Wendouree West Community Gateway - Topics

Single Parenting

After The Breakup
After a separation and divorce, most parents want to work out plans for how their children will live. For some this works without too much hassle, but others may need to go to the Family Court to sort out future parenting arrangements. Sometimes parents just can't agree. They may think differently about what is best for their children or they can be caught up in their angry or hurt feelings about each other, and can't talk without arguing. Many parents have a continuing deep love for their child and have a terrible sense of loss.

Are You A Single Parent?
Single parent families are different to families with two parents living under the same roof. Single parenting differs from dual parenting in many ways, but the most common difference is the way in which the parent interacts with the child. Problems may arise for the parent or child alike.

Being A Dad
There are lots of different kinds of dads. Whether you are in a nuclear family, in a stepfamily, have full-time care as a single parent or have your children with you for some of the time, being a dad is your most important job. In the past fathers were often the ones who were responsible for discipline and setting rules and mothers did most of the caring. While parenting can be done by either parent, children still have different experiences with their fathers than with their mothers. Fathering is not the same as parenting.

Single Parenting - Benefits/Payments

Carer Allowance
Carer Allowance (Child) helps parents or carers to care for children with a disability at home. It replaces the former Child Disability Allowance.

Child Care Benefit
Child Care Benefit helps you with the cost of child care for long day care, family day care, occasional care, outside school hours care, vacation care and registered care.

Family Tax Benefit Part A
Family Tax Benefit Part A helps you with the cost of raising children.

Family Tax Benefit Part B
Family Tax Benefit Part B gives you an extra payment to help with the cost of raising children. It also gives extra help if your family has a child under the age of five years.

Maternity Allowance
Maternity Allowance helps you with the extra costs you have when a new baby is born.

Maternity Immunisation Allowance
Maternity Immunisation Allowance is paid for children born on or after 1 January 1998, after the child reaches 18 months old and either has been fully immunised, or is exempt from immunisation.

Parenting Payment
This payment provides financial help for people who are primary carers of children. Parenting payment can only be paid to one person who cares for a child.

Pensioner Concession Card
A Pensioner Concession Card entitles you to reduced cost medicines as well as other concessions.

Single Parenting - Services

Crompton Flats Program
The Crompton Street Flats Program offers medium term accommodation for young women aged 25 years and under, pregnant or with children. Assistance with budgeting, parenting, parenting skills and more are offered through the program.

Emergency Accommodation
The Ballarat Salvation Army's Macarthur Street Centre provides short term crisis accommodation for single women and women with children for up to six weeks, who are experiencing homelessness, in a safe environment.

Wendouree Cooinda Maternal & Child Health Centre
An in-home and outreach service specifically targeting young unsupported single mothers with infants and children 0 to 6 years old.

Single Parenting - Maternal Health

Maternal Child and Health Centres
The City of Ballarat operates several Maternal Child and Health Centres throughout Ballarat. These centres are run by qualified staff who offer support and advice on bringing up your child/children. You can aslo keep up to date with the development of your child by having them weighed and measured.