Our work in this sector has focused on new models of intervention, delivery by interagency partnerships, funding and delivery processes, implementation and impacts.

Evaluation of the Playgroups Program
FAHCSIA, 2008-current
ARTD is assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of this national program with three models - Community Playgroups, Supported Playgroups and Intensive Playgroups. The methodology includes in-depth case studies of the models, analysis of performance data, the identification of promising practice and key informant interviews.

Evaluation of the NSW Interagency Guidelines for Child Protection Intervention 2006
NSW Department of Community Services, 2007-current
ARTD is assessing the uptake and use of the Guidelines across relevant agencies, including a quantitative web-based survey of approximately 6,000 professionals in 12 government agencies, interviews with key managers in agencies and NGOs, and three site-based case studies.

Evaluation of Supported Playgroups
Department of Community Services, 2007-current
We are evaluating the model and its effectiveness in providing support for disadvantaged families. Data collection includes surveys involving over 200 playgroups and 3,000 families, complemented by focus groups including CALD, ATSI, and young parents, in both metropolitan and rural locations around NSW.

Monitoring framework for Supporting Families Program
Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, 2006-2008
ARTD developed an overarching results accountability framework and individual monitoring strategies for six support initiatives. Monitoring strategies involved both DADHC staff and funded NGOs. Implementation included a pilot period, with extensive reporting to both service providers and program managers.

Evaluation of Turnaround
ACT Department of Family Services, 2005-2006
The evaluation of this new initiative for young people with high and complex support needs encompassed outcomes for young people, costs of services, service delivery processes and the governance arrangements between partner agencies.

Review of the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) Network Infrastructure Funding
FACSIA, 2006
A high-level review of a complex cross-disciplinary research collaboration with stakeholders in the policy community, research organisations and practitioners. Methods included surveys, focus groups, policy analysis, international comparisons and benchmarking.

Evaluation of brokerage scheme for childcare funding
Department of Community Services, 2005
The Supporting Children with Additional Needs (SCAN) scheme aimed to improve access to pre-schools for children with disabilities, challenging behaviour or from Aboriginal or CALD backgrounds. ARTD undertook an independent evaluation of the 11 providers , covering processes, outcomes and cost-effectiveness, using program data, analysis of ABS population data, a survey of pre-schools and case studies.

 

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