My family is separating — what now?
- Emotional support
-
Family violence support
- Are your children at risk?
- Child abuse
- Family violence orders
- Handing over children where there's potential for conflict or violence
- Planning ahead
- Support for children
- Support for me
- What the police can do
- What to do if you or your children are in danger
- What happens if you leave the family home
- What to do if you suspect child abuse
- Financial support
- Legal support
Organisations That Can Help
Depending on their age and what your grandchildren have been through, they will be experiencing a range of emotions. It will also take a while for everyone to adjust to their new circumstances. If your grandchildren have been through trauma and are in need of some professional support, there are a number of services providing confidential and free help.
It’s a good idea to let your grandchildren’s school know about their situation as they can let you know how they are coping. There are counsellors at schools who may be able to help your grandchildren with what they're going through.
- Kids Helpline — is Australia’s only free, confidential and anonymous telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
- CHaT First — is an interactive website for children and teens whose parents have separated or divorced. It has information that is useful for grandparents looking for support for their grandchildren, including information about family violence.
- Create — connects and empowers children and young people in care. It aims to improve the care system through activities, programs, training and policy advice.
- Reach Out — is a service that helps young people cope with tough times. It provides information and support on a range of issues including depression.
- Headspace — has 30 funded headspace services located in each state and territory across Australia. These services provide an entry point for young people to access a broad range of services that are available in their local community.
- Youth beyondblue — is all about getting the message out there that it’s okay to talk about depression, and to encourage young people and their family and friends to get help when it’s needed.
Resources
- CSA Booklet: A guide for teens — family separation