The evidence summary begins by considering the importance of place. This leads to a discussion of why different approaches to services and service delivery are required, including a brief description of recent changes in the conditions in which families are raising young children and the complex social problems we face. Consideration is given to defining...

INTRODUCTION

This policy brief explores four key issues pertaining to the future of early childhood education and care in Australia: the importance of early childhood, quality early childhood education and care, service integration, and the inclusion of children with disability and developmental delays.

Evidence indicates worsening or unacceptably high levels of problems amongst Australia’s children and young people. These problems will not improve – and could get worse – unless we are able to effectively intervene to prevent these problems from occurring in the first place or address the problems early before they become entrenched.

The Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH) at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and the Royal Children’s Hospital has undertaken two literature reviews to inform the design of a sustained home visiting program for vulnerable families with young children; the program is now known as 'right @home'. This project is being led by a collaboration...