The feasibility of a Child and Family Hub within Victorian Community Health Services: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives: Explore the feasibility of an integrated Child and Family Hub within Victorian Community Health Services (CHS) to identify and respond to family adversities as preventable determinants of child mental health problems. Methods: Thirteen Victorian CHS staff and government policy makers (PMs), recruited via snowball sampling, participated in semi-structured interviews exploring: 1) barriers and facilitators for implementing a hub; 2) feasibility of a proposed integrated hub; and 3) resources needed to scale and sustain a hub. Transcripts were analysed employing framework analysis. Results: 1) Barriers included inadequate and activity-based funding, inability to fund community paediatricians and inadequate workforce competencies. Facilitators included CHS engagement with vulnerable communities and readiness to act. 2) The proposed hub model was identified as feasible to implement. Local co-design, co-location, and virtual delivery would support hub implementation. 3) To sustainably scale a hub, clear policy leadership and workforce and funding model reviews are needed. Conclusions: A hub was perceived as feasible when based in CHS; however, local and systemwide issues need consideration to support its sustainable scaling. Implications for public health: Findings will inform the scaling of hub models of care across Victoria and other states to potentially optimise broader child and family health outcomes.