Integration with other services and onward referrals

This activity integrates the program within a context of a range of services available to families.

How can it be implemented?

This activity embeds the program in paediatric clinical practice, or integrates well-child visits with the GP or paediatrician into the program, or integrates parenting programs and support with childcare delivery at HeadStart centres.

Who is the target group?

This flexible activity has been implemented with several different target groups. Key characteristics include:

• First time mothers who are vulnerable, for example young mothers, single mothers, and families of low socioeconomic status
• Aboriginal mothers in Central Australia
• Families at risk using indicators such as education level, single parenthood, employment, history of abuse or neglect, potential for violence, and a history of mental illness, criminality, and drug abuse
• Universal
• Children who have shown signs of social behavioural problems; had difficulties with socio-emotional or cognitive development
• Parents who lack parenting skills
• Culturally diverse communities

What programs conduct this activity?

Nurse-Family Partnership: Mothers are offered transport to prenatal check-ups and well-child visits at health clinics on a needs basis.

Healthy Steps for Young Children: The model introduces a child development expert trained in the Healthy Steps approach into the paediatric primary care practice for an integrated approach to the child. Parents are provided with linkages to community resources.

Johns Hopkins Children and Youth Program: The Johns Hopkins Children and Youth program employs paediatricians, nurses, parent education specialists, social workers and support staff. For psychosocial issues, the home visitor refers the family to the social worker or educator, as indicated by the nature and severity of the problems encountered

HeadStart: HeadStart integrates childcare, health centres and home visiting.

Relief Nursery Program: On an as needed basis, mental health and special education services are integrated into the classroom. All children participate in developmental screening. Other services are provided as needed, including respite care, child nutrition, transportation to and from services, and individual and family counselling.

Family Support Program: The program is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team including a social worker, a psychologist, an early childhood educator and two social educators.

ParentCorps: The program operates in a school setting, with school personnel (mental health professionals and teachers) as the facilitators of a parenting intervention and a concurrent group for children.

Safe Environment for Every Kid: Embedded in paediatric clinics to families of children aged 0-5 years. Early interventionists, early childhood teachers, and other service professionals were called on as needed to give advice and make referrals.

Further resources