Karitane
Karitane is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity offering free evidence-based support to families with children from birth to 5 years around the unique challenges of parenting including sleep and settling, feeding and nutrition, establishing routines, toddler behaviour and perinatal mental health. They offer both face-to-face and virtual services to support you every step of the way.
Vision and mission
Purpose — We are trusted early parenting experts empowering families and children to be healthy, confident and resilient.
Vision — Our impact will enable children to have the best start in life.
How Karitane can help
Karitane (Opens in new tab) helps families experiencing parenting challenges. Their team of caring and highly trained professionals can help families with:
- Sleep and settling
- Feeding and nutrition
- Establishing routines
- Toddler behaviour
- Adjusting to parenting
- Perinatal Mental Health
How to access Karitane services
Parents can complete an online self-referral form here: www.karitane.com.au/referral (Opens in new tab). Once you've completed the form a Nurse will be in touch to discuss your needs and book you into the right service for you.
Referrals can also be made by child and family health nurses, GPs or health/ community professionals online at www.karitane.com.au/referral (Opens in new tab).
Do you have a parenting question about your 0 - 5 year old child? Call the Karitane Careline on 1300 227 464.
What services are available at Karitane?
Karitane's team guides, supports and educates families through a wide range of services including:
- Parent Helpline
- Parenting Centres (Located in Carramar, Oran Park, Shellharbour, Randwick, Shortland, Wolli Creek and Warrawong)
- Residential Services (4 night, 5 day stay at our Early Parenting Centre in Campbelltown)
- Virtual Home Visits
- Virtual Breastfeeding Clinic
- Mental Health Services
- Toddler Behaviour Clinics
- Community Programs — including Playgroups and Programs for Young Parents
- Parenting Webinars
- Parenting Courses
How much do Karitane Services Cost?
Karitane services are covered by Medicare, so there are no out-of-pocket costs to families.
Information lines / help lines
- Have a parenting question? Call the Karitane Careline and speak to a friendly and experienced child and family health nurse on 1300 CARING (1300 227 464). Remember, Karitane is there for you every step of the way.
- ForWhen — Mental health support for expecting and new parents. ForWhen provides new and expecting parents — mums, dads, and guardians — with a caring, supportive mental health navigation service, to guide you and your family throughout your perinatal journey, from conception, up until your child is 12 months old. It's a national support line that connects you to the right service that can help you understand what you're feeling and provide the guidance and support you need at the right time. All you need to do is call 1300 24 23 22 or visit forwhenhelpline.org.au (Opens in new tab).
