Designing Family Support Programs: Building Children, Family and Community Resilience

Research on brain development continues to reinforce the importance of the early years of life in determining long term outcomes, both for children, and for society. Increasing numbers of family support programs operating internationally reflect growing awareness of the importance of the early years, and the value of targeting resources towards children, families and their communities. This book argues that the family support movement, having evolved from a variety of discipline bases, is now sufficiently developed to articulate its own theoretical foundation and practice. Family support must operate from an ecological perspective, working from family strengths and focusing on empowerment. Different models of operating family support arising out of this theoretical framework are presented. The role of staff, and staff training are discussed, as is the importance of ethical program delivery and evaluation. The book synthesises the considerable literature on family support, and presents this in an easily accessible format, with particular relevance for those working in Australia and New Zealand. It is essential reading for both practitioners in family support, and policy makers responsible for designing and funding programs. The book will interest those from a range of disciplines involved in family support, including those in health, children's services, psychology, social work and education.