SFCS Evaluation, Publications and Support 

In August 2004, FaHCSIA called for tenders to design and implement the evaluation of the former Stronger Families and Communities Strategy (SFCS) 2004-2009.

A consortium of the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), University of New South Wales and Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) was selected. The consortium was led by Professor Ilan Katz, Director of the SPRC.

Evaluation products

The final evaluation reports were released in June 2009.

• National evaluation (2004–2008) of the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy 2004–2009 (FaHCSIA Occasional Paper No. 24)
• Stronger families in Australia study: the impact of Communities for Children (FaHCSIA Occasional Paper No. 25)
• Indigenous families and children: coordination and provision of services (FaHCSIA Occasional Paper No. 23)
• Engaging hard-to-reach families and children (FaHCSIA Occasional Paper No. 26)
• Promising Practice Profile final report

Older evaluation products

• National Evaluation Framework of the SFCS 2004-2008
• National Evaluation Program Logic
• SFCS National Evaluation Baseline Report on Communities for Children Process Evaluation
• Engaging Fathers in Child and Family Services: Participation, Perceptions and Good Practice (FaHCSIA Occasional Paper No. 22)

Evaluations and other resources from the first SFCS (2000-2004)

• RMIT University's full set of reports and papers from the first Stronger Families and Communities Strategy 2000-2004 evaluation
• One of the papers was released as FaHCSIA Occasional Paper (Number 19) - Lessons learnt about strengthening Indigenous families and communities
• Good Practices and Pitfalls in Community-Based Capacity Building and Early Intervention Projects: A Toolkit

Communities and Families Clearinghouse Australia (CAFCA)

The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) is an Australian Government statutory agency, the role of which is to conduct research and communicate findings to policy makers, service providers and the broader community about factors that affect family wellbeing.  AIFS has been provided funding for the Communities and Families Clearinghouse Australia (CAFCA).

CAFCA offers the following services:

• A library of resources including an internet site, Library help desk, Library collection and a Clearinghouse database of projects.
• Access to Promising Practice Profiles that highlight successful community activities and outcomes for parents, children and families
• Promising Practice Profile final report
• Maintenance of a website and e-discussion list (CAFCA Chat) for projects to facilitate communication among stakeholders.

Background

The former Stronger Families and Communities Strategy (SFCS) previously funded:

• Communities for Children
• Early Childhood - Invest to Grow
• Local Answers