Parent Pathways

Parent Pathways is a free, voluntary service designed to improve your employability. We provide personal and financial support to eligible parents and carers of children aged under six years old.

With the support of a dedicated mentor, you will develop a plan to meet your personal, study or work goals and find employment. Whether you want to grow your confidence, get new skills, or build your knowledge, we can help.

We can support you to:

• join training courses, including First Aid
• access driving lessons and get a license
• find and enrol in language programs, TAFE, or university
• find childcare and playgroups for your child
• identify and plan your career of choice
• get support from other services for financial advice and domestic and family violence support
• buy items you need for work and study.

You can access support at your own pace, and you can take a break, pause and return whenever it is best for you.

Once we receive your referral, you will get a call from a Parent Pathways team member who will check if you are eligible for the program, and pair you with a mentor for ongoing support. Together, you will discuss your next steps, and start building a plan based on your personal, study, or work goals.

Financial support to help you reach your goals

If you’re eligible, you can access up to $1,250 per year through the Individual Fund. This flexible support is refreshed annually and can be used for items and services that help you work towards your goals, such as:

• education and training courses
• personal development courses
• driver’s licence costs
• fuel or bus vouchers
• phone credit
• grocery support.

When you attend face-to-face appointments, you may also be eligible for Engagement Support Vouchers.

You can choose to catch up with your mentor over the phone or in-person at a number of child-friendly locations across the region.

All our locations have wheelchair and pram access, baby change facilities, free parking, and public transport nearby.

Some parents and carers will be referred by Services Australia. Parents and carers can also self‑refer or be referred by YFS staff or other services, provided they meet the program eligibility criteria.

Participation is voluntary, and parents and carers choose the goals they want to work towards and the pace at which they engage.

To discuss a referral or find out more, professionals can contact the Parent Pathways team on 07 3826 1500 or email ParentPathways@yfs.org.au.