Play your part

Here's how you can play your part

1. Start a conversation.

   When you see someone you know struggling with parenting, it’s normal to be a little worried about starting a conversation.

   Simple things like organising a playdate or chatting to your friend or colleague might be the start to getting them the help they need. Suggesting other people they can talk to, like a family member, GP or other professional support, can be valuable for someone doing it tough.

2. Offer a family practical support.

   Parentline is a free, confidential telephone counselling service for parents or primary caregivers. Call 1300 301 300, 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week.

   Queensland parents can access Triple P – Positive Parenting Program for free to learn,  simple but proven ways to manage common day-to-day challenges of parenting and give children of all ages the best opportunity to reach their full potential.

   Parents can find reliable information and resources to help them in the day-to-day work of raising children and looking after their own needs on the Raising Children website.

   If a family needs more support, Family and Child Connect can connect them with local services to make things better for them and their family. There are 17 Family and Child Connect services covering Queensland to help families get through life's challenges and support children to develop in healthy and positive ways. Phone 13 FAMILY (13 32 64) to find local help. It's free, confidential and worth the call. Access to interpreters is available.

   Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services make it easier for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in communities across Queensland to access culturally responsive support to improve their social, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing, and build their capacity to safely care for and protect their children.

3. Get involved in your local community.

   Child protection is everyone’s business, and we need all Queenslanders to care for and pay attention to the children and young people in our lives and communities.

   Organisations such as the Pyjama Foundation link you with children for mentoring and friendship. Volunteering Queensland also offers opportunities to help out children and young people in your community.

4. Become a foster and kinship carer.

   Foster and kinship carers are everyday people from all walks of life. If you have a place in your heart for a child who needs support and understanding, learn more about foster and kinship care, including how to apply to become a carer.

   Foster carers choose the level of commitment they are able to make, taking into account their own family situation. Care options include:

   • emergency care — for a short time, at short notice and in urgent situations at any time of the day or night
   • short-term care — day-to-day care for up to two years
   • long-term care — day-to-day care until the child is 18 years of age
   • short breaks care — for when long-term foster or kinship carers need a short break
   • intensive care — for children with complex and special needs.

5. Report your concerns. Don’t ignore them.

   If you have reason to suspect a child is experiencing harm, or is at risk of experiencing harm, contact Child Safety.

   Always phone Triple Zero (000) if you believe a child is in immediate danger.

6. Change a child’s life. Become a Child Safety Officer.

   Queensland needs qualified and highly motivated Child Safety Officers to work with families to keep children safe and well.

   If you want to make a real difference to improve the lives of some of Queensland's most vulnerable children, apply to become a Child Safety Officer.

   The work is both challenging and rewarding, offers a range of opportunities for career progression and there are positions available across the state.