Raising a child is both rewarding and challenging. But for many families in Australia, behavioural difficulties and financial stress can add an extra layer of pressure. This is where behaviour therapy and child support services step in—helping children grow, and giving families the stability they need.

Let’s explore how these services work, why they matter, and what’s changing in Australia to better support families and children.

Understanding Behaviour Therapy

What is Behaviour Therapy?

Behaviour therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps children improve social, emotional, and behavioural skills. It focuses on understanding patterns, reducing harmful behaviours, and building positive alternatives.

For children who struggle with tantrums, emotional regulation, or social interaction, behaviour therapy provides strategies that parents and carers can use at home, school, and in the community.

Why It Matters for Children

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 1 in 7 children aged 4–17 years experience a mental health disorder, including behavioural and emotional challenges. Left unaddressed, these issues can affect learning, friendships, and family life.

With early intervention, children can build resilience and confidence. Behaviour therapy is not just about reducing problems it’s about helping kids thrive.

Child Support Services in Australia

The Scale of Support

Every year, Services Australia facilitates billions of dollars in child support payments. In 2022–23, more than $4 billion in child support was transferred to benefit around 1.1 million children nationwide.

This financial assistance helps parents cover costs like school fees, therapy sessions, and daily living expenses. But while the system helps many, it isn’t without challenges.

The Struggles Families Face

Recent reports highlight that over $1.7 billion in child support remains unpaid, leaving many families struggling. In fact, about one-third of parents who are meant to pay child support fall behind.

For single-parent households, often led by women, this creates financial instability. Without consistent payments, it becomes harder to access therapies, extracurricular activities, or even basic needs like housing and food.

Behaviour Therapy in Action

Proven Programs That Work

One of the most effective approaches in Australia is Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). This program typically runs for about 14 weeks and has shown significant success in reducing challenging behaviours while improving the parent–child relationship.

In a recent school-based trial in Sydney, 91% of children who participated in PCIT-based sessions returned to typical behaviour patterns. This highlights just how powerful therapy can be when delivered early and consistently.

Barriers to Access

Despite the benefits, access to therapy can be limited. A 2024 study found that many families who wanted behavioural or psychological support couldn’t access it due to cost, waiting lists, or lack of services in rural areas.

This shows the importance of integrating therapy into schools, communities, and disability support systems like the NDIS.

Linking Behaviour Therapy with NDIS Support

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has created new opportunities for children with developmental or behavioural challenges. Families can now access tailored plans that cover assessments, therapy, and behaviour support programs.

Specialist providers ensure that support plans are not just paperwork but real strategies that improve daily life. Services like NDIS Behaviour Support Services in Australia make it easier for families to get evidence-based, personalised therapy that fits into home, school, and community environments.

This integration ensures that children don’t just receive therapy occasionally, but have ongoing, structured support.

The Financial Connection—Child Support Meets Therapy

Why Stable Finances Matter

For families raising children with additional needs, therapy costs can add up quickly. Even with NDIS funding, parents often cover transport, time off work, or extra learning tools.

When child support payments are inconsistent, therapy becomes harder to sustain. For some parents, this means choosing between paying rent and continuing therapy sessions.

Reform on the Horizon

The Australian Government is currently reviewing the child support system. Recommendations include updating formulas to reflect current living costs, enhancing enforcement of unpaid child support, and closing loopholes that facilitate financial abuse.

If reforms succeed, families will not only have more stability but also a greater ability to access vital therapy services.

Creating a Brighter Future for Children

The Whole-Child Approach

Children don’t live in isolation their growth depends on a web of family, school, and community support. Quality behaviour therapy, combined with reliable child support, ensures children can reach their potential.

The Road Ahead

• Therapy must be accessible. Programs like PCIT should expand into more schools and communities.
  
  
• Child support must be fair and reliable. With over $1.9 billion in historically unpaid amounts, stronger enforcement is essential.
  
  
• Families need integrated services. Linking behaviour therapy with financial support systems is the best way forward.

Conclusion

Quality behaviour therapy and strong child support services work hand in hand to help Australian families. While behaviour therapy provides children with the tools to manage challenges and grow with confidence, child support ensures that families have the financial stability to access these services. With ongoing reforms and better access through programs like the NDIS, the future looks brighter for children and families across Australia.