Parent Information

How can Signposts help me and my child?

Signposts has up-to-date parenting strategies you can use to encourage positive behaviour in your child. It can also provide an opportunity to meet other parents and share ideas and experiences.

How much of my time will this program take up?

It depends on the mode of delivery and the behaviour you are working on. The group program generally has six to eight weekly or fortnightly sessions of two hours per session. In addition, you will need to spend time at home watching the DVD and working through the exercises. Individual and telephone sessions are shorter. If you are working on your own, you will need to set this time aside. The amount of time it takes to try out the strategies with your child depends on the nature of the behaviours you choose to work on. You are probably spending a good deal of time trying to manage difficult behaviour already, so using a new strategy might actually take less time over the long term.

I’ve tried strategies before and they haven’t worked. Why should this be any different?

When working with a facilitator in a group or in individual sessions you will be helped to tailor the strategies to better suit your child and family. 

I can’t attend face-to-face sessions. Are there other options?

If you live in Victoria (or in NSW but close to Wodonga) you can complete either the self-directed or the telephone support Signposts program via Gateways Community Health Service – phone 1800 880 660.

Do I have to keep records of my child's behaviour for the whole program?

It is useful for families to keep records for the entire program so they can see improvements in their child's behaviour. If record-keeping becomes too difficult, keep records for the first two weeks (baseline) and then the last two weeks of the program so you can see overall progress.

Is there a cost involved in attending the program?

Materials are made available to parents free of charge; however, if you are using a private provider, you will have to pay their usual fee for service.

I do not live in Victoria - can I still access this program?

If you live in other Australian states, or other countries, please keep in touch, as we are working on remote program access. ‘Signposts Online’ will be available in 2010. You could encourage service providers to approach us to be trained for the online program. Contact us for more information.