This small study by Janet Stanley, Nina Bailey, Helen Ansems, Martina Boese and Jill Webb documented the needs of families with young children in Greater Dandenong, drawing on consultations with local residents and with selected community groups caring for children and serving people who may be at risk of social exclusion. The study was undertaken to inform the Greater Dandenong Communities for Children program, one of 45 sites funded by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. It was a partnership between Mission Australia, the City of Greater Dandenong and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.

Communities for Children is a new program funded by the Australian Government which seeks to improve the outcomes for Australian children up to five years of age. The four-year program is located in 45 sites1 chosen according to need. Needs were ascertained with reference to numbers of families receiving Family Tax Benefit, other indicators of disadvantage and consultations with state and territory governments. Under Communities for Children, non-government organisations are funded to coordinate and facilitate local services and the resources of the local community to improve the well-being of young children.