Informing National Policy on Services for Families and Children
Advocating for national policy that focuses on inclusive, evidence-based parenting and family services to strengthen Australian families and communities.
The Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) Families and Children (FaC) Activity Review is a critical examination of programs designed to support children, youth, and parents across Australia. Conducted in preparation for current funding agreements ending in mid-2026, the review assessed the effectiveness of these initiatives in improving child development, family functioning, and mental health outcomes through prevention and early intervention. With over $215 million invested annually, the Australian Government is seeking to strengthen these programs by addressing gaps in accessibility, cultural inclusivity, and program effectiveness. To guide future investments and ensure alignment with contemporary needs and evidence-based practices, the government has invited stakeholders to respond to the review, providing valuable feedback to shape the next generation of parenting and family supports.
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The Parenting and Family Research Alliance (PAFRA) convened an Action Circle to formulate a comprehensive response to the Families and Children (FaC) Activity Review. This Action Circle brings together leading experts in mental health, child protection, trauma-informed care, family support for neurodiverse children, and public health approaches to parenting. We advocate for a comprehensive approach to parenting support that ensures universal access to high-quality, culturally informed, evidence-based parenting programs, as these are vital for improving child and family well-being. Our approach includes advocating for flexible program delivery models, such as telehealth, online, and group options, to reach vulnerable families; prioritising evidence-based interventions with proven effectiveness; and supporting workforce development through training, supervision, and organisational implementation support. By advancing these recommendations, we aim to improve outcomes for diverse families and foster equitable, impactful parenting and family supports across Australia​​.
Submission to Australian Department of Social Services
The Action Circle made a submission to the Department of Social Services consultation on the Families and Children Activity children, youth and parenting programs on January 24th, 2025. It advocates for evidence-based, preventative strategies that strengthen parenting and family supports, aiming to enhance child and family well-being, address systemic barriers, and ensure better outcomes for diverse Australian families and communities.
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The submission, "Parenting and Family Research Alliance Submission to the Department of Social Services Families and Children Activity: Review of Children, Youth and Parenting Programs," was lodged via the Department of Social Services' Engage platform. It is available for download below.
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Sanders, M. R., Chainey, C., Mazzucchelli, T. G., Yap, M., Haslam, D., Wade, C., Higgins, D. J., Tonge, B., Dawe, S., & Hatherly, C. (2025). Parenting and Family Research Alliance Submission to the Department of Social Services “Families and Children Activity: Review of Children, Youth and Parenting Programs”. Parenting and Family Research Alliance. https://www.pafra.org/advocacy/FaC-Activity-Review
