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Within the CAFS program, 37 evidence-informed parenting programs (PDF, 413.4 KB) have been identified as demonstrating positive outcomes for families. This list includes basic information about the target group, program duration and approach as well as links to further information on the program.
We acknowledge that not all parenting programs on the list are appropriate or meet the needs of all families accessing CAFS services. Taking an evidence-informed approach also includes identifying and supporting emerging locally applied parenting programs.
Service providers delivering parenting programs should consider and aim to deliver one of the 37 evidence-informed parenting programs from the list. Providers should consider the available evidence, local context, and client and community need.
If a provider intends to deliver a locally applied parenting program, the process is outlined below. Refer to the CAFS Program Specifications to learn more about which programs are considered ‘locally applied’.
To apply to deliver a locally applied parenting program:
Explore this flow chart (PDF, 80.8 KB) for more detail on the application process.
Visit Frequently asked questions for more information about delivering parenting programs.
The Supported Playgroup Rapid Evidence Scan found the following evaluated programs have the strongest evidence:
These programs show that supported playgroups with specific interventions can improve child outcomes, including language, cognition, behaviour, socialisation and transition to school; and parent outcomes, including attachment, responsiveness, and social connection.
We acknowledge that not all supported playgroup models in the evidence scan are appropriate or meet the needs of all families accessing CAFS services. Taking an evidence-informed approach also includes identifying and supporting emerging locally applied supported playgroups.
Service providers delivering supported playgroups should consider and aim to deliver one of the models from the Supported Playgroups Evidence Scan. Providers should consider the available evidence, local context, and client and community need. If a provider intends to deliver a locally applied supported playgroup, the process is outlined below.
To apply to deliver a locally applied supported playgroup:
Providers who select a locally applied supported playgroup will be required to ensure their model aligns with the best practice principles identified in the evidence scan and the Early Years Learning Framework.
Explore this flow chart (PDF, 80.8 KB) for more detail on the application process.
Visit Frequently asked questions for more information about delivering supported playgroups.
If you are an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) or a non-ACCO with Aboriginal staff delivering the Indigenous parenting program or Indigenous support playgroup service type, there is no requirement for you to use a program from the evidence-informed list or model from the Supported Playgroups Rapid Evidence Scan. You are exempt from the assessment process for locally applied programs.
The CAFS program is committed to supporting Aboriginal ways of knowing, doing and being. We have developed an Indigenous Parenting Program form (DOCX, 321.4 KB) and Indigenous Supported Playgroups form (DOCX, 354.2 KB) for the purpose of collecting local evidence and understanding the programs that work for Aboriginal people.
ACCOs and non-ACCOs with Aboriginal staff delivering Indigenous parenting programs and supported playgroups may choose to complete and submit the relevant form to the central program area. Providers are encouraged to indicate on the form whether they would be interested in having an evaluation of their locally applied program.
The program area will not assess a program’s suitability for delivery. Completing the form is optional and is for the purpose of building the Aboriginal evidence base.
Providers delivering Indigenous parenting programs are encouraged to design programs suitable for their local context. They should consider:
Indigenous supported playgroup models should be locally designed with input from community, practitioner expertise and any available evidence. These models should also incorporate the best practice principles and additional key elements of supported playgroups delivered to Aboriginal families which were identified in the evidence scan. They should also align with the Early Years Learning Framework.
The Aboriginal-led Early Support Programs Evidence Review identified eight common themes among the highly-rated evidence about Aboriginal-led early support programs designed for Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities. The Supported Playgroups Evidence Scan identified two supported playgroup models delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities Exploring Together Preschool Program (ETPP) and KindiLink, that show a promising evidence base. These resources may be useful when delivering supported playgroups to Aboriginal families.
These supported playgroups should be recorded in DEX under the Indigenous supported playgroup service type.
Visit Frequently asked questions for more information on parenting programs and supported playgroups in the CAFS program, including:
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