The CALD Early Intervention and Perinatal Program (EIPP) aims to provide children from CALD communities with the best start in life. Funded by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), the program offers targeted support to expecting parents and families with children aged up to 8 years old. It follows an evidence-based, strength-based, and child-centred approach, ensuring that services are inclusive, preventive, and tailored to meet the unique needs of vulnerable CALD families within the Parramatta and Cumberland Local Government Areas (LGAs).

EIPP team works towards aligning its services with District priorities especially Children aged 0 – 5 years old, Young Parents (under 20 years) including the local priorities like Family and Domestic Violence, Parents as Carers, and CALD communities. Our work focuses on families living in vulnerable areas including Merrylands, Granville, Berala, Guilford and Westmead while being mindful of existing ongoing EIPP services in these areas.

To achieve meaningful outcomes, the EIPP program delivers a range of tailored and inclusive activities designed to strengthen parenting skills, enhance child development, and provide long-term support for families in need.

Parenting programs
The Triple P Level 4 Program is designed to promote children’s development and equip parents with effective strategies to manage their child’s behaviour in a positive and constructive way. The program focuses on enhancing healthy and positive parent-child interactions, fostering a supportive family environment. It is particularly beneficial for parents facing challenges that may impact their parenting capacity, providing them with practical tools and confidence to navigate difficult situations.

Home visits
EIPP home visits provide one-on-one support to parents with children aged 0-2 years, offering guidance and early intervention to promote positive parenting and child development. CMRC’s EIPP program primarily receives referrals from Westmead Hospital midwives, social workers, community health services, Family Referral Services, and other support agencies.

During these visits, initial referrals are made to relevant programs and services, including Mothers of Many Societies, domestic violence support, and disability services. Following these referrals, EIPP continues to support families by connecting them with regular Supported Playgroups in their local area, ensuring ongoing engagement and community connection.

Supported playgroups
Supported Playgroups aim to enrich children’s early learning and development while also supporting parents’ well-being and building their capacity. CMRC operates Supported Playgroups across various locations in the Cumberland and Parramatta LGAs, providing a welcoming and inclusive space for families. These playgroups are held on public school grounds and in community centres, offering a safe environment and a soft entry point for engaging with parents from CALD backgrounds.

Transition to school
The Transition to School program helps prepare children for various school activities and routines, easing their adjustment to the school environment. These sessions take a holistic and inclusive approach, ensuring that parents also become familiar with the Australian education system, including their rights and responsibilities. Families are informed about the support available during this transition and how they can build a stronger relationship with their child’s future school.

Readiness to school program
Readiness to School Program aims to ensure that the child is ready and able to cope with the transition into primary school. The program runs a series of activities that help children become familiar with the school environment and adjust easily into the school routine.

Mothers of many societies support group
This ongoing partnership program with Westmead Hospital Women’s Health Clinic is designed to support new mothers from CALD backgrounds. The program focuses on building the skills and confidence of new mothers to care for their newborns, ensuring they feel empowered in their parenting journey.

A key outcome of this support group is to help mothers overcome isolation by fostering connections and social networks with other women who are experiencing similar challenges. By providing a safe and supportive environment, the program encourages shared learning, peer support, and community engagement, ultimately enhancing the well-being of both mothers and their babies.

Paint parramatta read – annual reading day
The Paint Parra Read program promotes early literacy and educates families about the importance of reading, talking, singing and rhyming from an early age. With this aim the EIPP team delivers reading activities in different languages for its groups throughout the year.

Holroyd school
CMRC, in partnership with Holroyd School Special Needs, established a Community Hub within the school premises to enhance access to services for the school community. CMRC conducts regular outreach and facilitates a Mother’s Support Corner at the Hub. Regular activities are organised in collaboration with various agencies, such as Uniting NDIS, Centrelink, and Family Planning NSW, to support the well-being of families and provide them with access to essential services.

Young Mums Activities
CMRC collaborates with partner services to take a holistic approach in supporting young vulnerable women and their babies. This initiative provides both educational and social support, aiming to enhance the well-being of young mothers and their children by equipping them with knowledge, resources, and a supportive network.

Partnerships
CMRC’s EIPP Workers actively participate in and contribute to innovative initiatives, recognising that strategic partnerships with key service providers are essential for the successful delivery of programs and achieving positive outcomes for participating families. The ongoing contributions and support from our partners play a crucial role in promoting the well-being of children from CALD families in the Parramatta and Cumberland Local Government Areas.