Integration of Family Services

Professor Trevor Parry

The Science of Early Brain Development

• The first 3 years of life

• Secure attachment

• Early literacy

• Cortisol and stress

• Social and emotional determinants of health

• “From Neurons to Neighbourhoods”

Early Childhood Services

• Co-location

• Co-ordination

• Collaboration

• Integration

Early Child Development/Parenting Centres

Variety of programs -universal, selected,targeted

• Play based learning, language, development

• Health appraisal/promotion

• Parenting enrichment and support

• Relationship enrichment

• Adult skills development

• Specific needs

• Training and research

Preschools

Local school

authorities

Public health

Munici-palities

Community services

Parks & recreatio

n

Early interventio

n

Health Social services

Education

Family support

Chaos

Child care

Parenting

centres Children’s mental health centres

Kindergartens

WHY?!!

Stages of Social and Emotional Development - Freud

• First Year of life

– Dependancy

• Second Year of Life

- Independence

• Preschool – 3-5

- Socialisation

“It takes a whole village to raise a child”

What kind of village?

Changes in society

Service delivery

difficulties

Worsening developmental

outcomes

New knowledge

regarding child development

Changes in families

WHAT TO CHANGEMore

supportive communities

Better interface between

services and communities

Better integrated

service system

New knowledge

regarding early intervention

A Canadian example of Integration

Teen Family Centre, Balga Senior High School

Integration Challenges

• Attitude shifts

• Professional development

• Political commitment and leadership

• Champions

• Cooperation , collaboration and partnerships

• Vision and sustainability

The best interest of the Child !

LETS JUST DO IT!!

LET’S DO IT TOGETHER !!