Phone: 1800 670 305   Website: www.mychild.gov.au/contact

The Australian Government has established the Child Care Access Hotline — a telephone service that provides you with information to help you choose a child care service that meets your needs. When calling the Hotline on 1800 670 305, a professionally trained operator will provide you with information about: child care services and possible vacancies in your area; types of child care available; quality issues; and government financial assistance with the cost of childcare. Various child care options such as long day care, family day care, in-home care, outside school hours care and occasional care will be explained so that you can make an informed choice. For further information call the Child Care Access Hotline between 8am to 9pm, Monday to Friday on 1800 670 305 (a free call unless calling from a mobile phone), Eastern Standard Time. A Translator Information Service is also available. A TTY Service is available on 1800 639 327 for people with a hearing and/or speech impairment.

Phone: 1300 729 309   Website: www.qld.gov.au/community/caring-child/foster-kinship-care-support-line/

The Department of Child Safety is committed to providing this support and because we understand that being a carer is a full-time role not just nine to five, we have established the Foster and Kinship Carer Support Line. Foster and kinship carers can call the support line on 1300 729 309 for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Queensland. The support line is staffed by experienced child safety officers who are available:weekdays from 5 pm - 11.30 pm and on weekends from 7 am - 11.30 pm. The support line staff are skilled in working with vulnerable children, and are able to provide practical information and parenting tips relating to: Behavioural problems: Children in out-of-home care may behave differently because of their experiences prior to coming into care, or they may have medical problems that carers need help understanding. Positive behavioural support is available after-hours via the Support Line for carers facing complex issues such as children with special needs or significant behavioural issues. Counselling and support We all face challenges or have difficult days, and for carers it can be even more complicated.Counselling and support is available after-hours for when carers have difficult and demanding moments, or when you just need someone to talk to. Carer resources - The support line can provide information about support agencies available in your local area, making referrals for specialist advice and assistance for children and carers.