Child and Family Hubs and Social Capital

A substantial body of research evidence indicates that integrated care and education services for young children and their families accrues them considerable social and educational benefits. This paper explores research being conducted by a research consortium comprised of university, government and non-government representatives. The research focus is the impact on children, families and communities of a Queensland-wide innovation to provide integrated child and family services or hubs. The research uses quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data from children, parents, community members and service providers about social capital in the Hub community. Social capital dimensions include: neighbourhood connections; family and friend connections; proactivity in a social context; feelings of trust and safety; and tolerance of diversity