Published April 2021

This is a synthesis of the process (#6657, completed in 2020, and impact evaluation (#7100). Information about this evaluation is below.

This report provides findings from an evaluation of the Family Start programme (‘Family Start’), a voluntary home-visiting programme that supports whānau to improve children’s health, learning and relationships, whānau circumstances, environment and safety.

The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the Family Start programme’s impact and effectiveness. To achieve this purpose, the evaluation was undertaken through two workstreams: an impact evaluation, the purpose of which was to assess the impact that Family Start participation is having on the wellbeing of New Zealand children and their whānau.

The evaluation examined a range of health, educational, and social outcomes for children, including separate analyses for Māori and Pasifika children; a process evaluation, the purpose of which was to explore the effectiveness of the programme’s design and delivery, including how client whānau experience the programme, and how Family Start providers can optimise positive impacts for children and their whānau. (From the website). The process evaluation was published in 2020 (#6657). Oranga Tamariki's response document is also available. Record #7101

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