Tasmania's Child and Family Centres are having a positive impact on parent's use and experiences of services and supports for young children, an evaluation by The Kids Research Institute Australia has revealed.
The research showed that parents who used the Centres - with services and supports for children and families, from pregnancy to five years under one roof - were more likely to have made use of early years services and supports, developed new parenting skills, be more positive about preparing their children for school, formed closer links with the local school and other parents, and felt valued as members of the local community.
The project was funded through a research grant from the Tasmanian Early Years Foundation (2013-2015) and conducted in partnership with the Tasmanian Department of Education, which is the lead agency for Tasmania's Child and Family Centres.
Lead researcher, Professor Cate Taylor from The Kids Research Institute Australia, said the study collected information from parents through a survey, focus groups and interviews and showed the Centres have had a positive impact.
"Feedback from the research indicates the Centres are regarded by parents as a welcoming, safe and comfortable place they are willing to go", said Professor Taylor.
Professor Taylor said that while it is too early to measure Centre performance from child outcomes, with the Centres just established in 2011-2014, these results are evidence that the Centres are gaining ground and making a difference.
"The Centres are providing a clear easy-to-access pathway to support and services for children and families," Professor Taylor said.
"It would be our recommendation that the Centres continue to operate in the way they do, and continue to offer a range of formal and informal services and supports 'under one roof' in a flexible approach responding to the community's needs."
Liz Banks, Deputy Secretary Early Years and Schools at the Department of Education, said the evaluation of the Child and Family Centres has highlighted the important work happening in the Centres, and the difference they make to the lives of families throughout Tasmania especially in communities with greatest need.
"We can be confident that we are putting our efforts into what will make a real difference for Tasmania over the long term," Ms Banks said. "I am pleased that the Child and Family Centres in Tasmania are being recognised for the excellent work they do with families with young children."
She said ongoing collaboration and exchange between families, practitioners, governments and academics will help to transform disadvantaged communities and to further raise the quality and access to early childhood services across the state.
"Tasmania needs strong, thriving communities in all socioeconomic areas, which is exactly what the Child and Family Centres are working towards every day," Ms Banks said.
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