Getting a good start in life is vital for children. By providing families with support through early intervention programs, we can help them address challenges so they are better able to give their children that good start.
The first few years of a child’s life are crucial in setting the foundation for lifelong learning, positive behaviour, and good health outcomes. Getting involved early to promote nurturing and positive family and community experiences has been shown to increase the benefits for the child, improve the functioning of the family, and yield long-term gains for our whole community.
We start working with families as early as possible in the life of a new baby, sometimes during pregnancy. Some common features of how we work include:
- strengthening relationships between children and their parents
- visiting families at home as well as offering centre-based services
- group support such as playgroups and parenting programs
- access to quality childcare and programs for children
- connecting families to support services and useful resources in their community
- working with families for up to two years to help them achieve lasting change
Working across NSW with children aged 0-8 years
The Brighter Futures program is a statewide early intervention program supporting families who have children 0–8 years and are facing challenges that affect their capacity to care for their children. The Benevolent Society delivers Brighter Futures in eight regions across NSW.
Working in partnership is one of the driving principles of Brighter Futures. That means working closely with local agencies such as Councils, health services and childcare centres so families receive services that are integrated and connected.
Brighter Futures looks different in each region. We tailor our approach to best suit the region where we work and to suit each unique family. Follow the links to read about each service and to find contact details: Central West, Hunter, New England, Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool and Northern Sydney.
Working with families from pregnancy to age three
Our Early Intervention Program in Bondi works with families who are finding parenthood challenging and who are expecting a child or have a child who is under three. Services include antenatal and postnatal support through a partnership with the Royal Hospital for Women.
Resources on the early years
Our early years links page has links to useful websites with research and information on early childhood. You will also find links to specific research reports and resources on the early years, updated regularly, on our early years resources page. Find out more about books, posters and a new workshop package for professionals working with families who have infants and toddlers.