Family by Family is based on research showing that families with more internal resources like optimism and external resources like social support are better able to manage stress. These resources act as protective factors. The literature also shows that informal social supports and the skills that come from support are important for effective parenting and responding to stress. Without responses to stress and trauma, children face poor long-term outcomes. Family by Family aims to broker and build informal social supports for families by matching them with thriving families and enabling family-led change, with the goal of shifting families' goals, behaviors, and social networks.

1. the theory
behind

2. Family by Family responds to “resources tend to
research that shows families
multiply, just as
with more internal resources
(e.g. optimism) and external
resources (e.g. informal
social support) are better stressors tend to
able to manage stress &
move forward. These multiply…”
resources are often referred
to as protective factors.
Arney, F. and Scott, D. 2010. Working with Berry, M. 1997. The family at risk: Issues and trends in
vulnerable families: A partnership approach. family preservation services. Columbia: University of
Cambridge University Press. South Carolina Press.

3. The literature also tells us
that informal social supports
- and the skills & experiences
good support enables - are
important aspects of
effective parenting
interventions and evidenced
strategies for responding to
stress and trauma.
Bromfield, L., Lamont, A., et. al. 2010.
"Issues for the safety and wellbeing of
children & families with multiple and complex
problems." NCPC Issues, Issue 33.

4. The human, economic and social
costs of not responding to stress
and trauma are very high.
Children that live amongst
stressors like family breakdown,
social isolation, domestic violence,
child abuse and neglect, addiction,
and mental illness are more likely
to have poor outcomes in
adolescence and adulthood.
The annual price tag on child
abuse and neglect in Australia is Valentine, K. and Katz, I. 2007. "Cost
$1,944m. effectiveness of early intervention programs
for Queensland." Social Policy Research
Centre, UNSW.

5. New research tells us that
social capital in Australia is
australians have 3
on the decline. That means fewer neighbours they
families are less likely to
have those informal social could drop in on than in
supports.
the 1980s
australians have fewer
trusted friends than in
the 1980s

6. Family by Family brokers &
builds informal social
supports. Our hunch is that
through good social support,
families’ goals, motivations, theory of change
and behaviours can start to
shift.

7. Text
link-ups
That...
Build new
seeking sharing
relationships
Identifying, training
& employing Model thriving
families families
behaviours
+
families that have
come through crisis
Broker families to
new people and
places Experience Experience
Matching them changes in: changes in:
with families Enable family-led
change - Family goals - Family goals
+
seeking change
- Family attitudes - Family attitudes
- Family behaviours - Family behaviours
- Social networks - Social networks
Family by Family responds to research that shows families with more internal
Weekly peer
resources and optimism) and external resources (e.g. social support) are- Skills
learning (e.g.
professional - Job readiness
better able to manage stress & avert crisis.
coaching - Family income

8. adelaide, South australia
call 08 81109955