Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Helping families at risk

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, today released an evaluation report on the Australian Government’s Early Intervention Parenting Program that highlights its success in helping families at risk across Australia.

“Review of Early Intervention Parenting and Good Beginnings Prototypes reports on the 39 projects that are currently funded under the Early Intervention Parenting program and the Good Beginnings Prototypes which are receiving funding of more than $2.8 million this financial year.

“The program supports a range of innovative services aimed at preventing child abuse, improving parenting and strengthening families. There is also a focus on families in rural and remote areas, Indigenous, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”

Examples of existing projects include:

  • The ‘Sing and Grow Project’ is an innovative music program for parents and children helping to build confidence. The project is run in collaboration with Queensland University and community services.
  • Lower Blue Mountains Family Support Service offers parenting groups in accessible venues such as child care centres, schools and neighbourhood centres with child care provided. There have been good outcomes for fathers in particular, has outreach services to isolated parents, and a focus on parents under 25 years.
  • KU Starting Points Macarthur promotes skill development enabling parents to address their own needs and those of children more effectively. The service is co-located with a school, giving pre-school children an opportunity to become familiar with their school environment.

“Overall, the review found that projects were based on sound research, were effectively coordinating and cooperating with other relevant services and offering innovative and accessible approaches to helping families.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring all children get the best start in life and supporting services that support parents. We are developing a National Agenda for Early Childhood and this evaluation is important to ensure our current projects are hitting the mark,” Mr Anthony said.