Services and programs can include:

  • housing services
  • legal services
  • employment services
  • support groups
  • telephone counselling
  • face-to-face counselling
  • drug and alcohol programs
  • childcare assistance
  • parenting skills training and information
  • mentoring programs
  • domestic violence safety plans
  • emergency relief.

Some offenders are eligible to participate in the ReConnect or ReStart programs which are generally commenced in prison and offers continued support after release. For more information about pre and post-release support programs refer to Transitional programs.

How to find services and programs

Support is available through government departments and agencies, at community centres, churches, neighbourhood houses as well as emergency relief agencies such as the Salvation Army (External link) and St Vincent de Paul Society (External link)

To find available services in your area search the Infoxchange Service Seeker website (External link)or telephone a national helpline (listed below) and ask for a referral to local services. 

The City of Melbourne has created a useful resource that details supports and services in the Melbourne region. You can view this resource, called Helping Out on the City of Melbourne website (External link)

Lifeline 13 11 14
General counselling and referrals (24-hour service)

Housing support services 1800 825 955
Connects callers with the nearest housing service (24-hour service)

DirectLine 1800 888 236
Alcohol and drug counselling, information and referrals (24-hour service)

MensLine 1300 78 99 78
Information and support for men to assist with issues such as anger, behaviour, relationships or parenting

Parent Line 13 22 89
Support and advice for parents

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre 1800 015 188
Safe Steps is Victoria’s 24/7 Family Violence Response Centre. Providing specialist support services for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence.

SANE Helpline 1800 187 263
Information and advice about mental illness

Suicideline 1300 651 251
Support to people who are thinking about suicide, or people who have been affected by suicide. Can refer to other services (24-hour service)

WIRE 1300 134 130
Support, advocacy and information for women