Catalogue of Evidence

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About the Catalogue

Background

In 2006, the Centre for Health Service Development, University of Wollongong was commissioned by the Victorian Department of Human Services (DHS) to develop a catalogue of evidence-based strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of children aged 0-8 years. The original catalogue focused on 15 early childhood outcome areas.  It was created as a resource for Best Start Partnerships which aim to improve the health, safety, development, learning and wellbeing of Victorian children aged up to eight years, with an emphasis on prevention and early intervention. These aims are to be accomplished by supporting communities, parents and service providers to improve early years services so they are more responsive to local needs.

Best Start projects involve collaborations between local government, community health, non government organisations, social service agencies, education providers such as schools, local networks, child care and kindergartens (preschools), and other community organisations such as service clubs and churches. The goals of Best Start are to promote:

  • Improvements in access to child and family support, health services and early education for families and children.
  • Improvements in parents’ capacity, confidence and enjoyment of family life.
  • Communities that are more child- and family-friendly.

In 2008, ten of the original 15 early childhood outcome areas were updated with new evidence and strategies.  The catalogue was also extended to incorporate new outcome areas and strategies to prevent disengagement from school and promote success for adolescents who are at risk of leaving school early. 

The catalogue now has wider application beyond the Best Start program, and is a complementary resource to the Victorian Child and Adolescent Monitoring System (VCAMS), providing practical guidance to policy makers and program developers on effective strategies for improving outcomes for children 0 to 18 years. Nevertheless, the above goals, priorities and service delivery models remain relevant.