On Track to Thrive Pilot Program

Early Connections for brighter futures

On Track to Thrive is being delivered through a cross-agency partnership, led by the Department of Justice in collaboration with WA Police Force and Departments of Communities, Education and Health.

By acting early, the program will provide supports focussed on a child’s development and wellbeing, strengthen protective factors for both the child and their family, and help shape a future where children are supported to thrive.

Funding for On Track to Thrive has been secured over a two-year period at two pilot sites: Armadale and Geraldton.

Each pilot site will provide intensive support services for up to 25 of the youngest children (five- to nine-year olds) in Armadale and Geraldton over a 12-month period. Ten and 11-year old children may also be eligible for support services in certain circumstances.

Operating model and service components

On Track to Thrive is made up of several key components, which all have the funding and support of WA Government. These include:

• Discreet funded services, working in a co-ordinated way to wrap supports around each child and their family for up to 12 months; and
• Expert Reference Groups, providing assessment and advice in relation to a tailored service response for each child.

Funded services

There are three funded services that are available to support On Track to Thrive program participants and their families for up to 12 months: 

• In-home Support Services – Providing overall case management for children and families engaged with the On Track to Thrive pilot program. The Department of Communities has engaged Karla Kuliny Aboriginal Corporation in Armadale and Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service in Geraldton to provide services focused on practical supports to enhance harmony at home, parenting confidence and overall home-life functioning.
   
• Health services – The Department of Health and its service providers will help children navigate and access health screening and services through a dedicated Health Navigator.
   
• Education support – The Department of Education is employing dedicated resources to support children’s learning and school engagement. Staff will work one-on-one with children in their schools. Support will also be available to reconnect with children who have become disengaged from school.

Expert Reference Groups

Each On Track to Thrive pilot site will be supported by a dedicated Expert Reference Group (ERG). The ERG is a non-statutory, non-judicial committee of experts. This group is intended to provide expert advice to inform the delivery of service responses that are co-ordinated, integrated, child/family centred, and responsive to the unique context of each pilot site community. Each ERG will perform a critical role in assessing and responding to the needs of children referred to On Track to Thrive in a culturally responsive and trauma-informed way.

Pilot site ERGs comprise members who have been selected (following an Expression of Interest process and rigorous interagency assessment) based on their specific knowledge, qualifications and/or expertise in working with diverse communities across areas such as child health and wellbeing, psychology, paediatrics, criminology, education, and social work.

The Armadale and Geraldton Expert Reference Groups are comprised of members with:

• Clinical expertise (in Paediatrics, Occupational Therapy, Maternal Health, Psychology and Neuropsychology)
   
• Cultural and place-based expertise (including Indigenous individuals working to advocate for and within their communities)
   
• Educational expertise (teachers and educators with expertise in pastoral care and two-way learning programs)
   
• Human rights and systems-level expertise (with academics and experts in the child protection and justice systems).

Further information

Contact the On Track to Thrive pilot program support team at JusticeReformProjects@justice.wa.gov.au