ParentsNext (SA only)

What is ParentsNext?

ParentsNext is a free support program to help eligible parents plan and prepare for employment by the time their youngest child turns six.

Employment Plus works with ParentsNext participants in areas of South Australia to help set education and employment goals, develop pathways to achieve goals and link you to support services and activities in the local community.

Finding a job can be hard when you’ve been away from the workforce.

That’s why we’re proud to be able to help, so that parents can focus on being the best Mum or Dad they can be.

For the latest news and updates regarding ParentsNext, we encourage you to visit the Department of Social Services website. This official source provides valuable information about the program, including any changes, eligibility criteria updates, and additional resources.

• Who is eligible for ParentsNext?

  Parents are able to access the FREE, voluntary program which includes:

  • care for a child under 6 years of age and receive a parenting payment

  • residing in South Australia. For other areas, contact Centrelink for information about providers in your area.

• What's covered in the ParentsNext program?

  As a ParentsNext participant, we will help you to:

  • gain the confidence you need to get into the workforce

  • identify any skills gaps

  • identify education and employment goals

  • develop a pathway to achieve your goals

  • combine preparing for work with parenting responsibilities

  • access complementary activities and services in the local community.

  • cover the cost of items such as driving lessons, interview clothes and groceries to support you to meet your goals.

  Remember, we’re part of your community and will always be on hand to guide, support and motivate you.
  

• What additional help is available for ParentsNext participants?

  We understand that as a parent, you may need specialised support, such as help to:

  • build up your confidence and help you find your new identity after becoming a parent - we have a number of relationships with local services and can refer you, at no cost to access these services. For example, housing and financial assistance

  • obtain or increase useful qualifications

  • develop practical job skills and interview techniques

  • smooth out any obstacles that make work or education difficult

  • access child care and other assessments.

  In addition to these services, all of our Adelaide locations are linked to The Salvation Army Corps, offering a variety of free services available to any Employment Plus ParentsNext participant. These Corps provide access to a welcoming community of people, facilities including play groups and playgrounds, access to fresh food markets, grocery and petrol vouchers, low or no-cost cafes, sensory spaces, financial assistance, and low or no-interest loans.
  

  We can also help parents in other ways; we can advocate on their behalf, refer to quality services, and provide needed supports e.g., mental health, housing, domestic violence, access child care, and use their transferable skills to build on, empowering them.