Parent Pathways
Parent Pathways is a free and voluntary mentoring program for parents and caregivers with a child aged under 6 years. It’s designed to help you take the next step toward your personal, work, or study goals, with gentle guidance and practical support.
About the program:
Parent Pathways is a nation-wide program funded by the Australian Government to support parents and carers to plan their future. Participants are matched with qualified Parent Mentors from local providers who can give you personalised, open-minded support tailored to your unique goals and aspirations.
Who is eligible:
A person is eligible for the Parent Pathways program if they:
- Are the primary carer for a child aged under 6 years old
- Are not in paid work
- Live in an area where there's a Parent Pathways provider.
And receive one of the following income support payments through Centrelink:
- Parenting Payment
- Carer Payment
- Special Benefit.
A person may also be eligible if they are not getting a Centrelink payment, but are:
- Under 22 years old
- An early school leaver (didn’t finish year 12 or get a year 12 qualification)
- First Nations parents or carers.
A person must be an Australian resident or have the right to work in Australia.
Australian residents include:
- Under 22 years old
- Australian citizens
- Permanent Visa holders including Protection Visa (subclass 866); and
- Nominated Visa Holders including NZ Special Category Visa, Temporary Protection Visa Holder (subclass785) and Safe Haven Visa Holder (subclass 790).
What support is available:
A Parent Pathways mentor will work alongside you to set goals that feel realistic and meaningful. Support can include:
- Financial support
- Referral to specialist support services
- Support to find a childcare programs and to manage childcare costs
- Access to training and TAFE programs
- Career guidance
- Language ad literacy programs
- Technology and data support
- Driving lessons and Drivers Licence support
- Work related licences/tickets and clothing
How to access:
You can search for a Parent Pathways provider in your local area here.
Or from your Centrelink online account:
- Sign into myGov
- Select Go to Centrelink
- Select My details from the menu tab on the homepage
- Select Personal and Contact Details
- Select Manage consent details.
- Select Parent Pathways.
Find out more:
Parent Pathways- Services Australia
Parent Pathways - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government
