From fear to confidence

“I was terrified; I didn’t understand the system and I was frightened I’d lose my baby.”

Cara* first visited an Early Childhood Hub after the local child protection agency filed a report declaring her baby, who had been admitted to hospital for low weight, was ‘failing to thrive’.  

Having grown up in an abusive home, she had no family support and her husband commuted for work, so she was caring for her two children alone.

She reached out to an Early Childhood Hub, which provides high-quality and holistic supports for children who are experiencing socioeconomic vulnerability and are aged between birth and six-years-old.

For Cara it was a lifeline.

“I needed help to navigate the system. It’s a scary time when Child Safety is in your back pocket. It was good to finally have someone advocating and ‘in my corner’.”

The Hub provided a dedicated case worker who offered support, advocacy and reassurance during the child protection agency’s involvement at the hospital. While health professionals were focused specifically on medical issues, the case worker could look at the whole situation, advocating for the family and giving reassurance that Cara was ‘doing the right things.

At the same time, the Hub stepped in with practical, coordinated support, helping Cara to build her confidence in:

• meal preparation
• sleep routines
• breastfeeding
• establishing a safe, predictable home environment.

“I liked the consistent, no-nonsense approach from the professionals who knew their stuff and were able to calm me down,” said Cara. “It’s not clinical; everyone is relaxed… You are always welcomed and can come as you are.”

It is these trusting, relational supports that are central to the Hub’s benefits. Families thrive when their support networks are non-judgemental; when they walk alongside families through crises and build sustained relationships. 

Continuous wrap-around support for families

While Cara was receiving parenting support, her children accessed regular playgroups, early learning activities, and developmental checks, providing stability and continuity when home life was still uncertain. 

The Hub was there for Cara through ASD and ADHD assessments, NDIS applications, and it was through this process that Cara was able to access occupational therapy for her kids.

Over time, Cara built friendships and a support network at the Hub, and her husband completed training to help strengthen attachment with the children. 

“It’s helped him to relate to them and build a stronger connection with them,” said Cara. “He’s understood that the kids aren’t just being naughty.”

Today, six years on, Cara has six children and is working in early childhood education. Her husband works from home and can help more. Her children are thriving and safe.

“At the Hub I learnt to trust myself. I know what I’m doing, but I can ask for help if I need it,” said Cara. “My kids are all thriving and I have so much more confidence now. I know I’m doing the best for [them]; they’re loved and safe.”

Empowered and proud

By addressing multiple needs in a holistic, coordinated way, Hubs reduce the emotional and practical burden families face when it comes to navigating fragmented systems. Families can access play, learning, health and social services in one place, and it’s this joined-up, trusted support that creates the Hub’s long-term impact. Families feel empowered, less isolated and proud of what they can provide for their growing families.

*We have changed Cara’s name to safeguard her privacy.