Family Helpline

Parents Inc. provides a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week Family Helpline for parents, grandparents, teens, professionals, and children to call or text to access information and referrals to statewide agencies in their area, and a safe, non-judgmental place to talk about family issues.

Need to talk?

Get resources

Find support

Call or Text 1-800-843-5437
a volunteer on the phone answering the family helpline
Xiara M. answers the phone with a listening ear.

Common Helpline Questions and Issues

The purpose of the Family Helpline is to listen and provide support and referrals to callers before a crisis happens. The Helpline serves as intervention and prevention measures.

  • I am looking for peer support or a parent support group.

    We offer over 25 Circle of Parents support groups

  • I am looking for childcare so I can work.

    Parents Inc has resources that can help you.

  • I am lonely, I have no one to talk to.

    We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • I am being evicted and need a place to live.

    We have homeless prevention programs and shelter referrals.

  • Am I in an unhealthy relationship?

    We can provide materials for healthy relationships and referrals to domestic violence agencies.

  • My child does not want, or will not go to school.

    We have resources and helpful suggestions for you.

  • My spouse and I are not on the same page when it comes to parenting.

    Find connection and supportive resources to help with your communication.

  • I am a student and I am looking for an internship.

    We have opportunities for you.

  • I fear I may be pregnant

    We can provide a listening ear and referrals.

Call or Text 1-800-843-5437

This line is answered by a trained, compassionate listener. The purpose of the Family Helpline is to provide help, hope, and support to NJ families. Voiance, a language interpreter service helps us address the needs of non-English callers.

The Parents Inc. Family Helpline 1-800-THE-KIDS (1-800-843-5437) is staffed who graciously give their time to be available to parents who need to talk.

Who am I calling?

A trained, compassionate listener

Volunteers receive experiential training

Staff at Parents Inc with over 20+ years of experience

a helpline volunteer answering the phone in front of a computer
Jenelle M. answering the phone with a list of resources at the ready

Helpline Benefits

  • One stressed out parent called our helpline to ask for suggestions with their teenager refusing to follow household rules and becoming increasingly withdrawn. They had tried setting consequences and attempted to have conversations, but felt like nothing was working. We listened with kindness and compassion and suggested focusing on open, non-confrontational communication, setting clear and consistent boundaries, and exploring ways to rebuild trust and connection over time.

  • Available 24-hours, 7 days a week, 365 days.
  • You can Text your problem.
  • A caring individual always answers the line.
  • The Family Helpline is confidential and anonymous.
  • The Family Helpline is the only universal line for anyone in NJ.
  • Easy-to-remember telephone number (1-800-THE-KIDS).
  • Helps callers advocate for their families.
  • A place to turn when you need to find community or government resources.
  • Helps the callers to identify his/her own strengths/resources.
  • Non-Judgmental.
  • A place to vent and gain perspective. 
  • A LISTENING line, not just a referral line.
  • Assists in over 100 different languages with the help of Language Line Services.
  • The Family Helpline Volunteers state facts and information without giving advice or telling callers what to do.
  • Will assist the parent/caller to develop options for change.
  • Crisis Intervention available 24/7.
  • Empathy can go a long way to easing stress.  Just having your feelings validated by another human being can make all the difference.
  • Support for the caller in developing a sense of control. 
  • The line provides referrals to the nearest Circle of Parents Support Group, Family Success Centers, and state departments.
  • Statewide Resource Manual including recently added Father’s Resources, & LGBTQIA+.
  • Teenagers can call if they are being bullied or feel that they are being treated unfairly. They will receive accurate information to help.

Interested in volunteering with the Family Helpline? Apply to volunteer by clicking the button below.

Apply Here to Volunteer

Helpline Partners

Oak Tree Family Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting causes that strengthen individuals, families, and communities by providing financial assistance to organizations and efforts that create meaningful impact.