There is a recognised link between disadvantage and the social determinants of health including health and education. Often, it is those of greatest disadvantage who are least likely or able to access health and education services for a variety of reasons including cost, model of service delivery, location, familiarity, trust and judgement issues and lack of service coordination.

Families living in the Doveton community are of the most disadvantaged in Victoria (Jesuit study, 1999, 2007). Follow up studies have showed that communities with enhanced social connectedness had better health outcomes regardless of disadvantage. In addition to this, it is now well documented that "the period birth to five is one of both opportunity and vulnerability for healthy...development" (Centre for Community Child Health 2007). It is also acknowledged that poor environmental conditions in childhood present as major risk factors for development with life long implications."These risk factors can be offset by protective factors" (Centre for Community Child Health 2007).

This project aims to enhance the health and educational outcomes of children aged 0-8 by supporting families in their roles as parents and promoting a sense of connectedness within the community.

References

Centre for Community Child Health 2007, Review of the Doveton Connect Project, Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.