Research reports
Reports from our research include program evaluations, policy analysis, literature reviews and insights from people experiencing disadvantage.
Titles since January 2002 are listed below. Most full reports and summaries may be freely downloaded as PDF files. Full reports are generally also available as printed copies (prices below).
To order printed reports, use the order form for Brotherhood publications (PDF file, 173 KB).
For advanced searches, use the publications database. To find items published before 2002, contact the library:
Library and Information Services
Ph: (03) 9483 1387
E-mail: library@nullbsl.org.au
2012
Financial life in a new setting: experiences of Afghan and Burmese (Chin and Karen) communities in Melbourne, Australia
Victoria Johnson, Said Dileri & Naw Eh Ywa
Report (PDF file, 395 KB)
This qualitative study involving Melbourne’s Afghan and Burmese (Chin and Karen) communities presents a mixed picture of how these migrants are coping with financial matters as they settle in a new city. Two factors influencing adjustment are people’s diverse circumstances and experiences of financial matters before arrival in Australia and a lack of finance-related information relevant to their life experience. Many families reported significant hardship, especially if they could not find steady employment. People’s main information needs related to credit, utility bills and contracts, and insurance, and knowing where to get help.
2012
Report 40 pages, ISBN 978-1-921623-30-1
2011
End the decay: the cost of poor dental health and what should be done about it
Bronwyn Richardson and Jeff Richardson
Report (PDF file, 836 KB)
This study commissioned by the Brotherhood of St Laurence provides an overview of the economic costs of poor dental health and an assessment of who is bearing those costs, and outlines some options for reforming the dental health system to provide more accessible care for disadvantaged Australians.
2011
Report: 29 pages, ISBN 978-1-921623-29-5, electronic resource
Investing in our future: an evaluation of the national rollout of the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY): final report
Max Liddell, Tony Barnett, Fatoumata Diallo Roost and Juliet McEachran
Report (PDF file, 1.7 MB)
A national evaluation of the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY), a combined home and centre-based early childhood enrichment program that supports parents in their role as their child’s first teacher, has found significant benefits for parents and children. The effectiveness of HIPPY was evaluated by means of a two-year longitudinal, quasi-experimental research design that involved a comparison group drawn from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children using propensity score matching.
2011
Report 142 pages, electronic resource
Overcoming barriers to education: Peninsula Youth Connections evaluation stage 1 report
Sharon Bond
Summary (PDF file, 136 KB) Full report (PDF file, 522 KB)
This study of Peninsula Youth Connections, a program operated in the Frankston Mornington Peninsula region by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and TaskForce, found that not only life circumstances but also systemic education barriers made it difficult for some young people to engage in meaningful learning. While the intensive case management and flexible approach of PYC were affirmed by youth professionals, the research also pointed to the need to clarify responsibilities and overcome boundaries between services addressing young people’s multiple needs.
2011
Full report: 71 pages, ISBN 978-1-921623-28-8, printed copy $12.00
Summary: 4 pages
A path to re-engagement: evaluating the first year of a Community VCAL education program for young people
George Myconos
Summary (PDF file, 136 KB) Full report (PDF file, 558 KB)
In Frankston, the Brotherhood of St Laurence has developed a Community VCAL program tailored for young people aged 15 to 18 who have experienced barriers to mainstream education. Students undertake the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning—a Years 11 and 12 course which combines classroom tuition with vocational training and work placements—in a community setting rather than in a school. The evaluation of the inaugural year found that, notwithstanding some challenges, the program made a significant difference to the educational opportunities of most of its students.
2011
Full report: 55 pages, ISBN 978-1-921623-24-0, printed copy $12.00
Summary: 4 pages
Sidelined! Workforce participation and non-participation among baby boomers in Australia
DIna Bowman and Helen Kimberley
Summary (PDF file, 131 KB) Full report (PDF file, 361 KB)
Sidelined! reports on a qualitative study that provides insight into the contours and experience of mature-age workforce participation in Australia. This study highlighted the widespread and damaging nature of involuntary non-participation and under-participation for older people.
2011
Full report: 47 pages, ISBN 978-1-921623-27-1, printed copy $6.00
Summary: 4 pages
Many faces of saving: social dimensions of Saver Plus
Eve Bodsworth
Summary (PDF file 387 KB)* Full report (PDF file, 331 KB)
A small qualitative study of Saver Plus, a matched savings program designed to assist low-income Australians to build assets and improve their financial capability, explored the social and economic context in which the participants attempted to save money and manage their finances. It also shed light on the constraints to saving faced by individuals and families. The study includes recommendations for improving the Saver Plus program, and for broader policy reform.
2011
Full report: 48 pages, ISBN 978-1-921623-22-6, electronic resource
*Summary: 20 pages (combined with summary of RMIT research report Evaluation of Saver Plus past participants)
Improving energy efficiency in Moreland: research sample, baseline measures and recruitment for the Warm Home Cool Home program evaluation
Victoria Johnson and Damian Sullivan
Report (PDF file, 290 KB)
This report contains baseline data from a study to identify the social impacts within households of the Warm Home Cool Home program which offers energy audits and retrofits to low-income households in the City of Moreland in Melbourne's northern suburbs. The research was funded through Moreland Solar City, an Australian Government Solar Cities initiative led by the Moreland Energy Foundation, in partnership with Moreland City Council, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Sustainability Victoria.
2011
Report: 28 pages, electronic resource
Addressing the challenges together: consultations with Brotherhood clients
Sharon Bond and Michael Horn
Summary (PDF file, 233 KB)
This summary of a longer unpublished report outlines the client consultations that the Brotherhood undertook to help inform our 2012–14 strategic review. Recommendations from clients included improving access to quality doctors in the outer suburbs and offering refugee-specific services through Job Network Australia providers.
2011
Summary: 4 pages
Reducing the risks: improving access to home contents and vehicle insurance for low-income Australians
Dominic Collins
Summary (PDF file 109 KB), Full report (PDF file, 443 KB)
Insurance is a vital tool for protecting assets and also serves to prevent financial hardship by providing a safety net in the event of a loss. Unfortunately, those who are least able to replace their possessions are the least likely to be insured. This Brotherhood of St Laurence research points to a need for improved product design and payment methods for those on a low income, together with access to information and advice, and collaboration between the community sector, insurers and government.
2011
Full report: 58 pages, ISBN 978-1-921623-25-7, printed copy $12.00
Summary: 4 pages
Money matters in times of change: financial vulnerability through the life course
Zuleika Arashiro
Summary (PDF file 100 KB), Full report (PDF file, 654 KB)
This study explores financial vulnerability during four key life transitions: moving from school to work, being out of work, becoming a single mother, and retiring and ageing. It found that material and emotional support are essential to reduce the risk that such transitions lead to financial hardship and persistent disadvantage. It also found that some strategies used to cope with financial pressure, such as ‘doing without’, reduce immediate pressure but can lead to social exclusion.
2011
Full report: 57 pages, ISBN 978-1-921623-21-9, printed copy $12.00
Summary: 4 pages
Workforce participation and non-participation among baby boomers in Australia: a profile from HILDA data
Honge (Cathy) Gong and Justine McNamara
Full report (PDF file, 340 KB)
This quantitative study of mature age workforce participation and non-participation, commissioned by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and undertaken by NATSEM researchers Honge (Cathy) Gong and Justine McNamara, showed that baby boomers are a diverse group. Analysis of data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey showed, for example, that almost one-third of people aged 45–54 who are not in the paid workforce would prefer to be working.
2011
Full report: 26 pages, electronic resource only
Promoting healthy finances: an evaluation of the Financial Health Service pilot
Zuleika Arashiro
Summary (PDF file 104 KB), Full report (PDF file, 1.3 MB)
An evaluation of a free, one-on-one, financial information and guidance service piloted in Melbourne by the Brotherhood of St Laurence for financially vulnerable people found that clients considered good communication and trust as key qualities of such a service, and preferred face-to-face consultation over other channels such as bank branches or the internet. Most clients sought information on how to deal with rising basic costs and very limited income. The service helped boost clients’ confidence and willingness to seek future guidance, but there was no straightforward relationship between knowledge and action.
2011
Full report: 51 pages, ISBN 978-1-921623-19-6, printed copy $6.00
Summary: 4 pages
2010
Lauren Siegmann
What are the employment status and aspirations of public housing residents? What obstacles do they face to work and learning?This report presents data from a baseline survey of public tenants, undertaken to inform service delivery at the new Centre for Work and Learning, a Brotherhood community employment initiative in inner Melbourne.
2010
A4 29 pages electronic resource
Sharon Bond
This literature review examines youth centres and other programs which offer holistic or integrated youth services in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia, and considers supportive policy frameworks.
2010
A4 47 pages printed copy $6.00
Several Brotherhood of St Laurence sites and program clusters have been identified as active or potential community activity and service delivery centres. This paper outlines how they began, the community context, their aims, planned outcomes and target populations. This overview will contribute to our understanding of targeted, place-based interventions which seek to apply social inclusion principles.
2010
A4 21 pages printed copy $6.00
George Myconos
This study of a recycling pilot project (HaRP) in the Fitzroy and Collingwood high-rise public housing estates found that many households had become involved in recycling, and so reduced the amount of recyclable material sent to landfill. It also highlighted the challenges of spreading the recycling message and of operating an efficient service in neighbourhoods where many residents come from diverse backgrounds and face complex disadvantages.
2010
ISBN 978 1 921623 15 8
A4 38 pages printed copy $6.00
Dina Bowman and Nicole Souery
The Training for Work study analysed the characteristics of participants in training programs run by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and explored the factors that helped or hindered the successful completion of training and the transition into paid employment. The study found that for many trainees, a certificate or qualification is not sufficient to enable them to get and keep a job: support and mentoring are essential.
2010
ISBN 978 1 921623 14 1
A4 44 pages printed copy $6.00
Martina Boese
The Community Service Leadership Program (CSLP), developed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Rotary Club of Melbourne, enabled disadvantaged young people in alternative educational settings to explore, devise and implement projects to benefit their local community. Evaluation by BSL researchers indicated that the model achieved positive outcomes for students (from increased communication and work-related skills to greater understanding of social issues), for teachers (in applying a pedagogy which fostered student initiative and interaction with the community) and for community organisations (in mutual respect between age-groups and between cultural groups).
2010
ISBN 978 1 876250 97 3
A4 42 pages printed copy $6.00
Sharon Bond
This report presents the evaluation of a small-scale pilot in which refugee women requiring personal and settlement support were matched with volunteer mentors in the City of Hume in Melbourne’s north. The project showed the potential for community-based initiatives to reduce social isolation and help newcomers adjust to life in Australia, as well as to increase understanding in the wider community.
2010
ISBN 978 1 921623 09 7
A4 59 pages printed copy $12.00
George Myconos
This report evaluates a pre-Community VCAL ‘Taster’ course offered at the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Frankston High Street Centre. The course engaged young people who were seriously disaffected with school education, and who were facing their transition to adulthood without having acquired important skills. It provided valuable literacy, numeracy, vocational and social skills tuition, as well as the experience these students needed to make judgments about continuing vocational or further education.
2010
ISBN 978 1 921623 11 0
A4 36 pages printed copy $6.00
Sharon Bond
The Teeth First trial enabled unemployed Personal Support Programme clients of the Brotherhood in Frankston to receive dental treatment. The evaluation involved pre and post-treatment surveys to examine the impact of timely dental care on personal wellbeing, and social and economic participation. The report also includes case studies, reviews of research and government dental health policy, and recommendations.
2010
ISBN 978-1-921623-10-3
A4 61 pages printed copy $12.00
Eve Bodsworth
This study examined the financial incentives and non-financial factors influencing the decision to return to work or to increase working hours for two groups thought to be affected by high effective marginal tax rates, single parents and unemployed people. The findings inform the Brotherhood’s policy and advocacy work relating to taxation.
2010
ISBN 978 1 921623 07 3
A4 87 pages printed copy $12.00
Also available Making work pay summary (PDF file, 136 KB)
Dina Bowman and Jyden Lawlor
This study provides valuable insights into the provision of employment services for highly disadvantaged people with complex needs. It built on the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support approach for people with mental illness, which was developed and well-documented in the United States. The report includes a detailed fidelity review of the adaptation and implementation of the IPS model.
2010
ISBN 978-1-921623-06-6
A4 69 pages printed copy $12.00
Janet Taylor and Nina Gee
The Life Chances Study has followed some 140 young people from diverse backgrounds since they were infants. In 2008 they turned 18: many finished school, while others were already launched into the world beyond. This Stage 9 report examines their Year 12 completion and their ENTER scores, and also provides important glimpses into the lives of young Australians at a key point of transition, from school to university, TAFE, apprenticeships, work and, for some, unemployment. The report considers some implications for the social inclusion policy agenda.
2010
ISBN 978-1-921623-05-9
A4 54 pages printed copy $12.00
Also available Turning 18 summary (PDF file, 137 KB)
2009
VECCI and Brotherhood of St Laurence
This collaborative study explored the extent to which recruitment of low-skilled workers was a problem for employers, as well as employee work readiness, foundational skills and vocational training, and the support mechanisms to increase worker retention.
2009
A4 53 pages Electronic format only
Helen Kimberley and Bonnie SImons
The fourth Social Barometer examines the extent of disadvantage among older Australians through indicators of people’s capabilities covering eight key dimensions of life, including employment, income, health, housing, safety and social participation. The barometer concentrates on national data, and draws attention to the different experiences of retirement and ageing and the different phases of the life course which require distinctive policy responses.
2009
ISBN 978-921623-03-5
A4 57 pages printed copy $12.00
Ingrid Burkett and Genevieve Sheehan
This report of research undertaken by the Brotherhood and Community Foresters Finance draws on the literature and stakeholder consultation to explore microfinance in Australia, highlighting the need to achieve sustainability, scale up successful pilot programs and measure impact on financial exclusion. The recommendations point to next steps to meet these challenges.
2009
ISBN 978-1-921623-02-8
A4 64 pages printed copy $12.00
Gerard Brody and Elizabeth McNess
The authors of this report argue that Australia’s current asset-building policies, particularly tax concessions on housing and superannuation, enable wealthier households to further accumulate assets while doing little for poorer families. Significant reform of the tax and transfer system is required so that policies to encourage asset building will benefit those who need support the most.
2009
ISBN 978-1-921623-04-2
A4 12 pages Electronic format only
Sharon Bond
This report commissioned by the Equity in Education Alliance seeks to quantify in dollars the extent to which the Victorian community service organisations, including emergency relief providers, assist disadvantaged families to meet school education expenses. This costs data supports the argument that the cost of education has been shifted from the state to the individual, and that these costs are then shifted a second time, when disadvantaged families seek help from the community sector. In the Alliance’s view, failure to address educational inequity and ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation shows a lack of regard for human dignity, impedes the future economic and social inclusion of children and threatens the success of the national productivity agenda.
2009
ISBN 978-1-921623-01-1
A4 21 pages printed copy $6.00
Astrid Reynolds
This Brotherhood research commissioned by the Myer Foundation tracked the influence on government policy of the foundation’s investment in developing a vision for aged care, and assessed its impact on practice. The report outlines progess in five key areas (community care, housing, administration, funding and industry planning) and proposes an agenda to progress outstanding issues.
2009
A4 44 pages Electronic format only
This evaluation of the local implementation of the national Communities for Children initiative in Frankston North on Melbourne's south-eastern fringe incorporated the Most Significant Change methodology. It examined the outcomes of activities ranging from playgroups to parenting support groups for children, families and the community from the perspective of parents and service providers.
2009
A4 65 pages printed copy $12.00
Judith Yates
This paper, reporting research undertaken for the Brotherhood of St Laurence and published by AHURI (the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute), assesses the scale and distribution of key tax expenditures associated with the treatment of housing in the Australian tax system. Based on these findings, it indicates some changes that would make the tax arrangements more efficient and equitable.
2009
A4 66 pages Electronic format only
Sharon Bond and Michael Horn
Concerned about financial barriers to participation, Brotherhood researchers canvassed the cost burden to parents of education in a government school. Applying a social inclusion lens, they allowed for not only subject fees, uniforms and textbooks but also related expenses such as transport, sport or music costs and (a share of) home computer and internet access. Comparing these School Education Expenses (SEE) with the incomes and educational assistance available to three hypothetical disadvantaged households showed that they would struggle to afford the education taken for granted by most Australians. Clearly, to achieve 90 per cent Year 12 attainment will require educational policy reform.
2009
ISBN 978-1-921623-00-4
A4 41 pages printed copy $6.00
Sharon Bond
This report presents the case for out-of-school-hours learning support programs (LSPs) to meet the needs of disadvantaged students. In the light of Commonwealth and state agendas of social inclusion, serious policy and funding commitment to such programs is required as a key element of the implementation of the COAG National Plans for education reform.
2009 ISBN 978 1 876250 98 0
A4 35 pages printed copy $6.00
Janet Taylor
The stories of eight young people who left school early, interviewed when aged 17 for Stage 8½ of the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s longitudinal Life Chances Study, illustrate their complex lives as they consider employment, training and other facets of their future. Their experience leads to recommendations for policies to ensure that young people are not excluded from appropriate opportunities.
2009 ISBN 978 1 876250 94 2
A4 75 pages printed copy $12.00
Sections may also be downloaded separately:
Part 1 of Stories of early school leaving (PDF file, 178 KB) includes the method, findings, discussion and references.
Part 2 of Stories of early school leaving (PDF file, 265 KB) presents the eight young people's stories at length.
Carmel Laragy and Gerry Naughtin
Increased choice in aged care services is an international trend, driven by demographic changes and consumer advocacy. This review of the literature on consumer-directed, flexible care points to better outcomes for consumers and to cost efficiencies. The authors signal several key issues that need to be addressed in improving choice and flexibility in Australian aged care services, and propose a major national trial of consumer-directed aged care packages in Australia.
2009 ISBN 978 1 876250 95 9
A4 30 pages printed copy $6.00
Simon Kelly, NATSEM, University of Canberra
The Brotherhood of St Laurence commissioned the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) to undertake a study of the inequities of Australia's retirement income system.
2008
Laura Meese and Jennifer Poole
This study of transfers of frail older people between hospitals and residential care was undertaken by two fourth-year social work students from La Trobe University. They considered discharge procedures, cooperative care, and communication and information, with particular reference to the Yellow Envelope, a tool designed to ensure key patient information is readily available at all transfer stages. Their report includes recommendations for further improvements.
2008
A4 33 pages printed copy $6.00
Genevieve Sheehan, Therese Wilson and Nicola Howell
Researchers from the Brotherhood of St Laurence and from Griffith University law school sought the views of people living on low incomes about credit regulations, focusing on disclosure and the safety net provisions in the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC). They found that current pre-contractual disclosure documents did not help participants to understand many of the important terms of the contract, or to know their rights; and accordingly recommended improved regulation to protect this important group of consumers.
2008 ISBN 978 1 876250 92 8
A4 31 pages printed copy $6.00
Kemran Mestan
This evaluation of Given the Chance, a program developed by the Ecumenical Migration Centre of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, showed that supported mentoring combined with training and work placements can be effective in helping refugees to understand Australian workplace cultures and providing an entrée into employment and/or educational opportunities.
2008
ISBN 978 1 876250 86 7
A4 60 pages printed copy $12.00
Also available Given the Chance evaluation summary (PDF file, 40 KB)
Martina Boese, Janet Stanley, Carole Baker and Jody Hughes
An evaluation of the Brotherhood’s Cottage Centre for Families and Children which served inner-Melbourne families with young children shows that it was an effective model for assisting families with complex needs. Defining principles included early intervention, considering the child in the context of family and community; and treating parents as expert partners in the nurture of their children. Children benefited in all areas of development, while parents showed improved self-esteem, trust and skills in accessing services. This in turn improved relationships between parents and children and decreased families’ social isolation – both essential for wellbeing and eventual independence.
2008
ISBN 978 1 876250 93 5
A4 69 pages printed copy $12.00
Late in 2007, the Brotherhood of St Laurence convened a roundtable to consider ways to reduce the likely impact of climate change (and related mitigation measures such as carbon pricing) on low-income private renter households. Contributors from industry, government, academia and non-government organisations agreed on recommendations relating to areas such emissions trading, improved household energy efficiency, building standards, energy tariffs and urban planning. This report presents the recommendations and background information.
2008
ISBN 978 1 876250 90 4
A4 31 pages printed copy $6.00
Serena Lillywhite
This paper, prepared for the OECD ILO conference 'Employment and industrial relations: promoting responsible business conduct', held in Paris in June 2008, considers how seasonal migrant workers can best be protected by the application of international conventions, state regulation and private sector corporate responsibility.
2008
A4 20 pages Electronic format only
Sharon Bond and Michael Horn
This report examines the survey responses of 58 low-income Victorian families about the cost of their 129 primary and secondary school-aged children’s participation in formal education during 2007. Although the survey was small in scale, it revealed that these parents faced considerable difficulties in paying education expenses, resulting in some children missing out on vital activities. To reduce the rate of students disengaging or dropping out, the writers recommend policy changes to eliminate financial hardship as a critical barrier for children in disadvantaged families.
2008 ISBN 978 1 876250 91 1
A4 18 pages $6.00
John Freebairn and Rosanna Scutella
This snapshot analysis prepared for the Brotherhood of St Laurence highlights key federal taxation areas requiring reform, with brief case studies illustrating the inequities, and presents a number of recommendations for a fairer system. The Brotherhood is urging the new Australian Government to examine options to create a fairer, simpler and a more efficient tax system that maximises economic and social participation.
Bill Unkles and Janet Stanley
As the imposition of a carbon price is planned in Australia to encourage movement away from carbon-based energy, this mapping exercise illustrates the uneven pattern of carbon use by poor households across Melbourne and across Victoria. The pattern is largely related to transport and urban planning issues. The findings point to the need for policies which will offset the regressive impact of a carbon price, to ensure that disadvantaged households are not unfairly penalised.
2008 ISBN 978 1 876250 88 1
A4 7 pages Electronic format only
Bill Unkles
The Partnerships Advancing Community Engagement program (PACE) was devised by Rotary Youth Ambassadorial Scholar, Courtney Scala, during an internship with the Brotherhood of St Laurence. This innovative approach is about Rotary clubs collaborating with community members and agencies on long-term sustainable projects to address disadvantage. The review of four projects undertaken in Melbourne shows how members used their professional and organisational skills and their networks to empower local communities.
2008
A4 22 pages printed copy $6.00
Sharon Bond
This is the final evaluation report from the Community Enterprise Development Initiative (CEDI), funded by the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development and delivered by the Brotherhood of St Laurence. After a pilot in 12 locations in 2005, the program expanded to 15 more sites in 2006–07. In addition to assisting the development of various community enterprises, CEDI has built a knowledge base about critical success factors and best practice, and fostered collaboration and networking. The report includes several case studies of community enterprises.
2008 ISBN 978 1 876250 87 4
A4 100 pages printed copy $12.00
Carmelita Davies and Nicole Oke
This report explores ways to strengthen the provision of services to ‘hard to reach’ families in Frankston North, Karingal and Carrum Downs, suburbs on Melbourne’s outer metropolitan fringe. Parents and service staff were interviewed about factors which hindered or encouraged the use of services such as maternal and child health centres, dental services and child care.
2008 ISBN 978 1 876250 85 0
A4 46 pages printed copy $6.00.
Janet Taylor and Lucy Nelms
This four-page summary brings together key findings from both stages 7 and 8 of the Brotherhood's longitudinal Life Chances Study, reported more fully in Life chances at 16 (2008) (PDF file, 412 KB) and School engagement and life chances: 15 year olds in transition (2006) (PDF file, 352 KB).
Janet Taylor and Lucy Nelms
Stage 8 of the longitudinal Life Chances Study explored the situations of 125 young Australians (75 girls and 50 boys) from diverse backgrounds, their current engagement with school and work and their future plans at the age of 16. The survey responses confirmed the continuity and layering of disadvantage: for example, those from low-income families with parents with limited education are more likely than their affluent peers to leave school early and less likely to plan university careers. The findings also showed diversity within socioeconomic groups, and posed the challenge of providing effective teaching and transition supports for all young people.
2008 ISBN 978 1 876250 83 6
A4 51 pages printed copy $6.00
2007
Nicole Oke, Janet Stanley and Jacqui Theobald
This report investigates the ways in which playgroups in Greater Dandenong, a culturally diverse municipality in south-eastern Melbourne, can foster the inclusion of many community groups, and identifies barriers to playgroup attendance for parents and caregivers.
2007 ISBN 978 1 876250 84 3
A4 39 pages printed copy $6.00
Daniel Perkins
This report presents findings of an evaluation of the Personal Support Programme (PSP) by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Melbourne Citymission and Hanover Welfare Services. PSP, funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and delivered by non-government and private contractors, provides two years’ intensive case management to job seekers facing multiple personal barriers. The research found that after involvement in the program participants had somewhat higher levels of economic and social participation and less interference from barriers. Many elements of the PSP model are consistent with best practice overseas, but two serious weaknesses are the lack of integrated employment support and the severely limited funding restricting access to specialist services for participants.
2007 ISBN 978 1 876250 81 2
A4 148 pages printed copy $20.00
Also available Making it work summary (PDF file, 319 KB)
A4 15 pages printed copy $6.00
Peter Saunders, Yuvisthi Naidoo and Megan Griffiths (SPRC); with Peter Davidson, Anne Hampshire, Janet Taylor, John Bellamy and Sue King
This is the final report from stage 2 of a major project assisted by an Australian Research Council Linkage grant, and led by Professor Peter Saunders from the Social Policy Research Centre of the University of New South Wales, with Janet Taylor (Brotherhood of St Laurence) and Peter Davidson (ACOSS) as partner investigators. Mission Australia and Anglicare NSW are other industry partners.
The third Social Barometer examines how well equipped Australians of working age are for full economic and social participation in a rapidly changing world. It presents indicators of their capabilities covering eight key dimensions of life from employment and education and employment to health and social involvement. The barometer concentrates on national data, and pays particular attention to people with socioeconomically disadvantaged and Indigenous backgrounds.
2007 ISBN 978 1 876250 82 9
A4 46 pages $6.00
Also available Social Barometer working years summary (PDF file, 163 KB)
Kemran Mestan and Rosanna Scutella with the Allen Consulting Group
Getting the long-term jobless into mainstream employment is a major challenge for Australian governments, especially in areas of concentrated disadvantage. The Brotherhood’s approach, also used effectively overseas, is to use an Intermediate Labour Market (ILM) as a bridge between long-term unemployment and the mainstream labour market. This research report presents initial findings about the effectiveness of the Brotherhood’s ILM programs, drawing on interviews with staff and participants and also proposing a framework for a cost–benefit analysis.
2007 ISBN 978 1 876250 80 5
A4 50 pages $6.00
Also available Investing in people summary (PDF file, 528 KB)
Emer Diviney and Serena Lillywhite
This research is the first comprehensive investigation of the Australian garment sector’s attitude to, and knowledge of, corporate responsibility in relation to labour rights. The report documents both the opportunities and the challenges facing the sector in demonstrating responsible and sustainable business practice. The study also documents Australian garment companies’ awareness of working conditions, laws, regulations and voluntary mechanisms and includes industry recommendations for improving both compliance and socially responsible practice.
2007 ISBN 978 1 876250 78 2
A4 16 pages gratis
Michael Hillier
This report describes the experience of the Brotherhood’s Community Care Division in the Department of Human Services’ Southern and North and West Regions of Melbourne in responding to social isolation through its Socialisation Program. Drawing on the views of participants and care managers, the author evaluates the effectiveness of this approach in addressing social isolation and considers the broader implications for care management programs generally and particularly for leisure and recreational services for older people and people with a disability.
2007 ISBN 978 1 876250 77 5
A4 40 pages $6.00
Karen Teshuva, Lucy Nelms, Victoria Johnson, Peter Foreman and Janet Stanley
This study was undertaken by the Australian Institute for Primary Care at La Trobe University and the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Researchers examined the community services recommended for older people with complex needs, the extent to which such recommendations were taken up and the ACAS clients’ and carers’ experience of services. They found difficulties in accessing community services were related to social isolation of the older person, high carer burden and the older person reporting low mood. Conversely the community care system is working best for older people who have someone (such as a family member or case manager) to help them to access the required services. Recommendations are made for improved identification of, and support for, those at risk of not accessing recommended services.
2007 ISBN 978 1 876250 75 1
A4 53 pages $12.00
Also available Outcomes for older people summary (PDF file, 68 KB)
This publication brings together papers and presentations from a roundtable, ‘Equity in Response to Climate Change’, convened by two welfare and two environmental non-government organisations: the Brotherhood of St Laurence, the National Welfare Rights Network, the Australian Conservation Foundation and The Climate Institute. Key themes include Australia’s vulnerability to climate change, the effect of carbon prices on different households, and issues affecting low-income, rural and Indigenous Australians. Contributors include Tony Nicholson, Gill Owen, Justin Sherrard and Alan Tate, Peter Brain (National Institute of Economic and Industry Research), Mark Wootton, Chris Loader and John Stanley. Links to other online presentations are also listed.
2007 ISBN 978 1 876250 76 8
A4 90 pages $12.00
Lois Bedson
This report documents learning from the implementation of the Community Enterprise Development Initiative of the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Department for Victorian Communities in twelve localities in Melbourne and regional Victoria. In each neighbourhood, the aim has been to identify and develop community-based small business opportunities which foster social participation, offer employment pathways and are financially sustainable. The report notes factors assisting or hindering progress to date, and features three community enterprises as case studies of the initiative.
2007
A4 41 pages $6.00
Janet Stanley, Chi Wai Ng and Kemran Mestan
This second report from a Brotherhood of St Laurence study commissioned by Camcare, the Rotary Club of Hawthorn and Foundation Boroondara explores child poverty and related service needs in Boroondara, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, informed by local welfare agencies and some parents experiencing exclusion. The researchers found that in such a municipality, general affluence can increase the exclusion of disadvantaged people. There is a need to address structural causes (unemployment, shortage of affordable housing) as well as individual issues, and for collaboration involving three levels of government and community members.
2007
A4 44 pages $6.00
2006
Janet Taylor and Lucy Nelms
This report draws on stage 7 of the Brotherhood’s longitudinal Life Chances Study, when the young people were aged 15, to explore school engagement and transition issues. It reports on interviews with 41 selected 15 year olds and their parents, and contains several illustrative case studies.
2006 ISBN 978 1 876 250 720
A4 54 pages $12.00
Kemran Mestan and Janet Stanley
This report is an evaluation of the Scheme for Training and Educating People (STEP) residential care program which enables people who face barriers to employment to gain a traineeship in Certificate III in community service (residential care), through a partnership between the Brotherhood of St Laurence residential care facilities and STEP Inc (the Brotherhood’s group training company).
2006
A4 25 pages $6.00
Eleanor Marsh and Daniel Perkins
The City of Kingston, with funding from the Department of Victorian Communities, engaged the Brotherhood of St Laurence to explore the issues underlying high youth unemployment in Kingston, as well as simultaneous employers' reports of difficulties in filling vacancies, particularly in manufacturing. Research involved analysis of ABS data as well as consultations with young people, employers, parents, and providers of education, employment and support services. The resulting Youth Employment Strategy was adopted by the City of Kingston.
2006
A4 82 pages Electronic format only
Martina Boese and Rosanna Scutella
This second issue of the Social Barometer examines how well equipped Australia are (or are not) to negotiate successfully the transition from childhood to adulthood, from school to work in a rapidly changing world. It presents indicators of young people’s capabilities covering seven key dimensions of life from physical and mental health to education and employment and social and civic participation. Sections of the report are introduced by individual case studies. The barometer concentrates on national data, and pays particular attention to young people with socioeconomically disadvantaged, refugee and Indigenous backgrounds.
2006
A4 39 pages $6.00
Also available Social Barometer youth summary (PDF file, 130 KB)
Janet Stanley, Nina Bailey, Helen Ansems, Martina Boese and Jill Webb
This small study documented the needs of families with young children in Dandenong, drawing on consultations with local residents and with selected community groups (e.g. playgroups and adult English classes) 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.
2006
A4 26 pages $6.00
Genevieve Sheehan and Gordon Renouf
The authors investigated the reasons that many low-income and other excluded people are uninsured. Through group interviews in Victoria and New South Wales, they identified specific barriers to taking out or maintaining insurance cover – not just simple cost, but also perceived limitations of insurance products or insurers and attitudes to assets. Drawing on these findings, the authors propose measures to increase access to general insurance for households with limited incomes.
2006
A4 35 pages $6.00
Rosanna Scutella and Genevieve Sheehan
This study evaluates the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Community Sector Banking’s personal loan pilot. This program, trialled across Melbourne, provided small personal loans ($500 to $2000) for people on low incomes to purchase household goods and services. An aim was to identify the barriers to credit for these consumers, and to advocate ways to overcome these barriers. On a small scale, the pilot highlighted the creditworthiness of a group of people on low incomes. For many participants, obtaining a loan was not only about moneyf, but also about dignity and inclusion. The report recommends that the private sector, community organisations and government should work together to improve access to thef mainstream credit market for people on low incomes.
2006
A4 38 pages $6.00
Lois Bedson and Daniel Perkins
This is the final evaluation of PACTS (Parents As Career Transition Supports), an innovative Brotherhood pilot project that aims to empower parents to better support their children's transitions from school to work and/or further education by building their knowledge of post-school pathways and the contemporary job market. The study found clear benefits to parents, including providing relevant information and skills, addressing their concerns and fostering communication with children about transitions, but also noted that the recruitment of parents to the program was resource-intensive.
2006
A4 39 pages $6.00
2005
Stephen Ziguras and Jacinda Kleidon
This report, prepared for the Department of Victorian Communities, comprises four case studies on local innovative approaches to employment support in disadvantaged communities: Neighbourhood Renewal in Fitzroy and Collingwood, an Adult Multicultural Education Service/BSL cleaning enterprise, YP4 young homeless jobseekers trial, and Westgate Community Initiatives Group disability employment programs. The full DVC report Victoria: Working Futures: Report of Victoria's Workforce Participation Taskforce 2005 (PDF file, 1.4 MB) contains summaries of the case studies.
2005
A4 25 pages $6.00
Rosanna Scutella and Paul Smyth
In this first issue of the Social Barometer series, the Brotherhood of St Laurence seeks to add to the literature highlighting the disadvantages facing some of Australia’s children. The Social Barometer: children’s chances presents indicators of children’s capabilities and childhood disadvantage. Each of the six dimensions reflects basic capabilities that every child should be free to develop, including the capability to have good health, to read and write, to control one’s thoughts and emotions, to be free from violence and abuse, and to have access to an adequate level of economic resources.
2005
A4 38 pages $6.00
Social Barometer children overview (PDF file, 131 KB) is also available
Joanne Hall and Pia Sim
This report identifies current models and practices of spiritual care in a range of high anfd low-care aged care settings in Melbourne, and considers the implications for best practice in intentional, integrated and wholistic spiritual care. It seeks to inform practice within the BSL facilities and to share learnings with other participating organisations and the wider aged care sector.
Catherine Waterhouse and Philippa Angley
The authors interviewed twelve Brotherhood clients in three small focus groups in order to identify themes for further investigation of the nature and dimensions of social exclusion affecting older Australians. Their report includes people’s comments on topic ranging from income, housing, health care and transport to independence and participation.
2005
A4 21 pages $6.00
Daniel Perkins
The aim of this study is to evaluate how well the Personal Support Programme (PSP) enables people with multiple non-vocational barriers to achieve economic and/or social outcomes. Interim findings suggest that PSP is a crucial and well-designed program for assisting some of the most disadvantaged job seekers, but that several factors reduce its effectiveness – notably, inadequate funding to help clients access services such as education and counselling to overcome barriers. While PSP’s recognition that some participants are unable to engage in employment-related activities before addressing personal barriers is vital, the lack of appropriate employment assistance integrated with personal support is an unfortunate limitation for those participants who feel ready to look for work.
2005
A4 63 pages $12.00
Janet Stanley, Cassandra Eadie and Carole Baker
This Brotherhood of St Laurence study, commissioned by Camcare, the Rotary Club of Hawthorn and Foundation Boroondara, is an attempt to quantify the problem of children growing up in poverty in Boroondara, a local government area in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Drawing on the, the authors draw on data from the 2001 census and other sources to describe family size and structure, employment rates, housing types, household income and other indicators of the extent and level of social exclusion.
2005
A4 21 pages $6.00
Jobs Australia (JA) and the Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) commissioned AC Nielsen to undertake a survey of frontline staff working in the Job Network (JN) in order to gather information about the current operation of the Job Network system.
2005
A4 11 pages Electronic format only
Janet Taylor and Dayane Stanovic
This report presents the findings of an exploratory study of the settlement experiences of two recent refugee groups (Iraqi and Sudanese) in regional Victoria (Shepparton, Colac and Warrnambool) and the factors that promote successful settlement.
2005
A4 67 pages $12.00
Sue Humphries and Sally Jope
The BSL undertook for the Office of Housing an evaluation of changes made in March 2003 to better support public housing tenants with complex needs and people who were struggling to pay their rent. These changes included requirements that all new tenants and transferring tenants with a poor payment history and on Centrelink payments sign up to Centrelink’s Rent Deduction Service as a condition of their tenancy agreement. Key findings are documented in this 4-page report.
2005
A4 4 pages Electronic format only
Daniel Perkins and Carol Peterson
This is the interim report of an evaluation of the Brotherhood's Parents As Career Transition Supports (PACTS) project, a DEST-funded pilot project running in schools on the Mornington Peninsula. The results so far strongly support the program model and highlight the importance of equipping parents for their vital role in the transition of their children from school to work or further education.
2005
A4 24 pages
2004
Louise Kyle, Fiona Macdonald, James Doughney and Joanne Pyke
Published by the Ecumenical Migration Centre of the Brotherhood of St Laurence
While Commonwealth-funded settlement services for refugees stop short of employment assistance, mainstream employment programs are generally not equipped to address the particular and complex needs of refugees. Drawing on interviews with service providers and an examination of the Given the Chance pilot program which offered refugees a flexible case-managed combination of job skills training, mentoring, work experience and personal support, the researchers argue that targeted labour market programs combining individualised and group delivery can be a cost-effective approach to assisting refugees to enter the workforce.
2004
A4 30 pages $6.00
Mary Tresize-Brown
Discussion of youth employment has often focused on what employers want young people to have. This research project undertaken by the BSL’s Transitions Unit, in partnership with the Frankston Mornington Peninsula Local Learning and Employment Network, was designed to discover the other side – to identify skills and workplace characteristics that assist employers to be ‘youth-ready’.
2004
A4 30 pages $6.00
Pam Temby, George Housakos and Stephen Ziguras
This report briefly describes the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s work to assist long-term unemployed residents of two inner city housing estates to gain employment. It outlines a model of labour market assistance based on investment in pre-vocational training, paid and unpaid work experience, traineeships, post-placement support and long-term personal support. It concludes with learnings from the project and policy implications for the Commonwealth government.
2004
A4 16 pages $6.00
Richard Percival and Simon Kelly, NATSEM
The Brotherhood of St Laurence and The Myer Foundation supported this research into the future demand and supply of informal care for older Australians, prepared for Carers Australia by NATSEM, University of Canberra. The authors predict a significant increase in the number of older persons needing informal care and a smaller increase in the number likely to be carers.
2004
A4 49 pages Electronic format only
This bulletin identifies factors which affect access to appropriate eyecare services by low-income Victorians. The researchers talked with 117 people living on low incomes and with 58 community and welfare workers.
The Allen Consulting Group
This report prepared for the Affordable Housing Forum documents an investigation of policy options to finance an increased supply of affordable rental housing. This is needed because the shortage of such housing limits low-income households' access to employment and services, whereas well-located affordable housing contributes to efficient labour markets and economic growth. The authors considered three options: government bonds, public–private partnerships and tax credits. They argue that a relatively modest financial outlay by government would be sufficient to alleviate housing stress and achieve substantial social and economic benefits.
2004
A4 59 pages $12.00
Also available Better housing futures summary (PDF file, 209 KB)
2003
Tim Gilley
This paper reports the evaluation of a program designed to improve children’s educational attainment and self-esteem in the early years of school, by equipping and supporting parents to undertake lessons with their four and five-year-old children at home. It describes the program’s implementation in the multicultural environment of inner suburban Melbourne, the views of participating staff and parents and the outcomes for children. Lessons for future programs are also identified.
2003 ISBN 1 876250 55 0
A4 28 pages $6.00
This Brotherhood of St Laurence report addresses the question of how people’s views about independence affect the use of community care services such as home care, personal care and delivered meals. Interviews with older people on low incomes suggest that some of them associate acceptance of services with dependence, which is something to be feared after a life of ‘making do’. Removing the barriers which prevent these marginalised people from receiving support is vital for the effective expansion of community care.
2003
A4 50 pages $12.00
Sonya Holm and Serena Lillywhite
This report describes the process undertaken to develop a Code of Ethical Behaviour at the Brotherhood of St Laurence, as a means to improve corporate social responsibility. Although it does not aim to provide a template for other organisations, the report does include suggestions for drafting, implementing and monitoring a Code, which may assist others considering a similar project.
2003
A4 29 pages $6.00
Daniel Perkins and Philippa Angley
This BSL discussion paper examines the change in values informing public policy in Australia over the last 25 years, and its negative impact on society. Since the neoliberal policy framework is unable to effectively balance economic and social goals, governments need to go beyond the present short-term economic outlook and be more active in shaping society. The writers argue for government interventions to create employment – not a return to Keynesian job creation, but targeted interventions capable of generating substantial social and environmental benefits, whilst also improving Australia’s long-term economic performance.
2003
A4 25 pages $6.00
Sally Jope and Rosie Beaumont
This report presents findings from interviews with young job seekers, Centrelink officers afnd youth workers, and from the examination of Preparing for Work Agreements. Highlighting communication problems and the limited range of activities included in agreements, it recommends improvements in the administrative processes which are supposed to assist young job seekers receiving Youth Allowance to find work.
2003 ISBN 1 876250 51 8
A4 61 pages $12.00
Also available Preparing for what? summary (PDF file, 68 KB)
Janet Taylor and Alex Fraser
Newest report from the Brotherhood’s longitudinal Life Chances Study of children born in 1990. It explores family change, current issues including schooling, and the children’s own perspectives on their lives at 11 and 12 years of age.
2003 ISBN 1 876250 53 4
225 pages $20.00
Also available Eleven plus summary (PDF file, 69 KB)
Stephen Ziguras, Gavin Dufty and Mark Considine
A joint research project conducted by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Centre for Public Policy, University of Melbourne, which reveals that some Centrelink requirements actually hinder people, especially those facing multiple barriers, from finding work. The authors argue that the federal government should provide more resources for programs targeting disadvantaged jobseekers.
2003 ISBN 1 876250 52 6
A4 67 pages $12.00
2002
Philippa Angley and Belinda Newman
This report from a joint research project of the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Victorian Association of Health and Extended Care (VAHEC) explores the challenge of recruiting staff to meet the needs of increasing numbers of frail older people and people with a disability who wish to remain living at home. Drawing on responses from organisations throughout Victoria, it provides information about the current workforce and draws attention to a range of strategies which organisations need to consider in seeking to improve recruitment and retention outcomes in this important sector.
2002 ISBN 1 876250 50 X
A4 66 pages $12.00
Sonya Holm and Serena Lillywhite
In 2002 the Brotherhood of St Laurence was invited to participate as a research group investigating the category of Ethics and Corporate Governance for the Good Reputation Index which ranks the top 100 corporations operating in Australia. The overall GRI results were published in The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald in October 2002. Doing business responsibly is the report of the Brotherhood of St Laurence research.
2002
A4 37 pages pages $6.00
Rosemary Rogers and Jenny Martin
This document reports on Phase Two of the Early Years Project, undertaken by the Brotherhood of St Laurence in conjunction with the Centre for Community Child Health, which gathered information about services provided in three Melbourne municipalities for children aged up to 3 years, from disadvantaged families, and sought to identify gaps and opportunities in service provision.
2002 ISBN 1 876250 49 6
A4 105 pages $12.00
Download the (separate) appendices (PDF file, 145 KB)
Charne Flowers
This report draws together the findings from a background paper, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, under key themes:
- Are there diverse clusters of Australian values or a shared value set?
- What is the relationship between personal values and values for society?
- What policies are needed to respond to Australian values and aspirations?
What are the possible ways to communicate about values and encourage Australians to take action in and for their communities?
2002 ISBN 1 876250 48 8
A4 17 pages $6.00
Values and civic behaviour: Executive summary (2 pages) (PDF file, 3 KB)
Values and civic behaviour: In-depth interview report (PDF file, 856 KB)
Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with cross-section of Australians, exploring social concerns and aspirations for Australia, personal concerns and aspirations, and how social and personal aspirations relate to each other.
2002
A4 131 pages
Values and civic behaviour: Focus group discussions report (PDF file, 272 KB)
Fourteen focus group discussions were conducted with people who had differing levels of involvement in their communities, focusing on barriers and incentives to being active in one's community and about social issues. Participants also talked about their concerns about Australia and reflected on priorities to create the Australia they desired.
2002
A4 36 pages
Values and civic behaviour: Research method (PDF file, 176 KB)
This document contains the project brief and the briefs for the in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. It also includes the recruiting specifications and moderators' guides.
2002
A4 21 pages
Stephen Ziguras and Charne Flowers
Unemployed people who fail to comply with their activity test requirements are penalised by having their benefits reduced. Recent research has shown that the number of breaches has escalated dramatically since 1997 and that breaches are falling most heavily on the most disadvantaged job seekers. This study investigated whether the Australian public think the current levels of penalties for breaching are fair or not and what they think the penalties should be. This survey showed that the current penalty regime is not supported by the community, and that the public would support a reduction in breach penalties.
2002
A4 12 pages
Linda Kelly, Meredith Levi and Helen Denney
Presents information from a consultation with members of the local community living in Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park, on Melbourne's northern metropolitan fringe. The research identified demographic characteristics as well as strengths and gaps in existing services. It included a limited review of programs at the Brotherhood of St Laurence Centre at Craigieburn, with recommendations about responding to community needs.
2002
A4 49 pages $6.00
Also available Changing faces summary (PDF file, 114 KB)
Jeanette Johnson
This small-scale study explored, through a number of focus groups, community understandings of poverty and people’s responses to various statements about poverty. The report points to communications approaches and themes which are likely to heighten awareness and prompt action towards an Australia free of poverty.
2002 ISBN 1 876250 46 1
A4 18 pages $6.00
Sally Jope
This reports the findings of the second stage of the Understanding Poverty project. It identifies important communications strategies for engaging with the general community and with government and policymakers. It highlights the role of personal stories and appropriate indicators in unpacking the complexity of poverty, and the value of partnerships in mobilising community action.
2002
A4 4 pages