Turning data into action
How Families ACT is using ABS data to understand disadvantage in the ACT community
Families ACT, a peak not-for-profit organisation, represents 38 member organisations working with vulnerable children and families across the ACT. Their mission is to improve the physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of every child and family so all can thrive. Yet, finding out where to direct services is challenging.
“Here in the ACT, we have a lot of prosperity. It’s a wonderful place to live for many. But we have a hidden issue around vulnerability and poverty that we are really trying hard to better understand and quantify,” says Rebecca Zappelli, Executive Director of Families ACT.
Families ACT approached the ABS LCDI community team to seek support with data on disadvantage in the ACT. The team introduced Families ACT to a range of data sources, including the Index of Household Advantage and Disadvantage (IHAD).
The analysis of IHAD generated new insights. Even in suburbs that may appear affluent, IHAD revealed greater detail about the distribution of households experiencing disadvantage. Through interactive maps and detailed data, Families ACT has a better understanding of the ACT community.
“We have a really collaborative relationship with the Life Course Data Initiative at the Australian Bureau of Statistics” says Rebecca, “working together to refine, develop, and mature the evidence to better address what children and families need.”
Together, ABS LCDI and Families ACT are turning information into action - to help ensure support reaches families who need it most.
Watch the full story in the video below:
Rebecca Zappelli
Executive Director, Families ACT
Families ACT is a peak body operating here in the ACT, and we work really closely with member organisations who are delivering supports and services to children and families across the territory.
So that looks like early intervention supports.
That’s family case management and support.
It also includes youth services, out-of-home care, and of course supports for children and families with complex needs.
Here in the ACT, we have a lot of prosperity.
It’s a wonderful place to live for many.
But we have a hidden issue around vulnerability and poverty that we are really trying hard to better understand and quantify.
Families ACT and our community member organisations really needed some support to better unpack for ourselves, the nuance of that and what was happening through using data.
The Life Course Data Initiative Community Team has been essential to helping us do the collective problem solving we need to do here at a local level.
The Life Course Data Initiative Community Team introduced Families ACT to the Index of Household Advantage and Disadvantage, so that we can develop really localised, appropriate solutions to better address entrenched disadvantage and inequities over time.
Find out more about the Index of Household Advantage and Disadvantage (IHAD):