Early Intervention & Intensive Family Support Program

At Connect Kids, we know that supporting a child means supporting their family. Our Intensive Family Support service provides long-term, tailored assistance to families facing complex challenges, ensuring they have the stability and resources needed to create a safe, nurturing environment for their children.

Unlike many programs limited by funding restrictions, we stay for the long haul, working alongside families until real, lasting change is achieved. Whether it’s early intervention, crisis support, advocacy, or practical assistance, we help parents and caregivers navigate challenges so their children can grow, thrive, and break free from cycles of disadvantage.

What does the early intervention & intensive family support program involve?

Connect Kids overarching goal is to give every child a chance to live a happy, healthy and fulfilled life. Often children and their families present with issues fair beyond the scope of our programs to address. When that happens we apply an early intervention and intensive family support model to assist and address these issues.

There is a wealth of research that supports the benefits of early intervention and intensive family support programs, both in terms of short-term outcomes for children and families and long-term outcomes in areas such as education, employment, and overall well-being.

employment

education

overall wellbeing

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When children grow up in unstable environments, their chances of becoming entangled in the justice system increase dramatically.

📉 The reality:

  • 50% of prisoners were unemployed before their incarceration.

  • 30% of prisoners were homeless or in unstable housing before their arrest.

  • 80% of young people in the youth justice system have experienced childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect.

  • Many incarcerated youth have spent time in foster care or child protection systems and are significantly more likely to end up in the justice system.

At Connect Kids, we know that supporting a child means supporting their family. Through mentoring, early intervention, and intensive family support, we work to create stability, opportunity, and a future beyond disadvantage.

Because when families are strong, children have the best chance to succeed.

At Connect Kids, we believe that early intervention and intensive family support are the keys to breaking cycles of disadvantage and creating lasting change. Our program provides families with the resources, guidance, and advocacy they need to build safe, stable, and supportive environments for their children.

By working alongside families for as long as they need, we help create stronger foundations for healthy development, better life outcomes, and a more resilient community—ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

benefits of the early intervention & intensive family support program

improved developmental outcomes

Early intervention services have been shown to improve developmental outcomes for young children, including improvements in cognitive, language, and social-emotional development. For example, a study of early intervention services provided to children with developmental delays found that children who received services showed significant improvements in cognitive, language, and adaptive skills compared to children who did not receive services (Hebbeler et al., 2007).

Reduced need for special education services

Early intervention services can also help reduce the need for special education services later on. A study of early intervention services provided to children with developmental delays found that children who received services were less likely to need special education services in the future (Hebbeler et al., 2007).

improved family outcomes

Early intervention and intensive family support programs can also improve outcomes for families, including improved parental mental health, increased parental confidence, and improved family functioning. For example, a study of a home visiting program for at-risk families found that parents who received the program reported improved mental health, increased confidence in their parenting abilities, and improved family functioning (Olds et al., 1997).

Cost savings

Early intervention and intensive family support programs can also lead to cost savings in the long run, as children who receive services are less likely to require expensive special education or other services later on. For example, a study of a home visiting program for at-risk families found that for every dollar invested in the program, there was a return of $5.70 in cost savings (Karoly et al., 1998).

A real world story from Connect kids

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  • When Connect Kids first met Kiara, she was just 14 years old. A vulnerable young girl caught in the chaos of substance abuse, mental health struggles, and an intellectual disability. Her life was a constant battle, one that no child should ever have to fight. She couldn’t read, couldn’t write, and had no concept of how to make decisions that would shape her future. Her teenage years were marked by an endless cycle of homelessness, bouncing from shelter to shelter, couch-surfing with relatives who couldn’t care for her in the way she so desperately needed. Her world felt like it was unraveling, and yet no matter how many doors were slammed in her face, she never gave up.

    After a difficult stint in Victoria, Kiara returned to the coast, hoping for a new beginning. But instead, things spiraled further out of control. A family member introduced her to methamphetamine—a poison that not only stole her youth and her energy, but also stripped her of every single cent she received through her disability pension. With each passing day, she felt more and more powerless, trapped in a cycle she couldn’t escape from, where hope seemed like a distant memory.

    And yet, in the darkest of moments, Kiara never lost touch with her Connect Kids family. Despite the chaos around her, we stayed by her side, always ready to support her, to fight for her, and to give her the strength she didn’t know she had. Together, we worked tirelessly to secure the NDIS support she so desperately needed—each step forward, no matter how small, a glimmer of hope in her long struggle.

    Then came the turning point that no one could have predicted. Kiara found out she was pregnant. In that instant, something deep inside her shifted. She made the most difficult decision of her life—she chose her baby over the addiction that had consumed her. The minute she found out she was pregnant, she made the courageous decision to go cold turkey. There were no guarantees, no promises, but Kiara was determined to give her baby a chance at life, even if it meant breaking free from the only thing she knew.

    But the challenges didn’t stop there. Kiara’s partner ended up in prison, and once again, she found herself alone and vulnerable. Family members, who should have been supporting her, proved to be a toxic influence, pushing her further into despair. But Kiara was stronger than anyone had ever realized. She reached out for help, and Connect Kids didn’t hesitate—we helped her move into emergency accommodation, providing her with a safe space to prepare for the birth of her child.

    When permanent housing became available just before her son was born, it felt like a miracle—but the hurdles were far from over. Kiara’s history of domestic violence and substance abuse brought child safety into the picture. But this time, Kiara wasn’t backing down. She worked tirelessly, attending every parenting course, completing every program, doing everything in her power to show that she could be the mother her child deserved.

    And then, the moment arrived. Kiara went into labor, a 30-hour long ordeal that left her exhausted, but never broken. Connect Kids was with her every step of the way, offering support and love when she needed it most. When her beautiful baby boy finally entered the world, healthy and perfect, Kiara held him in her arms, and for the first time in years, she could finally see a future full of hope.

    Six months later, Kiara is thriving as a mother. Against all the odds, she has proven everyone wrong. She is now the only member of her family who has custody of her child, the one who was told she couldn’t make it, the one who was written off by so many, is the one who defied expectations. Her child safety case was closed three months early, a powerful testament to her strength and growth.

    Today, Kiara lives independently with her son in her own unit. She can cook, clean, budget, and make the kinds of decisions that show just how far she’s come. Her son’s well-being is now her top priority—her world revolves around him, and she has become the kind of mother she once never believed she could be. The woman who was once lost in a world of darkness has found her way, and with every day that passes, she grows stronger.

    At Connect Kids, we’ve been by Kiara’s side for the past six years, through every high and every low. Her story is a reminder that with the right support, anyone—no matter their past—can break free from the chains that bind them and build a future they never thought possible. We’re here for the long run, and we’ll continue to support Kiara as she moves forward, because her journey isn’t just a story of survival—it’s a story of thriving, of breaking the cycle, and of creating a future full of possibilities.

    Kiara’s journey is proof of the transformative power of unconditional love and unwavering support. It shows what happens when a community comes together to help a young person in need. We are a non-government funded organization, and we rely heavily on the generosity of our community to continue our work. Every single cent goes directly into making sure stories like Kiara’s don’t just survive—they thrive.

    Kiara’s future is bright, and we cannot wait to see where she goes from here. What started as a story of a lost young girl has blossomed into the story of a courageous mother, and the best part is—her story is only just beginning.

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Key Statistics: Why We Need To Be Proactive

  • • According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in 2021, the proportion of people aged 20-64 with a non-school qualification was 64.6%.

    • In 2020, the average total expenditure per student in primary and secondary education was $12,905.

    • The Productivity Commission estimates that a one percentage point increase in the Year 12 completion rate could result in a 0.4% increase in GDP.

  • • According to the ABS, in 2019-20, 66.9% of adults (aged 18 and over) were overweight or obese.

    • In the same period, 15.1% of adults reported having a mental or behavioural condition, with anxiety disorders being the most common.

    • The life expectancy at birth in 2021 was 82.4 years for males and 85.3 years for females.

  • • In 2018, it was estimated that mental illness cost the Australian economy $60 billion annually.

    • In 2021, it was reported that suicide was the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15-44.

  • • In 2020, the recorded crime rate in Australia was 29,777.8 offences per 100,000 people.

    • The most common offences recorded were theft (including motor vehicle theft), followed by illicit drug offences and assault.

    • The most common type of offence recorded in 2020 was theft (including unlawful entry with intent and motor vehicle theft), accounting for 39.5% of all offences recorded.

    • Illicit drug offences were the second most common offence recorded, accounting for 19.5% of all offences recorded.

  • • In 2016, it was estimated that there were 116,427 homeless people in Australia on any given night.

    • In the same year, 42% of people experiencing homelessness were under the age of 25.

    • According to the ABS, in 2021, the median weekly rent for a two-bedroom dwelling in Sydney was $570.

  • Socioeconomic disadvantage is strongly linked to crime rates. A study conducted by the Australian Institute of Criminology found that areas with high levels of socioeconomic disadvantage were associated with higher levels of property crime, violent crime, and drug offences.

    • People who experience disadvantage are more likely to be both victims and perpetrators of crime. For example, young people who experience homelessness are at a higher risk of being victims of crime, and may also be more likely to engage in criminal behaviour.

    • Disadvantaged communities may be more vulnerable to certain types of crime, such as drug-related crime. This is because people who are experiencing disadvantage may be more likely to use and sell drugs, and may be more vulnerable to exploitation by drug dealers.

    • Research has shown that addressing the root causes of disadvantage can help to reduce crime rates. For example, improving access to education and employment opportunities can help to reduce poverty and disadvantage, and in turn, reduce crime rates.

    • Addressing the mental health needs of disadvantaged communities can also help to reduce crime rates. People who experience disadvantage are more likely to experience mental health problems, and addressing these issues can help to reduce the risk of criminal behaviour.

    It's important to note that the relationship between disadvantage and crime is complex, and there are many factors that can contribute to crime rates. However, addressing disadvantage can play an important role in reducing crime and improving community safety.

Intensive family support outcomes

  • Intensive family support programs are designed to assist families who are experiencing difficulties with parenting, financial management, or other issues that can impact the well-being of children. In Australia, there have been several studies and evaluations of the effectiveness of intensive family support programs for disadvantaged children. The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) conducted a review of intensive family support programs in 2017 and found that these programs can have positive impacts on family functioning, child behaviour, and child safety. Some programs also resulted in reductions in child abuse and neglect, as well as improvements in parental mental health and family relationships.

  • In a study of a Victorian intensive family support program, children who participated in the program showed significant improvements in their behaviour, emotional well-being, and social skills compared to children who did not receive the support. The Western Australian Department of Communities evaluated the Stronger Families, Safer Children program, which provides intensive family support to families with complex needs. They found that the program resulted in a 37% reduction in the number of children entering out-of-home care, and a 10% increase in the number of children being reunified with their families. The evaluation of the Queensland Intensive Family Support Service found that families who received the support had a lower rate of re-entry into the child protection system, and a higher rate of achieving their goals related to parenting, financial management, and housing.

    Furthermore, a study conducted by the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth found that intensive family support programs have the potential to provide a net financial benefit to society by reducing the costs associated with child protection interventions and out-of-home care placements.

    Early intervention programs for disadvantaged children in Australia have been shown to have a range of benefits, including improved academic achievement, social and emotional development, and long-term outcomes such as reduced involvement in crime and increased employability.

    Studies have found that children who participate in early intervention programs are more likely to achieve higher academic results than those who do not. The benefits of early intervention are most pronounced for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. For example, a study by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence found that children who participate in early childhood education programs are up to 40% less likely to repeat a grade in school. A report by the Productivity Commission found that for children who have experienced disadvantage, participation in quality early childhood education can lead to an increase in test scores of up to 15 percentage points by age 10.

    Early intervention programs have also been shown to have positive effects on social and emotional development. The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children found that children who participated in high-quality early childhood education had better social and emotional outcomes in adolescence. A study by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that children who attended high-quality early education programs had better social skills, more positive attitudes towards school, and fewer behavioural problems than those who did not.

    Investing in early intervention programs can also lead to reduced involvement in crime. The Australian Institute of Criminology found that early childhood education and care can reduce the likelihood of later criminal involvement by up to 40%. A study by the Centre for Social Impact at UNSW Sydney estimated that investing $1 in high-quality early education programs for disadvantaged children can generate up to $7 in long-term benefits to society, including reduced costs associated with crime, incarceration, and other social costs.

    Moreover, early intervention programs can increase the employability of disadvantaged children. The Productivity Commission found that children who participate in early intervention programs are more likely to complete high school, attain tertiary qualifications, and secure stable employment. A study by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence found that participation in high-quality early childhood education programs can lead to increased workforce participation and earnings in adulthood. A report by PwC estimated that investing in early childhood education and care could generate a return on investment of up to $2.50 in increased workforce participation, earnings, and reduced welfare costs.

    Overall, the data and statistics indicate that investing in early intervention programs for disadvantaged children in Australia can yield significant long-term benefits for individuals, families, and society as a whole.

  • Overall, these data and statistics suggest that intensive family support programs can have a significant positive impact on the well-being of disadvantaged children and families in Australia. They may also provide cost savings to society, indicating that such programs are a wise investment in the long-term well-being of children and families. Disadvantage is a significant issue that affects both the Australian economy and the community as a whole. People who experience disadvantage may face a range of challenges, including limited access to education and employment opportunities, poor health outcomes, and housing insecurity. These factors can have a significant impact on both individual wellbeing and broader community safety.