Support Resources

Raising Children Network - www.raisingchildren.net.au

A web-based resource for parenting newborns to adolescents, including a section on children with special needs.
Information on your child’s disability and your feelings, dealing with the reactions of others, sibling issues, services and supports, working with professionals, and disability rights and the law.
Discussion forum for parents to share ideas and connect with other parents of children with disabilities.

Association of Children with Disabilities NSW - www.acdnsw.org.au

A parent-run association which provides information and support to parents and families who have a child with a disability or developmental delay.
Produces “Through the Maze” (referral, information and support handbook) and “Helping You and Your Family” (focuses on the emotional and relationship considerations that impact on the family).
Provides advocacy and telephone-based support and networking with parents and families.

Carers Australia - www.carersaustralia.com.au

National body representing carers in Australia. Works with carer associations in each state.
Aims to improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of carers.
Provides telephone support.
Register for “Better Start” initiative which provides funding for early intervention for children with certain conditions.

Carers NSW - www.carersnsw.asn.au

Young Carers NSW - www.youngcarersnsw.asn.au

Provides information for young people (under 25 years) who are carers.
Provides a forum for young people to have a say and share ideas which is moderated by a trained counsellor.

Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre - www.commcarelink.health.gov.au

Information centres that provide information about support services available locally for people with disabilities, including information about respite and carer counselling programs.
Phone: 1800 052 052

Siblings Australia -siblingsaustralia.org.au

Provides support for brothers and sisters of people with special needs, including people with disabilities. Provides information for parents on issues for siblings.
Print and web-based resources and networking opportunities for siblings.
A web forum for siblings only (young, teen and adult siblings).

Livewire - www.livewire.org.au

Provides a free and safe online community for children and young people (10-21 years) with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability. Also provides separate online communities for the siblings and parents.
Children, young people, siblings, and parents can connect with others in a supportive environment.

Reach Out - au.reachout.com

Web-based service that provides young people with information, support, advice and connections to help them manage a range of health issues to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Aims to build the skills of young people, provide information, support and referral.
Moderated by trained staff.

This page was created in March 2012 and last reviewed on October 13th 2014.