Submission to the Department of Social Services consultation on ‘A new approach to programs for families and children’

The submission draws on SVA’s experience in improving outcomes for children and families, emphasizing the need for stable funding, investment in capability, and responsible stewardship of public funds.

Our is informed by our work through Nurture Together and Restacking the Odds.

Building on the Restacking the Odds submission to the 2024 Family and Child Activity consultation, we highlight the significant impact of parenting programs and the importance of program design, data, evidence, and contracting settings that support better community outcomes. Our Nurture Together work drives collaboration to design and fund integrated early childhood hubs that ensure equitable, high-quality education and care for children in disadvantaged communities.

In this submission, we:

  • recommend that the Department support and incentivise integrated early years services
  • recommend that the Department strengthen the meaningful use of the right data for learning and accountability
  • recommend that the Department support the effective transition to relational contracting
  • recommend that the Department balance evidence with innovation and community-led responses.
Submission to the Department of Social Services consultation on ‘A new approach to programs for families and children’
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