An evaluation of Anglicare SA's role as facilitating partner of the Playford Communities for Children initiative

This report outlines the findings of evaluative research examining the Facilitating Partner model adopted by AnglicareSA for Playford Communities for Children (South Australia). AnglicareSA commissioned the evaluation as part of its commitment to continuous improvement for both the Playford Communities for Children initiative and the organisation more broadly. The evaluation finds that the Facilitating Partner model is inclusive, responsive and highly valued by stakeholders. The model has been implemented effectively and continues to evolve to meet local and stakeholders needs. The evaluation identified some opportunities for improvement to the model, as outlined in the recommendations below. Communities for Children (CfC), funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, delivers early intervention and prevention services for families with children aged 0 to 12 living in 52 disadvantaged communities around Australia. CfC aims to improve the health and wellbeing of families, provide child development and early learning opportunities, and build stronger, child-friendly communities. CfC is delivered via a distinctive broker-style ‘Facilitating Partner’ (FP) model. FPs are non-government organisations which manage and coordinate CfC delivery at each site. Services are largely delivered by Community Partners (CPs),with the FP providing CPs with support and capacity-building. FPs are expected to take a whole-of-community approach to service delivery, and to work in partnership with CPs and other stakeholders. Collaboration, information-sharing and referral pathways are key elements of CfC.