Starting a Site
If you are interested in the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters for your community you need to:
- Research the program - Find out as much as you can about how it operates, read through the resources available on this website.
- Convene a meeting with other community representatives – speak with members of the community about the program and with organizations that would support HIPPY.
- Who will run the program – Is there an organisation in your community that has experience working with children and families and has the capacity to deliver HIPPY (access to appropriate physical space, ability to employ and manage staff, acquit and manage funding, etc)?
- Undertake a community needs assessment; who would HIPPY work with in your community, would HIPPY be appropriate and does the community see a need for HIPPY? Can you provide data on local barriers to participation and access for families with young children?
The Australian Government has committed $32.5 million over five years to roll out the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters nationally. The number of funded programs starting each year will be limited and an expression of interest process for site selection will be released each year on announcement of locations.
There are currently 36 HIPPY sites in operation covering each Australian state and territory.
Locations for the 2011 application round will announced by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations mid 2010.
HIPPY Australia suggests that you don’t rely solely on Federal funding to start a program. We advise you to seek alternate possible sources (eg. Philanthropic, state, corporate etc).
If your organisation is interested in establishing a HIPPY site, you should read the support document for potential HIPPY service providers, available by contacting HIPPY Australia.
Pictured: An artwork created by a HIPPY tutor from La Perouse in February 2008 – symbolising how HIPPY brings us all together.