On 1 November DEWR celebrates 12 months since the launch of Parent Pathways. This milestone demonstrates the value and impact of the service and the meaningful difference it is making in the lives of parents and carers and their families across Australia. More than 24,500 parents and carers across Australia have been supported through the service, with that number consistently growing.
Parent Pathways is exceeding expectations, with more than 700 participants having gained paid employment and more than 8,000 commencing education to secure work in the future.
Parent Pathways is a free, voluntary service supporting parents and carers of children under 6. Mentors meet regularly with parents and carers to identify and work through their personal, study and work goals; supporting them with financial assistance, connections to local support groups, access to childcare, language and literacy programs, career guidance and more. It is a family-friendly service, and children are always welcome at all appointments. Parent Pathways providers are in 51 employment regions across Australia and participants are singing their praises.
Cassidy Magee, a young Mum from Bunbury describes Parent Pathways as life-changing, giving her the confidence to think beyond her role as a mum.
“My mentor talked me through all the different pathways I could take part without it being overwhelming. Everything was done at my pace, and I had the time to weigh up all the options properly."
Image: Parent Pathways participant Cassidey Magee
Australian Government pilot success
In addition to being delivered by third-party service providers, Parent Pathways is also delivered by the Australian Government in Playford, Gawler and surrounding local government areas.
Since the launch, the APS Pilot team has supported more than 500 local parents and carers, helping them explore work and study goals in a way that fits their lives.
Image: Elizabeth Mitchell (back) is one of 11 mentors supporting parents through the Australian Government service delivery
A key part of the pilot’s success has been the dedicated team of mentors, a team of experienced and supportive professionals who offer personalised advice, encouragement and practical guidance.
“I really appreciate the Parents Pathway program, especially my mentor Jodie. She has guided me to find clear direction in my life,” pilot participant Sohra Mirzaie shared.
“The program has given me the confidence and encouragement to start building my own business as a family day care educator.”
Image: Parent Pathways participant Sohra Mirzaie pictured at the APS Pilot site in Elizabeth with her business registration certificate.
For more information
For more about Parent Pathways including eligibility, resources including translated materials, and how to find a local provider, visit Parent Pathways.
For information about the APS Pilot delivery of Parent Pathways, visit the Parent Pathways, delivered by the Australian Government page of this website.