My family is separating — what now?
- Emotional support
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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
Financial Counselling Services
If you are finding it hard to make ends meet you can get free and confidential advice from a financial counsellor. They can help you take control of your finances and make a financial plan for the future.
- The Government’s MoneySmart has tips and hints on how to take control of your finances including making a budget, setting financial goals, and how to start a savings plan.
- Centrelink Financial Information Service officers can show you how to make informed financial decisions and help you to understand the consequences of those decisions. They will provide information over the telephone, at personal interviews or through financial education seminars.
- The Commonwealth Financial Counselling Directory (CFC) is a list of organisations funded by the Australian Government to provide financial counselling services.
- Wesley Credit Help Line offers confidential counselling to vulnerable and disadvantaged people facing financial crisis. It offers assistance and self-help towards achieving financial independence. It is not a lending institution.
- Lifeline Service Finder can put you in touch with a free financial counselling service and the Child Support Agency’s Community Services Directory also includes organisations which provide financial counselling services.
- The St Vincent de Paul Society offers a Budget Counselling Training Program to assist people to use improved budgeting strategies and develop practical living in a way of re-establishing their self-respect and independence.
Resources
- CSA publication: Me and my Money
- MoneySmart budget planner