for parents and carers to help keep children safe online.
  • Parental Portal on Service Victoria is a free, secure digital hub that brings together family administration, health tracking, and educational resources for Victorian parents and carers.
First Nations

  • Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) provides a range of services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, such as Maternal Child Health Services, a Paediatric Clinic, and health checks for children and young people.

  • The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is a state-wide Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) servicing children, young people, families, and community members.
  • VAEAI provides independent Koorie community advice to local, state and national government departments and agencies. VAEAI supports and advises services that provide early childhood education for Koorie children.
LGBTIQA+
  • Transcend provides support for families and their trans, gender diverse and non-binary children and young people.
  • Rainbow Families is the peak organisation supporting LGBTQ+ parents and their children, delivering playgroups, events, and practical resources.
  • Minus 18 aims to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth via life-affirming events, leadership programs, and education for the whole commuinity.
  • Parents of gender diverse children provides direct support to parents or those parenting a trans or gender diverse person, including information, referrals, peer support and connections within this community.
Children with disability
  • Advocating for Children with a Disability (ACD) provides information, support, and advocacy to families of children with disability in Victoria.
  • Amaze is the peak body for autistic people, providing support and information to autistic families.
  • Brotherhood of St Laurence NDIS Early Childhood Approach helps families navigate the NDIS, access early intervention supports, connect with local community services, and develop tailored strategies for their child's development.
  • My Time organises supported groups where parents and carers of children with disability or other additional needs can feel understood, share ideas and access quality information and resources.
  • Envisage provides online resources, information, and tools to support parents as they navigate the joys and complexities of raising a child with developmental concerns or disability.
Parenting support
  • Parentzone provides programs and courses to help carers and parents develop and strengthen their parenting skills.
  • Melbourne City Mission supports children and families through parenting support, case management and specialist programs.
  • Drummond Street provides parenting programs, courses, support, and counselling, including for LGBTIQA+ families.
  • Holstep Health Family Foundations is a free 10-session program that helps parents work together to manage the ups and downs of raising children.
  • The Orange Door provides assistance for people who are experiencing or using family violence or who need support with the care and wellbeing of children and young people.
  • PANDA Australia supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.
  • Lifeline provides a directory of free or low-cost health and community services available in Australia. It includes services such as domestic violence, family and children's services, financial assistance and mental health.

Where to find information about children's events

You can find out the different children's events that are happening at our libraries in Merri-bek on our Children and Young People page.