Community programs

Improving educational outcomes.

One in five children are developmentally vulnerable in one or more key areas when they start school.¹

We partner with government, schools, families and other service providers to improve educational outcomes for children and create and support long-term change in communities entrenched in disadvantage.

Our work is helping to improve the wellbeing of disadvantaged children and to change the future for young Australians and their families living in these communities.

We work closely with government and other providers who share a commitment to our vision and mission. We focus on strengthening communities so they can support their most disadvantaged families with relevant programs and services that give young people the skills and knowledge to create a better future for themselves

Group of kids learning through a card game in Bankstown

Our reach

Delivered Learning for Life programs in 91 communities

Our Learning for Life Coordinators are located in 91 communities throughout Australia, where they can link disadvantaged students and their families, with local services, programs and opportunities to support their full participation in education. For a list of our locations, go to contact us.

The Smith Family is the Australian Government Department of Social Services Communities for Children facilitating Partner (CfCFP) partner in nine sites throughout Australia; in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

Community programs

Communities for Children

As the facilitating partner in nine CfCFP sites throughout Australia, we help local organisations to deliver programs for children and their families.
School community partnerships

We act as an independent broker partnering with a school community and other stakeholders to support children's education.
Child and Parent Centres, WA

Established by the WA state government, Child and Parent Centres provide a range of activities for their students and families.

Our learning programs

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs

Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Arts programs

Providing students living with disadvantage access to arts programs to help support students'; engagement with school by increasing their creative skills, self-confidence, social networks and knowledge of post-school options.
Community programs

We partner with government, schools, families, and other service providers to improve educational outcomes for children.
Financial programs

We offer financial programs for parents facing disadvantage and an interactive high school program, building youth financial literacy, decision-making skills, and future awareness.
School transition programs

Providing help for students transition from primary to high school by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and attitude for the new learning environment.
Learning Clubs

After-school Learning Clubs give children help with literacy homework in a safe, supportive environment, encouraging children to better engage with their learning.
Learning for Life

Learning for Life is an innovative, evidence-based program that supports students throughout their education to achieve positive long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.
Literacy programs

Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
Mentoring programs

Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
Mentoring programs

Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
Numeracy programs

We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
Technology programs

Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
Work experience programs

We provide work experience programs for students living with disadvantage, to help them explore their future career options and potential job opportunities.

¹ Australian Government, 2013, A Snapshot of Early Childhood Development in Australia 2012, AEDI National Report.