The most comprehensive analysis of a major Australian early intervention program has provided clear evidence it reduces problem behaviour in young children, strengthens families and fosters positive child development.

Mission Australia and Griffith University are partners in the groundbreaking family early intervention program, the Pathways to Prevention Project, and have released the data as part of a report into the program’s first five years, covering 1999-2004.

The report shows that when the two main components of Pathways work together – child-focused initiatives delivered through pre-schools (Preschool Intervention Program) and family-oriented initiatives (Family Independence Program) – outcomes include improved child communication and language skills, reduced difficult behaviour and greater family connectedness.

The report also provides evidence that expenditure on early intervention programs similar to Pathways save the community in terms of spending by the health, welfare and justice systems in the future.
Pathways takes a ‘whole of community’ approach targeting children, their families and schools in the south-western Brisbane suburb of Inala with the aim of helping children make a successful transition from home life to infants and then primary school. A transition which, if disrupted, can lead to the later development of anti-social behaviour.

Pathways was originally set up as part of a crime-reduction strategy but has since grown to become a much larger and detailed program, now delivered in four states, and influenced the Commonwealth Government’s own early intervention initiative, Communities for Children.

Now in its seventh year of operation, Pathways has been made possible through the support of the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments, the Australian Research Council, the Criminology Research Council, and philanthropic partners including the Barnes Foundation and the Westpac Foundation.

Mission Australia’s General Manager of Community Services, Dr Marie Leech, said the evidence uncovered in the Pathways report was an Australia-first.

“There is compelling international evidence that the early years of a person’s life establish the foundations for adulthood. If there is upheaval during this time – particularly during the transition from preschool to school – there is a greater chance a person will experience difficulties, including poverty, unemployment and engaging in criminal behaviour, in later years,” Dr Leech said.

“But this is the first time such detailed evidence has been produced vouching for the success of an early intervention program in Australia. It’s extremely significant that we can now say, with absolute surety, that Pathways works.

“More than 370 families used Pathways in its first five years – and what’s significant is that it was the most disadvantaged members of the community who were the heaviest users of the service.

“Families using Pathways face a range of challenges, including poverty, mental health issues, long-term unemployment and domestic violence. Inala also has a significantly high population of non-English speakers, which is a particular challenge for young children entering school.”

Griffith University’s Professor Ross Homel said in addition to strengthening the protective factors in the lives of the children and reducing problems during teen and adult years, Pathways aimed to transform institutional policies and practices (i.e. the routine ways schools, governments, community groups and other agencies ‘do business’ in disadvantaged communities).

“Pathways takes a ‘bottom up’ approach – this means that there is a strong emphasis placed on the views of parents and other key stakeholders. Staff use best practice evidence to empower the local community to develop and implement their own solutions to identified problems. Issues are then tackled using a variety of methods including parent groups, playgroups, English classes, anger management courses, drama, music and art,” Professor Homel said.

“In addition to its day-to-day impact on individuals, families and communities, Pathways’ benefits will be felt for another 15-20 years – not just for those who’ve passed through the program, but the entire community.

“It just makes so much more sense to head off problems before they begin. It’s far more effective and cheaper than intervening when problems have become entrenched.”

“Pathways’ success is also important in another respect. Mission Australia has consistently called for an integrated approach to tackling social problems – that is, programs that involve contributions from governments, businesses and the community. Pathways is proof that integrated approaches work – it’s not just theoretical,” said Dr Leech.

“Based on the principles underpinning Pathways, we know it can be successful in any community around Australia.

“The Pathways report is a major turning point in the provision of child, family and community support in Australia. We hope to see more Pathways to Prevention Projects develop around the country in future years.”

Media inquiries: Paul Andrews (02) 9219 2080 or 0409 665 495