Understanding the Local Service Network Project

Abstract

The Social Policy and Research Centre (SPRC) at the University of New South Wales and the University of Western Sydney were commissioned by Families First to conduct the Understanding the Local Service Network Project for the South East Sydney Families First Area (hereafter South East Sydney). The project aimed to examine the impact of the network of services supporting families and children in the years prior to school, and in their transition to school. The focus was on understanding how effectively the service network meets the needs of families, as well as identifying gaps or barriers in service provision. There are two elements to the research findings: factors facilitating and inhibiting transition to school; and operations of the local service network providing support to children and families.