Developed and funded by the Tasmanian government, Bringing Baby Home is an early intervention pilot programme providing intensive support to parents of infants classified as ‘at-risk’ to help prevent entry into the care system. As part of the programme, not-for-profit organisations like Key Assets Australia in Tasmania deliver a range of bespoke services with the aim of increasing parents’ capacity to parent safely. As part of an intensive, time-limited programme, parents are afforded the opportunity to develop their childcare skills while actively parenting full time within a supervised and supportive environment.
In Tasmania, Key Assets Australia work with parents in their homes across a 12-week period. During the first four weeks, monitoring, support and coaching is provided 24/7 in the home by a small team of Key Assets practitioners and key members of the family’s personal support network. The model includes a range of elements; from comprehensive assessment to familial network development, counselling, targeted parenting education, emotional and practical support, advocacy and a respite care service. In some cases where the baby cannot be cared for in the home, parents and infant may be accommodated by a residential service. Key Assets Australia’s Bringing Baby Home Service will partner with the residential service to provide Parenting Education and support transition and in-home support where suitable.
Although a formal evaluation of the pilot is yet to take place, there are indications that the programme helps to reduce risk through stabilising mental health, the implementation of harm minimisation practices, new knowledge and skills, safety plans and better support networks. There is also evidence that the programme allows babies to remain in their homes, with the support of wider networks. An external pilot evaluation is expected and Key Assets are exploring potential opportunities to work with parents prior to birth.