The early years: previous research
Evaluation of The Cottage service
An evaluation of the Brotherhood’s Cottage Centre for Families and Children, which served inner-Melbourne families with young children from the 1980s to 2005, showed that it was an effective model for assisting families with complex needs.
Report
Martina Boese, Janet Stanley, Carole Baker and Jody Hughes 2008, The Cottage service for highly disadvantaged children in Fitzroy: a review (PDF file, 320KB)
Inclusive role of playgroups in Greater Dandenong
This research investigated how playgroups in Greater Dandenong, a culturally diverse municipality in south-eastern Melbourne, could foster the inclusion of many community groups, and identified barriers to playgroup attendance for parents and caregivers. The project was funded by the Australian Government under the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy and the Playgroup Program.
Report
Nicole Oke, Janet Stanley and Jacqui Theobald 2007, The inclusive role of playgroups in Greater Dandenong (PDF file, 201 KB)
Social exclusion and child poverty in Boroondara
This study, commissioned by Camcare, the Rotary Club of Hawthorn and Foundation Boroondara, quantified the problem of children growing up in poverty in Boroondara, a local government area in Melbourne’s affluent inner eastern suburbs, and suggested priorities for action.
Reports
Janet Stanley, Cassandra Eadie and Carole Baker 2005, Social exclusion in Boroondara: Stage One: Scoping published data on child poverty in Boroondara and Recommendations for Stage Two (PDF file, 222 KB)
Janet Stanley, Chi Wai Ng and Kemran Mestan 2007, Social exclusion in Boroondara: Stage Two: Identifying the issues for children who experience social exclusion in Boroondara (PDF file, 420 KB)
Needs of Greater Dandenong families
The Brotherhood undertook a small study to inform the Greater Dandenong Communities for Children program, documenting the needs of families with young children, drawing on consultations with local residents and community groups (e.g. playgroups and adult English classes) caring for children and serving people who may be at risk of social exclusion. This study was supported by Mission Australia, the Communities for Children partner in the City of Greater Dandenong. Communities for Children is funded by the Australian Government under the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy.
Report
Janet Stanley, Nina Bailey, Helen Ansems, Martina Boese and Jill Webb 2006, Raising children in Greater Dandenong: an initial needs study for the Communities for Children program (PDF file, 153 KB)
Breaking Cycles, Building Futures
The Breaking Cycles, Building Futures (BCBF) Project was a Victorian Government initiative, funded by the Premier’s Drug Prevention Council, as part of the government’s Best Start Strategy. The Brotherhood was commissioned to undertake a key piece of research to support Best Start local partnerships to reach vulnerable children and their families. The study identified barriers preventing vulnerable families from accessing early years services and proposed proven and effective service models and programs for engagement. A report of the first three stages was published by the Department of Human Services as part of the Best Start program.
Stage 4 of the project involved implementing and evaluating selected strategies to increase vulnerable families' access to and use of early childhood services, piloted in Greater Shepparton, Maribyrnong and Whittlesea. The Brotherhood submitted a report of this stage to the department.
Life Chances Study
The Life Chances Study is a unique longitudinal study that explores the impacts of family income and associated social and economic factors on the lives of children over time. The study began with 167 children born in inner Melbourne in 1990, to families with varied income levels and ethnic backgrounds. Early stages of the research related to the children’s preschool and early primary school years.
Published LIfe Chnaces reports are listed in the publications database.
See Through school to work research for later stages of the study.