A recent evaluation of our Family Preservation and Reunification Program (FPR) has found strong evidence that the program is making a meaningful positive difference for Victorian families.
The FPR Program is an intensive, in-home family service designed to keep children safe while supporting families to stay together where possible. The program forms part of the Victorian Government’s ‘Roadmap for Reform: Strong Families, Safe Children’ initiative.
In 2025 we undertook an evaluation of our FPR Program to better understand the outcomes experienced by families who engaged in the program, and to identify the barriers to – and enablers of – success.
The evaluation team consisted of program and evaluation staff as well as consumer partners with lived experience of accessing family services. Together they analysed data collected from 124 families who had accessed the program.
Involving consumer partners in the analysis ensured the findings were viewed through a lived-experience lens, that assumptions were challenged, and that the evaluation team centred on what matters most to families.
Key findings
The evaluation found strong evidence that the FPR Program is achieving significant and meaningful outcomes for participating families across Victoria. Outcomes were strongest where families experienced trust and respect from practitioners; consistent, relational support; and practical help alongside emotional support.
Opportunities for improvement included more time in the program; greater continuity of practitioners and increased contact or follow-up after exiting the program.
