When it comes to promoting children's health and well-being, there are several useful programs available that can help parents and caregivers provide the best possible care for their children.
Child Health Service
This free service had numerous parenting support options available until the children are aged 8.
Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP)
ECDPs are services that support children who have been identified as meeting the guidelines of a diagnosed or suspected disability. ECDP services are delivered by special education specialist staff with support from other Department of Education and Training Specialists and Therapists. Most programs offer a centre-based service located at a school. All services are free. When the children reach their prep year, they are supported in their transition to their local school setting.
Family Connect GC
This service runs numerous parenting support programs for all age groups – delivered online and in person.
Communities for Children
A variety of free early intervention and parenting programs through their Community Partners.
These include:
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Youth Centre Programs at the Oxenford/Coomera Community & Youth Centre. |
Website: Oxenford/Coomera Community & Youth Centre – Oxenford & Coomera Community Youth Centre |
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Early Language Programs |
Website: Speech For Kids | Gold Coast Speech Therapy for Children |
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Parenting Programs |
Website: Family Support | Studio Village Community Centre |
Benevolent Society Gold Coast
A range of programs to support families including short-term 1-on-1 interventions in your home.
Act for Kids Gold Coast provides therapeutic support services to children and families to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect, helping to create safe and nurturing environments. They offer a range of programs including counseling, family intervention, and education to empower and support families in need.
Family and individual group education and support - Centacare Brisbane
Centacare Family and Relationship Services offer evidence-based parenting and family group education programs that equip parents and children with practical tools, strategies and support to build confidence, strengthen relationships and navigate challenges like separation and family change.
Supporting Minds
Wesley Mission Queensland has been commissioned to deliver two service streams of 3-month, moderate intensity Psychology Support for:
- Adults (16 years +) experiencing situational distress (homeless or at risk of homelessness, have domestic violence issues, have current legal procedures pending, are in significant financial hardship
- LGBTIQAP+: people (12-65 years) who identify with the LGBTIQAP+ community and/or are questioning sexuality or gender identity.
All Inclusive Sports Activities
A list curated by We Are Gold Coast of recommended sporting programs.
Your young person may also be eligible for a FairPlay voucher valued up to $200 per child, which can be used towards sport and active recreation membership, registration or participation fees.
Griffith University Psychology Programs
Psychology Clinics are run through Griffith University. Individual therapy is offered at a much lower cost than private services. A full list of their current programs can be found here. Contact them for further information – call 1800 188 295 or email psychclinic-gc@griffith.edu.au
Brave Program by the University of Queensland
This is a free online interactive program for the prevention and treatment of child and adolescent anxiety (age 3-17 years).
Momentum offers tailored online treatment programs to help children and adolescents learn new ways to cope with feelings of anxiety and/or unhappiness. Momentum also offers help with sleep difficulties, as well as information on well-being and help-seeking, and tips and information about substance use for adolescents. (Free, aged 7-17 years).
A free online program for Australian parents and caregivers of children 2 to 17, focused on improving parenting skills, parenting confidence and child behaviour.
Triple P – Positive Parenting Program.
General parenting program offered free for all carers of children and young people aged 0-16 years. There are different courses available for teenagers or children with disabilities.
Can be delivered one-on-one, in a group setting or online. They also have useful online reading about Common Parenting Topics.
Triple P Online: Children and Screens
Triple P’s new free “Triple P Online: Children and Screens” program equips Australian parents and carers with evidence-based strategies to manage screen time, reduce conflict, and help kids develop healthy, safe digital habits.
Circle of Security
A parenting program about securing and strengthening the parent-child relationship. This is focused on the attachment between parent/carer and child, developing the child’s ability to manage emotions and develop their self-esteem.
Gold Coast City Council Active and Healthy Program
The City of Gold Coast arranges hundreds of free and low-cost activities every week that are fantastic for families.
Gold Coast Library Groups
The City of Gold Coast has in-person libraries, virtual libraries and numerous programs to help build early learning skills.
Gold Coast City Libraries have an 'Accessible Collection' that is based across multiple locations. This section of the library has a range of resources (from trikes and trampolines to musical instruments and switch activated toys) that can be borrowed by families to use and assist with implementing ideas and activities from therapy sessions in the home environment. Holds can be placed to access items from other libraries. Further information can be found by calling your local library or here: Lifestyle | City of Gold Coast Libraries
Justin Coulson has numerous useful evidence-based paid courses for all sorts of parenting concerns e.g. raising resilient children, ADHD, Autism. We also recommend his Happy Families Podcast.
Offer a range of programs and services designed to empower individuals, families, and communities, including the Tomorrow's Leaders Program. An After School Program for 10-12 year olds at Pimpama Sports Hub.
Wesley Mission Queensland Youth Support (Gold Coast)
Offers free, voluntary practical and emotional support for young people aged roughly 12–21 years - including youth hubs, school holiday programs, relationship and life skills support, help with education, work and housing, and connection to broader family services.
Street University (Street Uni)
A free, youth-centred community space offering drop-in support, mentoring, workshops, creative and educational programs, and connection to services that help young people build skills, confidence and pathways to positive futures.
Youth Support Services - PCYC Queensland
Provide free, voluntary support for young people through mentoring, case management and practical programs that help with education, behaviour, wellbeing and staying positively connected to community.
Tecqld Run BY Autistics FOR Autistics
The Experience Collectors is a Queensland-based autistic-led service offering neuro-affirming play-based therapy, social connection and family support for autistic and neurodivergent children and youth to build community, confidence and meaningful connections.
