A new approach
Disadvantage at an early age has long-term and often profound impact on child development. These children often start off poorly at school, often drop-out and have higher levels of unemployment, welfare dependency, delinquency and crime. Yet, it is possible to break this cycle of poverty and disadvantage with early intervention programs. Evidence shows that for every dollar invested in these early intervention programs there can be a seven-fold increase in benefits by the time the children become adults.
In line with the research evidence, initiatives to help children at greatest risk of long-term disadvantage are being developed with a three-fold focus: they are child-centred, family focused and community connected.
Supporting families
On 16 February 2009, The Hon Jenny Macklin MP announced the establishment of the Family Support Program. The Family Support Program works with and supports families, nurtures children to enable them to better manage life’s transitions, and contributes to building stronger, more resilient communities. This program is being progressively developed in collaboration with the community and other stakeholders. It includes:
- Community and Family Partnerships providing intensive and coordinated support targeted at significantly disadvantaged communities and families and especially vulnerable and at-risk families and children
- Family and Parenting Services providing early intervention and prevention services to families to build and strengthen relationships, develop skills and support parents and children
- Family Law Services assisting families to manage the process impacts of separation in the best interests of children.
Further information is available on the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website.
Protecting children
- The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children was endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments in April 2009.
- The REACh program improves the capacity of vulnerable families and caregivers to respond appropriately to children's needs for care, development and safety through timely access to community resources that can support them in their parenting role.
Fostering early learning
The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) is an international home-based parenting and early childhood enrichment program targeting disadvantaged families in our community. In September 2009, the Minister for Early Childhood Education and Child Care, the Hon Kate Ellis MP, announced 14 new locations for this program, bringing the total to 36 Australia-wide.
There are also a number of other government initiatives all aimed at helping with early learning:
More information
On family services:
On health programs for children:
On early childhood services:
On child protection: