Support Services for Dads

Article by the Federal Department of Human Services

The federal Department of Human Services through Child Support, provides support to separated parents to provide the financial and emotional support necessary for their children’s wellbeing.

Barry Cake from Child Support says Father’s Day is a timely reminder of the importance of fathers’ role in bringing up their children and where possible for fathers and kids to connect and spend time together.

“We understand it can be tough being a single parent, particularly if you don’t see your kids as much as you used to,” Barry Cake said.

“Separation should not mean the end of a dad's relationship with his kids. You will always be a father. The family will continue, but in a different form and being there for your children is very important.”

Barry Cake said whether you’ve been separated for a while or recently separated, it’s important to remember that everyone needs help.

“There are lots of professional services out there that can provide men with the assistance they need to get them back on their feet,” Barry Cake said.

“Child Support has partnerships with MensLine Australia, and beyondblue – the national depression initiative that help separated parents and their families in this situation.”

beyondblueis a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to educate Australians about depression, anxiety and related disorders .

Child Support and beyondblue work together to support separated parents, their children and other family members affected by separation.

Together we:

• promote community understanding that separation is a key risk factor for depression and other related disorders
• increase knowledge and awareness about these conditions, and
• provide information and resources to assist separated parents to look after themselves.

MensLine Australia is a national telephone support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. The service is available from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Child Support staff are trained to recognise customers’ emotional signs and are able to refer you on to specialised support services if you need information or support, or you can speak to someone directly at beyondblueby calling 1300 22 4636 and MensLine by calling 1300 78 99 78.

Child Support has a range of publications and services to help dads understand and manage the stresses of separation.

The booklets, What about Me (looking after yourself after separation) and Me, my kids and my Ex (relationship building with your kids after separation), can be downloaded at www.csa.gov.au or ordered by calling 1800 040 972.

“The message for men is, don’t ‘tough it out’ – there is support out there when and where you need it. And the better off you are, the better off your kids will be,” Barry Cake said.