The first Home-Start scheme in Australia was established in 1989 at Newcastle University, Family Action Centre. Home-Start National Inc. was formed in 2001 when it established new schemes throughout the Hunter Valley, North Coast, Southern Sydney,
Southern Tablelands, Riverina, Central and Western NSW and Melbourne. It has been operating with resounding success ever since. In 2013 Home-Start operates in 23 centres – 20 in NSW and 3 in Victoria, and is continuing to grow and establish new schemes throughout Australia.
Home-Start began in the UK in 1973 with the simple idea that parents and grandparents have a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills that would be of benefit to other local parents with young children, who are facing difficulties. Home-Start is now the largest family support organisation in Britain and there are now over 350 Home-Start schemes throughout Britain and more than 500 schemes in 26 countries worldwide.
Research has shown in a very positive way that the preventive approach of Home-Start is an extremely powerful tool in providing support in the very important early years. Over the last 35 years Home-Start has documented the outcomes of this successful model with a number of evaluations and studies that focus on the process of programs both nationally and internationally.
Four year Study of Home-Start, Netherlands
Dr. Jessica Asscher and Professor Jo Hermanns at the University of Amsterdam
Click to read: Summary
Full Article - 'Assessing Change in Families Following the Home-Start Parenting Program: Clinical Significance and Predictors of Change', Family Relations, 57 (July 2008), 351–364.
HOME START WORLDWIDE
Attending the Home-Start Worldwide Global conference was a great opportunity to meet with other Home-Start countries and learn from expert presenters on issues concerning families with young children, fundraising, policy development and research. The networking is invaluable in terms of collaboration and reviewing and improving practice. Participation on a global level is maintaining Home-Start’s reputation and high standards it is renowned for, as well as assisting new countries establish Home-Start in their local regions.
