Young parents building strong foundations for their families

Becoming a parent brings both joys and challenges. Thriving Young Families – Step by Step is built around that reality, giving young families access to support that’s right for them to reach their goals and help their children thrive. Since 2021, YFS has delivered the Thriving Young Families – Step by Step initiative in Logan, funded by the Australian Department of Social Services and Hand Heart Pocket.

Over the past year, the program has supported 145 young families, reaching 165 young parents and 38 children. Playgroup provides an informal first point of connection, helping families build trusted relationships before accessing other support when they need it. Families can draw on family resourcing, peer support, specialist housing support, education and employment mentoring, and midwifery support according to their needs.

Families can step support up or down and return as their circumstances change. An independent evaluation found this flexibility matters. Outcomes were strongest when support continued for 12 months and families engaged with three or more parts of the program.

What’s changed for families

85% of parents progressed toward their goals across repeated assessments, and wellbeing scores rose from 64 to 71 on average. Among families who completed the program:

• 95% improved their housing situation
• 94% improved their personal safety
• 89% improved parenting knowledge and skills
• 88% improved resilience

The evaluation found that housing and safety are critical foundations on which confidence, employment, and parenting gains are built. 70% of parents said the program left them feeling more hopeful about the future, while 79% said they’d feel better equipped to handle future challenges.

A cost-benefit analysis using the WELLBY framework found the program returns $2.51 in benefits for every dollar invested, based on wellbeing improvements alone.

Andrea’s Story

Andrea* is among the families attending Thriving Young Families – Step by Step. She joined the Young Mums Squad and playgroup in late 2023. Through the program’s employment mentor, she enrolled in a Certificate III in Business. When safety concerns emerged at home, the team stepped up support and helped her access childcare, strengthen money management skills, and explore housing options. She’s since secured and maintained her own two-bedroom apartment and transitioned out of the program.

Andrea’s story shows why flexibility matters, with support able to grow or step back as families’ needs change.

*Name has been changed to protect the individual’s privacy

Photo caption: The Thriving Young Families – Step by Step initiative wraps support around young families when they need it most.