If you are a grandparent raising a grandchild, you may face a range of issues concerning your own health and that of the child. You may not have used child and family health services for some time, and may not know what help is available or how to access it. The child may have social, emotional or behavioural problems arising from their previous experiences. You may simply wonder whether a child’s growth and development are normal for the age range.

You may need information on current public health issues or access to dental health services. Your own health may suffer if you are anxious or depressed because your circumstances have changed so much and you feel cut off from friends and support. Some grandparents are caring for an aged parent as well, and need to know what community care services can support them.

This booklet provides information about where to go for advice on children’s physical, emotional or mental health and what community services are available for grandparents themselves, or for elderly relatives in their care. It contains useful telephone numbers for information and support. For example:

• Parenting Line: on 1300 808 178 is a valuable resource. It operates from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. You can get immediate advice on many issues, or be referred to the most appropriate specialist service.
• Family, Child and Youth Health Services: can be contacted through the Parenting Line listed above. They have a team of professionals who check the growth and development of babies and children and offer information on a range of family health issues.
• Oral Health Services Hotline: on 1800 814 702 can provide advice about oral health and dental services.
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: have a Crisis Assessment hotline on 1800 332 388. The Parenting Line listed above can also help with mental health issues.
• Child Protection Advice and Referral Service: 1300 737 639 is the number to call if you have concerns regarding the abuse or neglect of a child or children under the age of 18. The ‘Legal issues’ booklet in this series contains more information on Child Protection.
• Home and Community Care: to find out about care services in your area, call:
  • Commonwealth Carelink Centre: 1800 052 222; or
  • Carer Resource Centre: 1800 353 636.

Note: Calls from public pay phones or mobile phones may be charged at a higher rate. Calls to 1300 numbers cost 25 cents from anywhere within Australia; calls to 1800 numbers are free.

For further information:

• Children’s physical health
• Adult health and well-being

This information is also available in the Health and Wellbeing brochure [PDF 967KB].