Parent Pathways Program

Parent Pathways Program

Helping parents get ready for work, study, or volunteering – with family support along the way

What is Parent Pathways?

Parent Pathways is a free and voluntary support program from the Australian Government. It helps parents and carers of young children get ready for work, study, or other goals—like volunteering or joining community groups.

The program is friendly, flexible and based on what you want for yourself and your family. You choose how you take part, and you can stop or start anytime.

 Who can join?

You can take part in Parent Pathways if:

Parent Pathways Program

Helping parents get ready for work, study, or volunteering – with family support along the way

What is Parent Pathways?

Parent Pathways is a free and voluntary support program from the Australian Government. It helps parents and carers of young children get ready for work, study, or other goals—like volunteering or joining community groups.

The program is friendly, flexible and based on what you want for yourself and your family. You choose how you take part, and you can stop or start anytime.

 Who can join?

You can take part in Parent Pathways if:

You care for a child under 6 years old,

You are not currently working in a paid job,

You get Parenting Payment, Carer Payment, or Special Benefit (in some cases, you don’t need to be on payments),

You live in an area where Parent Pathways is available.

It is open to all kinds of parents and carers, including grandparents, foster carers and kinship carers. Some young people under 22 can also join.

What help can I get?

You’ll be matched with a mentor. This person will listen to you, help you set goals, and support you to reach them.

You and your mentor will make a Goal Plan together. This plan is about what you want for your future—whether that’s going back to school, getting job training, joining a group, or just building confidence.

Support includes:

One-on-one mentoring to talk about your goals and ideas.

Help with training and education, including short courses, TAFE, or job programs.

Financial help for things like uniforms, courses, tools, or childcare fees.

Childcare support – help finding a place, and advice about the Child Care Subsidy.

Referrals to services like family support, housing help, mental health, and domestic violence services.

Respect for culture and needs – First Nations and multicultural supports are available. You can ask for a mentor of a certain gender.

What makes it different?

You’re in control. You choose your goals. You choose how often to meet. You can take a break or stop at any time.

No pressure. You will not lose your Centrelink payment if you stop.

Family comes first. Appointments are flexible, and you can bring your kids if needed.

Caring support. The program is built on respect, safety, and trust.

How do I join?

There are three easy ways to join:

Log in to myGov and go to ‘Manage consent details’.

Ask Centrelink to refer you to Parent Pathways.

Contact a Parent Pathways provider in your area (search online at dewr.gov.au/parentpathways).

Why join?

Parent Pathways is here to support you and your children. It’s not just about getting a job—it’s about building confidence, making plans, and feeling ready for what comes next.

You don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help.