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Department of Social Services

Vision and mission

Department of Social Services mission is to improve the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities.

How DSS can help

Areas of responsibility include:

Information line

All locations can be contacted through the DSS national number, 1300 653 227 (Call rates from landline and mobile providers may vary. Please check with your current service provider).

Recommended links

This information was originally published on healthdirect - Department of Social Services.

Last reviewed: July 2021

Information from this partner

Found 10 results

Help and support for disability | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Help and support for disability.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Community support | Department of Social Services

Find out about social security, ageing, financial wellbeing, online gambling harm, volunteering and community support.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Older Australians | Department of Social Services

There are a range of supports available to help you when you retire.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Families and children | Department of Social Services

Find out about raising children, adoption and family relationships.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Intercountry adoption | Department of Social Services

Intercountry adoption is the adoption of a child from overseas.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Disability and carers | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Find out about support for people with disability and carers.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Income support payments | Department of Social Services

A range of payments and supplementary payments are available to support Australians during various stages of life.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Preventing youth homelessness | Treasury.gov.au

Supporting young people at risk of homelessness and their families. About the program  Reconnect is an early intervention and prevention program for young people aged 12 to 18 years who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Reconnect is also available for the families of those young people. Youth who are new to Australia can access the program up to the age of 21. Reconnect helps over 7,000 young people each year. Delivered by 70 organisations it spans 101 national services.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Ending violence and abuse | Department of Social Services

Find out about sexual consent, and child, family, domestic and gender-based violence.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Early childhood | Department of Social Services

Information and support is available for raising children in their early years.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

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The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

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