Family Start Impact Evaluation

Researchers completed the first ever impact evaluation of Family Start,  a New Zealand home visiting programme for vulnerable families.  This quasi experimental study estimated that the Family Start  programme: reduced post neonatal sudden unexpected infant death (SUDI), increased the use of health services; increased engagement with early childhood education, increased use of mental health services by mothers; and increased the likelihood of immunisation.

Publications

• Cram, F., Vette, M., Wilson, M., Vaithianathan, R., Maloney, T., & Baird, S. (2018). He awa whiria—braided rivers: Understanding the outcomes from Family Start for Maori. Evaluation Matters, 165-207.
• Study and Related Documents
• Vaithianathan, R., Wilson, M., Maloney, T., & Baird, S. (2017) Family Start Impact Study Selected Extensions Wellington:  Ministry of Social Development.
• Vaithianathan, R., Wilson, M., Maloney, T., & Baird, S. (2016). The Impact of the Family Start Home Visiting Programme on Outcomes for Mothers and Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Ministry of Social Development.

Related news

• AUT research leads to multi-million boost for home visiting programme, May 2016
• Research identifies positive impacts of Family Start, February 2016