Follow Us On:

Blog Layout

Targeted Early Intervention: Supporting Multicultural Families for a Brighter Future

FOCUS Connect • 21 March 2025

  • Visit our website here


    I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.

    FOCUS Connect offers services in Macarthur to our Cald Community, services under My Aged Care Funding as an approved provider and NDIS services as a registered NDIS Provider. To find out more visit our website here. 


We hope you enjoy reading this blog post.

FOCUS Connect offers services in Macarthur to to support individuals and families, including those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities and services under My Aged Care Funding as an approved My Aged Care provider. To find out more visit our website here

Find Out More

Every child deserves a strong foundation for a bright future. At FOCUS Connect, we are committed to helping families access the proper support at the right time. Our Multicultural (CALD) Targeted Early Intervention Program (TEI) provides timely and practical assistance to vulnerable families, fostering resilience and positive outcomes across Campbelltown, Macarthur, and South West Sydney.



What is the TEI Program?

According to the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (2015), “Effective prevention and early intervention is possibly the most promising strategy for changing the trajectories of children.” Research shows that families and communities play a vital role in shaping children’s life chances, and both can be positively influenced with the proper support.


The Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI) program offers a wide range of support for children, young people, families, and communities. Because each community has unique needs, the program remains flexible, responsive, and locally based.


TEI Services are Delivered Under Two Broad Streams:

  • Community Strengthening – Activities that build cohesion, inclusion, and well-being across all communities while empowering Aboriginal communities.
  • Wellbeing and Safety – Activities that support families and individuals while providing opportunities for personal development.



The TEI program follows a commissioning approach, meaning local community and not-for-profit organisations, like FOCUS Connect, deliver tailored services based on their communities' specific needs. This ensures programs are client-focused, culturally appropriate, and outcome-driven.


Who is TEI Suitable For?

Our TEI services are designed for multicultural, First Nations, and CALD communities, ensuring bilingual and culturally sensitive support for:

  • Families with children aged 0-17 years
  • Parents seeking guidance on effective parenting strategies
  • Young people in need of social and emotional support
  • Communities requiring culturally appropriate services


Why Do Families in Our Communities Need TEI?

Many families in multicultural, First Nations, and CALD communities face unique challenges, making early intervention essential. Here’s how TEI makes a difference:



1. Overcoming Language and Cultural Barriers

Language differences and unfamiliarity with available services can make it difficult for families to access support. TEI provides bilingual and culturally sensitive assistance, ensuring families can effectively navigate parenting, education, and community resources.

A group of colorful wooden people holding hands on a wooden table.

2. Strengthening Family Relationships

Parenting can be challenging, especially in a new cultural environment. Programs like Tuning Into Kids and Tuning Into Teens help parents improve communication, develop stronger emotional bonds, and better understand their children’s needs.



3. Social Isolation and Community Connection

Newly arrived families or individuals without a strong support network may feel socially isolated. TEI programs, such as multicultural playgroups and community hubs, provide safe spaces where families can build relationships, share experiences, and access social support.



4. Supporting Children's Development and Education

Early intervention programs such as school readiness and playgroups help children develop essential social, emotional, and motor skills before entering formal schooling, ensuring they are well-prepared for academic success.



5. Addressing Financial and Social Hardships

Many families face economic pressures, housing instability, or childcare difficulties. TEI services offer practical case management support, connecting families to financial aid, community resources, and relevant assistance programs.



6. Navigating Parenting in a New Cultural Context

Parenting norms and expectations vary between cultures, sometimes leading to confusion or conflict. Parenting programs like Triple P help parents develop positive and practical strategies while respecting their cultural values.



7. Preventing Crisis Situations

Early intervention helps prevent small challenges from escalating into serious issues such as domestic violence, child welfare concerns, or youth disengagement. TEI provides proactive, strengths-based support before families reach a crisis point.



8. Empowering First Nations Families

TEI also focuses on culturally appropriate, community-led support for Aboriginal families, ensuring they receive services that respect and reinforce cultural identity and traditions while providing essential support for well-being.



Environments and Services Offered

FOCUS Connect delivers TEI programs in a variety of settings to ensure accessibility and convenience for families across Campbelltown and Macarthur:

  • Community Hubs: Safe and welcoming spaces for families to connect and learn
  • Home Visits: Personalised support in the comfort of a family’s home
  • School Partnerships: Programs that strengthen the relationship between parents, students, and educators
  • Playgroups and Parenting Workshops: Engaging sessions to foster child development and parental skills



How TEI Helps Families

By engaging with TEI services, families experience a range of benefits that enhance their overall well-being:



Casework and Case Management

Our Family Capacity Building Program supports multicultural families by partnering them with qualified caseworkers who:

  • Identify goals and areas needing support
  • Develop strategies for managing challenges
  • Strengthen resilience and life skills



Parenting Programs

FOCUS Connect offers evidence-based, culturally effective parenting programs to help parents and carers develop positive relationships with their children.


Triple P (Positive Parenting Program)

A free program for families with children aged 0-11 years, equipping parents with practical solutions to everyday parenting challenges using proven research-based strategies.


Tuning Into Kids (TIK) & Tuning Into Teens (TIT)

These programs help parents and carers develop strong emotional connections with their children by improving communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence.


Dads Tuning Into Kids (TIK)

A program designed specifically for fathers and father figures to strengthen their bond with their children, improve emotional competence, and support their child’s development.


Macarthur Multicultural Supported Playgroups

Our playgroups offer children aged 0-5 opportunities to learn through play while developing social, emotional, and motor skills. These sessions also give parents valuable insights and the chance to connect with other families from diverse backgrounds.



Making a Difference in the Community

FOCUS Connect’s TEI programs empower families by providing them with the tools and resources they need to create a nurturing environment for their children. Focusing on early intervention, we help prevent challenges before they escalate, ensuring children and young people have the best possible start in life.



Need Support or Know Someone Who Does?

We’re here to help! If you or someone you know could benefit from our programs, contact FOCUS Connect at 02 4627 1188 or submit an online enquiry.

You can also learn more about our TEI programs here: Targeted Earlier Intervention.


Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community where every family has the opportunity to thrive.

FOCUS Connect, a registered not-for-profit charity, provides practical assistance and support services to disadvantaged and marginalised individuals. As a My Aged Care provider, we offer Home Care Package and Commonwealth Home Support Programme services across South West and Northern Sydney. Additionally, we are a leading provider of community services to multicultural and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations across South West Sydney.

Discover More

Need Support or Know Someone Who Does?

If you need support, call us at 02 4627 1188 or contact us via our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you shortly to discuss your needs and how we can assist you. If you know someone who could benefit from our services, refer them to FOCUS Connect to help them receive the support they need and deserve.

Send Enquiry Send Referral
Share by: