Embedding family voice in a child and family service
29/05/2026
When families have the opportunity to shape services, it supports their engagement and enhances the benefits they experience. But what does it take to authentically involve families in the design and delivery of child and family services?
We’re excited to share new insights from the Key Assets Australia NI-Connect Researcher in Residence initiative on embedding family voice in service design and delivery. Over two years on Norfolk Island (1600km northeast of Sydney), staff built skills, reflected on practice, and co-designed tools to ensure family perspectives shape decisions at every level.
This case study highlights how, with a learning system approach (Fig. 1), the Centre’s partnership with a remote child and family wellbeing service strengthened community engagement.
Figure 1: Knowledge Data Practice
Key learnings included the importance of structured reflection, feedback loops, co-design processes, and aligning organisational systems to support practitioners’ meaningful participation in the application of evidence to practice.
The initiative also demonstrates how embedding a Researcher in Residence can support sustainable, evidence-informed change tailored to local context.
These insights offer practical guidance for services seeking to elevate family voice and strengthen partnerships with communities.
