What is the TEI program?

“Effective prevention and early intervention is possibly the most promising strategy for changing the trajectories of children."

• 'Better systems, better chances' Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth 2015

Evidence shows that children’s life chances are affected by both their families and communities, and that both can be changed for the better.

The Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) program delivers a wide variety of support to children, young people, families and communities. Each local community has different priorities and needs and so the TEI program is flexible, responsive and locally based.

Services are delivered under two broad streams:

• Community Strengthening – activities that build cohesion, inclusion and wellbeing across all communities, and empower Aboriginal communities.
• Wellbeing and Safety – activities that support families and individuals, and provide opportunities for personal development.
  

TEI uses a commissioning approach to inform decisions about programs and activities. This means that community or not-for-profit organisations who know their local communities, are commissioned to deliver TEI programs or activities. This is in line with DCJ’s strategic approach for delivering funded human services.

Commissioning at DCJ puts clients, communities and outcomes at the centre of human services. This means we design, implement and manage our services based on the needs and aspirations of our clients and communities, the intended outcomes and evidence of what works to achieve those outcomes.

Commissioning emphasises working together - clients, community, service providers, government and other service partners - from conception to delivery of services, monitoring and evaluation.

The TEI program supports the people who need it earlier on, to make the biggest difference.

To hear real stories of hope and transformation from the TEI program, visit Spotlight on Targeted Earlier Intervention.