Parenting and child health services
Health
Triple Zero (000) is a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.
Mental health emergency
For help in a mental health emergency, call the Mental Health Triage Service on 13 14 65 (24 hours, 7 days).
Not an emergency?
Is it an emergency or more of an umm…ergency?
Health Direct is a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice. When you’re unsure what to do, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Child and Adolescent Virtual Urgent Care Service (CAVUCS) connects parents with a virtual team of highly skilled emergency doctors and nurses who can assess and provide medical advice for your children, aged between 6 months and up to 18 years, 7 days a week from 09:00 am to 09:00 pm.
This service can also support children and adolescents experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis.
A GP (General Practitioner, or family doctor) is a doctor who specialises in family medicine: they help babies, children, teenagers, and adults of all ages. Women’s and Children’s Hospital have a helpful resource Connecting with a GP (Family Doctor).
Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) provides services across South Australia, based on the latest research and best practice. Our services include:
- health services for infants and children 0 to 5 years, with a focus on 0 to 3 years
- feeding, settling, child development support and development checks
- parenting support and information to parents and caregivers
- up to date health information for parents and their children.
Find your local Child and Family Health Service centre. To make an appointment, call 1300 733 606 between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Paediatric outpatient clinics
Specialist outpatient clinics require a written referral from a GP sent to the relevant hospital or outreach clinic. Where your child is seen will depend on where your child lives and what services are available – see your GP (General Practitioner, or family doctor) for a referral.
Child Development Services
Children with multiple or severe developmental problems requiring developmental assessment can be referred to the Child Development Unit (PDF 420KB).
Child and Adolescent Mental Health
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is a free, community-based mental health service offered by the Women’s and Children’s Health Network.
CAMHS provides services to mothers in the perinatal period, infants, children, and young people up to the age of 16 (up to 18 in some regions) and their families. See your GP (General Practitioner, or family doctor) for a referral.
Aboriginal Health Services
SA Health have a directory of Aboriginal Health Services across the state to support Aboriginal families in accessing culturally responsive care.
Parenting
Early Years SA app provides families in South Australia with trusted resources and credible information to guide you on your parenting journey for years 0-5.
Parenting SA promotes the value of parents and the important role of parenting. It aims to support parents to build their knowledge, skills and confidence.
Parent Easy Guides (PEGS) are fact sheets with helpful information for parents and carers. You’ll find these guides in most childcare centres and community centres.
The CaFHS Parent Helpline (1300 364 100) provides telephone information and support for parents and carers of children from birth to five years living in South Australia. Calls received between 7:15 am to 9:15 pm will be answered by local Parent Helpline staff; calls received outside these hours will be automatically redirected to the national healthdirect helpline.
Children's Centres for Early Childhood Development and Parenting are service hubs for parents and children from birth to five years including health services, childcare, preschool, community development activities and family support. SA Health is a key partner in this cross-government initiative.
Online health information for parents and children
See Child and Family Health Service for more information.
These sites are outside of SA Health but are considered high-quality, evidence-based resources.
Raising Children is the Australian Parenting Website supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is a national Australian Government service providing support and information for expecting parents and parents of children, from birth to 5 years of age.
Red Nose is Australia’s leading authority on safe sleep and safer pregnancy advice, and bereavement support for anyone affected by the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth, the death of a baby or child.
Kids Health Info at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Melbourne provide a range of fact sheets on conditions, tests and treatments to help you care for your family. The fact sheets share evidence-based advice that reflects the latest health research. They also include links to other helpful websites you can trust.
Australian Breastfeeding Association is Australia's peak body for breastfeeding information, education and support. Personal breastfeeding support can be accessed at the Breastfeeding Helpline 24/7 on 1800 686 268.
Raising Healthy Minds App for children 0-12 years was co-designed with parents and mental health experts and funded by the Australian Government, supports children’s social and emotional wellbeing.
Kudos Services is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) partner in South Australia delivering the early childhood approach.
Feedback
This list of resources is compiled and managed by The SA Child and Adolescent Health Community of Practice.
For feedback, please contact Health.SACAH@sa.gov.au.