ParentsNext
Service provider
AXIS Employment
Service name
ParentsNext
Service provided
ParentsNext is a pre-employment program that assists parents with young children prepare to enter the workforce. They work with parents to:
- identify strengths, skills, interests, and any training needs, and
- achieve study and employment goals by the time their youngest child reaches school age.
ParentsNext participants have access to a Participation Fund. This fund can be used to help cover costs associated with training, licenses, equipment, or other goods and services that genuinely support and assist in their preparation for employment.
Consultants also work with parents to ensure that they are linked with appropriate local support services.
Parents are not expected to look for work (unless they choose to) and appointments are once every 3 months in a family-friendly environment.
Brochure in English and other languages are available at https://www.dewr.gov.au/parentsnext/resources/welcome-parents-next-brochure
Target population
Parents with young children that are under school age.
Eligibility criteria
- Potential participants must be receiving a Centrelink Parenting Payment (can be single or partnered) and their youngest child must be under 5 ½ years.
- Voluntary participants (see below) can exit at any time.
Referral pathway
There are two ways participants can be referred to ParentsNext:
- Centrelink can refer participants directly to ParentsNext, or
- Participants can self-refer and become voluntary participants. Phone the Bendigo office on 1800 916 291 to speak with a consultant to pursue this referral pathway.
Specific contact
Amanda McDonald (ParentsNext Consultant)
0499 975 107