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Home » Families and young people » Parents and parenting
The Department for Families and Communities (DFC) is now the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI). The department is currently reviewing its online information and updates will be implemented soon.
You can still find departmental information using the search function on this site. For more information about South Australian government services please visit www.sa.gov.au.

Frequently asked questions for parents and carers

Last Updated Nov 2008

How can I control my child's behaviour?

The following are some agencies that can assist families:

  • The Child and Youth Health Parent Helpline.
  • Health Information Centre, Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
  • Youth and Parent Services
  • Kids Help Line
  • Parenting SA

See Local resources for parents and carers for contact details and more resources.

At what age can a child be left home alone?

It is a parents responsibility to look after child until he/she is 18 years of age. As a general rule, it is not wise to leave children under 12 alone without the supervision of a responsible adult. Families SA or the Police can remove children from situations where their safety is in serious danger and there is no guardian present.

What if there's violence in your family?

Domestic violence or family violence can occur in any type of domestic relationship, including spousal relationships, intimate personal relationships, family relationships and informal care relationships. Violence creates fear and can destroy normal family life. Violence in the home also affects children and young people who don’t have to see it to be affected by it.

What does domestic and family violence include?

  • Physical violence
  • Sexual assult
  • Psychological and emotional abuse
  • Social abuse
  • Financial abuse

Physical and sexual assault is a crime whether they happen in the home or on the street. It is important to get help as early as possible.

See also the South Australian Women's Safety Strategy.