Getting started with the service

When you take part in Parent Pathways, you will be supported by a mentor who will work with you to achieve your personal, study or work goals.

On this page:

First appointment

If you are eligible for Parent Pathways, a mentor will contact you to set up an appointment at a time that suits you.

At this appointment your mentor will:

At your next appointment, your mentor will work with you to complete your Goal Plan.

Parent Snapshot

The Parent Snapshot helps your mentor understand your circumstances, strengths, and challenges. The Parent Snapshot is completed during your first meeting and is updated every 12 months or if your circumstances change.

It covers:

  • language, literacy, and numeracy skills
  • digital literacy and internet access
  • education and qualifications
  • employment and work history
  • transport
  • living arrangements
  • your caring arrangements and personal circumstances

You only need to share this information once.

Individual Fund

When you join Parent Pathways, you will receive an Individual Fund. Every 12 months you will get $1,250 (GST inclusive) to help you achieve your goals agreed in your Goal Plan. To use your Individual Fund you must have an agreed Goal Plan.

Your Individual Fund can be used to help pay for:

  • education and training courses
  • laptops, phones, or other technology products
  • driving lessons and drivers licence costs
  • engagement support vouchers
  • non-vocational support, such as financial counselling or parenting courses
  • transport costs to attend appointments and activities
  • work-related licences and tickets.

You can check your Individual Fund balance any time through your Workforce Australia Online account. You can also see:

  • how your fund has been spent
  • which goal the purchase is linked to
  • your completed goals

The Individual Fund factsheet provides more information on how view your balance.

Engagement Support Vouchers

These vouchers help you pay for everyday essentials like groceries, petrol, education or training.

At your first appointment you can get a $100 voucher and a $50 voucher at ongoing appointments. To receive an Engagement Support voucher, your appointments should be in-person.

Engagement Support vouchers are capped at $250 per year and are purchased using your Individual Fund. You do not have to take a voucher if you would rather use your Individual Fund for something else.

Goal Plans

Your Goal Plan is your personal plan for what you want to work toward while you are in Parent Pathways. It is all about your hopes, your needs, and your next steps. Your mentor will work with you to complete your plan, but the goals are always your choice.

Your Goal Plan helps you stay focused, see your progress, and feel confident as you move toward study, work, or personal goals.

Your Goal Plan is developed during your follow up discussion with your mentor. It is a simple, supportive conversation where you talk about:

  • what you want for yourself and your family
  • what is happening in your life right now
  • what might help you move forward
  • what steps feel achievable for you

You can update your Goal Plan any time during check in appointments with your mentor and at your 12 months review.

When you are ready you can agree your Goal Plan by: