OzChild offers an Information and Advice service for kinship carers, and others who may be supporting kinship carers, in the designated Local Government Areas.

If you are living in the areas covered by Wesley Mission Victoria please call (03) 9794 3000.

What does the OzChild Information and Advice Service offer?

• Information about the range of community supports available for kinship carers
• Advice about how to manage the issues and challenges that kinship carers may face
• Advice about the care requirements of the child they are caring for
• Information about the financial supports that may be available for kinship carers.

Who can use the Information and Advice Service?

Anyone involved in kinship care such as:

• Kinship carers
• Children in kinship placements
• Members of the extended family
• Professionals involved in supporting kinship carers and children
• Other relevant members of the broader community

A Kinship Information and Advice Worker can be contacted at OzChild on (03) 9212 5600, or through this contact form (select Kinship Care). The office is open Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. Our reception staff will be able to tell you when the Kinship Information and Advice Worker is available.

Group Support

Groups provide invaluable support to kinship carers and the children or young people they care for. Meeting others in a similar situation can help normalise your experiences and break down isolation.

OzChild will be developing support and skill-based groups that will help carers build their confidence and skills. In the future, both the Information and Advice worker and our Family Support worker will have information about these groups.