The centres will build upon what already exists in the Tasmanian community rather than duplicate services. They will be developed to suit the particular needs of each community in which they are located - it is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

The type of services that may be considered as part of a Child and Family Centre include playgroups, child health and development services, early childhood education, information on healthy eating and exercise, parenting programs, stepping stones to training and employment programs. The range of services to be provided in a Child and Family Centre will depend on what else is currently delivered in the community and any additional community needs. While government will provide the overarching strategy, it will be each community itself that will determine the local model, so no two centres will be identical.

Planning for the centres commenced last year with:

• Initial information forums across the state, held in December 2008, to present the initiative and supporting evidence in advance of the selection of communities.
• The establishment of an Inter-Departmental Committee with representatives from the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Police and Emergency Management, and Premier and Cabinet – the Committee is responsible for the oversight of the project and establishing links with current government programs.
• Analysis of social and economic data to act as a guide to community needs (e.g. demographic, educational, and health data).

The centres are to be established over the next four years.  Some, but not all centres, are likely to be located in school environments.  Some may require purpose built centres while others will involve the re-development of existing facilities.  The actual sites selected will depend on:

• community need
• community readiness to engage with the concept
• existing facilities

Now that the initial communities have been announced, discussion and planning within those communities will commence to:

• Confirm interest and involvement of relevant groups and agencies
• Develop a shared vision and desired outcomes
• Identify the strengths and needs in the local community
• Determine actual sites for the centres
• Identify the specific services to be delivered
• Establish partnerships and governance arrangements
• Address practical issues in relation to the implementation

The State Government will work closely with the Australian Government on any linked initiatives so the Child and Family Centres are able to draw on the broadest possible range of opportunities.
 
The integration of services will take time, however it is important to recognise that there are already many excellent examples of collaboration in our community and the aim is to build on this local knowledge and experience.