New model for protecting children

12 November 2003

The NSW Governor, Marie Bashir, will launch new research this week on the effectiveness of family-based intervention in protecting children.

The study, Protecting children by strengthening families, is the result of a collaboration between the School of Social Work at the University of New South Wales and Barnardos Australia.

UNSW's Dr Elizabeth Fernandez monitored a range of at-risk families participating in Barnardos family support programs for six months to assess the service's impact in preventing child abuse and neglect.

"The findings show the programs did have a positive impact," Dr Fernandez said. "The majority of families developed better coping strategies which enhanced child and family well-being. Overall there was a reduced involvement in child protective services."

"I commend Barnardos for allowing their practice to be exposed to research scrutiny. This is one of the few studies that takes a 360-degree look at the family, through interviews with children, parents and family support workers," Dr Fernandez said.

The researchers also adapted a UK framework for the assessment of children in need and their families. "The model, which focuses on seven key domains, enables family support professionals to work with families in a holistic way based on early intervention strategies," Dr Fernandez said. "It focuses on prevention rather than the current risk assessment models, which are incident focused."

The NSW Minister for Community Services, Carmel Tebbutt, will introduce the research and speak about NSW initiatives.

What: NSW Governor launches new research on child and family support

When: 10am, Thursday 13 November 2003

Where: Tyree Room, The Scientia, UNSW (Gate 11 Botany Street Randwick)

Contact: Denise Knight, UNSW Media Office ph 9385 3192 mob 0405 207 685