Families First State Level Review

Abstract

Families First was introduced in New South Wales in 1998. It is a government strategy that aims to increase the effectiveness of the early intervention services to support families and communities to care for their children. The broad aim of Families First is to develop a coordinated network of services to identify children and families who require further assistance and link them to appropriate support early, before problems become entrenched. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Evaluation Consortium was commissioned by The Cabinet Office (TCO) in NSW to conduct the Area Reviews of Families First. The Consortium consists of academics and representatives of a number of research centres and universities. The Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW manages the Consortium.