Run by the Defence Community Organisation, the new Defence Family Helpline operates 24-7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.
ADF members, their partners, children and relatives for whom the member has primary responsibility can call the helpline about:
- managing during deployment, posting and relocation,
- support for partners' employment and education,
- assistance with children's education, childcare options, and support for children with special needs,
- help during crisis and emergency,
- transitioning to civilian life,
- support available to Defence community groups, and
- support services in the local community.
All calls will receive assessment and support from a human services professional.
The Helpline can also be emailed at DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au. Enquiries will receive a response within 24 hours.
Commanders can also call the Helpline when seeking information on support services available to ADF members and their families. Formal Command requests for DCO support should be submitted on an AC698 and emailed to DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au.
For more information contact Cathy Davis on 02 6265 8850.
Support to Reservists
Reservists and their families can call the Defence Family Helpline 24-7. The Defence Family Helpline will provide information and advice, undertake assessments and refer Reservists and their families to appropriate Defence-delivered or community-based services as required.
DCO's suite of national programs - including crisis support, partner education and employment assistance, help with childcare, support for kids' education and assistance for members leaving the ADF - is available to Reservists on Continuous Full Time Service and their families.
