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 !!