The Australian Government has selected UnitingSA to deliver an expanded program to help parents with young children prepare for future employment.

After two years of running the ParentsNext program pilot, we are delighted to be recognised with a new three-year contract, in which we will deliver the program in more areas.

Previously, we ran ParentsNext for parents living in the City of Playford and have helped over 900 parents prepare to join or re-enter the workforce by the time their youngest child starts school.

Our new contract enables us to deliver the program to parents in Elizabeth, Gawler, Modbury, Port Adelaide, Salisbury, Taperoo and Torrensville.

We have also been chosen to deliver the program in the Murraylands and Riverland.

“Delivering the ParentsNext pilot project in Playford has been a fantastic opportunity  – we’ve been able to increase our knowledge about services available in the local community to help parents connect and achieve their goals,” UnitingSA’s ParentsNext Manager Margaret Liddell says.

“Our ParentsNext team has worked positively with parents to assist in skills development, to prepare for employment, access training and be ready for the changes to participation requirements that occur once their youngest child turns 6.

“We are really looking forward to being able to assist more parents in the expanded program.”

The Australian Government announced in April the 57 organisations across the country chosen to deliver the expanded program.

Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Michaelia Cash, says the expansion is expected to help about 68,000 parents across Australia each year.

“The best form of welfare is a job but for many parents, particularly women, caring for young children means long periods out of the paid workforce and it can be hard to get back into it,” Minister Cash says.

“This program really helps parents with the skills and assistance they need to get into the workforce, leading to better outcomes for their families.

“The successful ParentsNext providers are experienced in delivering services that meet the needs of parents, especially Indigenous parents, in their communities.”

To find out more about ParentsNext contact Margaret Liddell on 8259 2900 or email parentsnext@unitingsa.com.au