OPEN Symposium 2024: Parenting and early intervention

Caroline Chisholm Society & Impact Initiative: From Risk to Resilience: Strengthening Families Through Early Intervention

Presented by Lolou Kini (Caroline Chisholm Society) and Dr Bengianni Halil-Pizzirani (Impact Initiative)

The presentation showcases Caroline Chisholm Society’s partnership with Impact Initiative in evaluating their maternal services, highlighting their positive impact on vulnerable families in the Goulburn Valley.

Key insights:

• Inclusivity and Empowerment: Tailoring support to diverse demographics fosters trust, while empowerment programs boost maternal confidence, creating resilience in families.
• Early Intervention and Sustainability: Proactive measures reduce child protection risks, and material aid programs support families while promoting environmental sustainability.
• Collaboration and Policy Advocacy: Strong partnerships with child protection services improve support effectiveness, and advocating for policy improvements helps sustain positive community outcomes.

Advocacy for policy improvements is essential to addressing systemic issues in child protection, will ensure sustainable positive outcomes for the community.

Keywords: Early Intervention, parenting, Evaluative Thinking and Evidence Culture, sector-research partnerships

Kids First Australia: “Easing the Burden”: Kids First Australia’s Early Help model

Presented by Laura Vecchio (Kids First Australia) & Eliza Stockdale (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute)

Kids First’s Early Help Model focuses on proactive family support for communities in Victoria, aiming to improve family resilience and reduce reliance on statutory services through early interventions.

Key Insights

• Evidence-Based and Preventive Approach: Research-driven, early intervention strategies improve sustainability and prevent escalation to intensive statutory services.
• Community-Centered and Culturally Sensitive Support: Close collaboration with local organisations and culturally tailored services foster trust, accessibility, and effective support for diverse families.
• Empowerment and Adaptation: Programs build parenting skills and resilience, while regular feedback ensures services align with evolving community needs, preventing crises and promoting long-term well-being.

Kids First’s early intervention model showcases the value of proactive, community-centered support that builds family resilience and promotes well-being. Through this model, vulnerable families receive timely, culturally informed assistance that addresses their unique needs while reducing reliance on statutory services in the long term.

Keywords: Early Intervention, parenting, Evaluative Thinking and Evidence Culture, sector-research partnerships

Parenting Research Centre: Insights from the Parenting Today in Victoria surveys – a snapshot of parents’ experiences, concerns and support needs 

Presented by Dr Catherine Wade & Dr Mandy Kienhuis, Parenting Research Centre

This presentation from Parenting Research Centre showcased insights from the Parenting Today in Victoria surveys, focusing on the experiences, challenges, and support needs of parents across the state.

Key Insights:

• Rising Parental Stress and Need for Mental Health Support: Increased psychological distress among parents highlights the demand for mental health resources and broader support networks beyond family circles.
• Resource Awareness and Accessibility: A lack of awareness about available parenting programs suggests a need for better information sharing, particularly for parents facing unique challenges like those with children with disabilities.
• Growing Role of Online Resources and Self-Compassion: Parents increasingly turn to digital tools for advice, and many struggle with self-criticism, indicating a need for online outreach and programs that foster mental resilience and self-compassion.

Overall, the presentation underscored the importance of accessible support networks, tailored resources for parents with diverse needs, and the value of ongoing research to adapt to changing parenting challenges.

Keywords: Parenting, evidence based decision making

Council of Single Mothers and Children: Children of Single Mother Households – What are the gaps between services and resources for young people and the unique needs of children with single mothers? 

Presented by Andi Sebastian, Juanita McLaren & Zali Harris (Council of Single Mothers and their Children)

Insights from this presentation from Council for Single Mothers and their Children highlight significant service gaps and needs, particularly in financial support, housing, and understanding their unique circumstances.
Key insights reveal:

• Educational and Financial Support: Children of single mothers need more tailored educational resources and financial assistance to address economic pressures and enhance stability.
• Housing and Service Accessibility: Improved policies are required to make housing and youth services more accessible, as children face barriers like age restrictions and limited digital outreach.
• Reducing Stigma and Building Relationships: Addressing stigma and fostering consistent, supportive relationships with service providers are essential for building trust and stability for these children.

A need for consistent support from service providers was expressed, emphasising the importance of building trust and stability in their lives amid familial changes.

Keywords: Parenting

Brave Foundation: Increasing Access to Mentoring Support for Isolated Young Parents: A Mixed-Method Evaluation of the SEPT Digital Delivery Pilot

Presented by Dr Kelsey Deane, Brave Foundation

This presentation explored insights from the Brave Foundation’s digital mentoring pilot program for young parents, focusing on its effectiveness and the unique challenges it faces.

Key insights:

• Enhanced Access Through Digital Delivery: Digital mentoring expands support to young parents in remote areas, providing accessible assistance where traditional methods may be less feasible.
• Positive Outcomes in Stability and Skills: Participants showed improvements in housing stability, parenting skills, and personal agency, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in promoting positive outcomes.
• Importance of Mentor Training for Digital Communication: Ongoing training is needed to refine mentors’ digital communication skills, ensuring rapport-building and effectiveness across various formats.

Insights suggest a need for ongoing mentor training to enhance digital communication skills, ensuring effectiveness across various support methods.

Resources:

• Snapshot report: An evaluation of the digital delivery pilot

Keywords: Parenting, Mentoring, Digital service delivery