Reducing the risk of harm to infants and newborns through child protection diversion

Abstract Child protection is a public health concern. Public health approaches distinguish between primary (universal prevention), secondary (targeted early intervention based on risk factors), and tertiary prevention (management of established conditions to minimize harm). Despite opportunities to intervene earlier, child protective systems are overburdened by tertiary responses (e.g. statutory intervention). In response, the Child and Family Assessment and Referral Network (CFARN) was established in South Australia to support families at risk of statutory involvement. CFARN aimed to intervene during the antenatal period as a secondary prevention strategy, engaging families in coordinated support to reduce risks, improve family outcomes, and ease pressure on child protection services (CPS). Qualitative evaluation of CFARN utilized thematic analysis with an interpretive phenomenological approach. Clients and service providers (n = 99) took part in individual interviews or focus groups exploring how CFARN’s approach addressed family complexity and mitigated risk of harm for children. Four themes were identified—CFARN reportedly improved collaboration and coordination across services; strengthened family engagement; increased trust in services; and enhanced quality of risk assessment. Findings highlighted the value of responsive social work practice for engaging families prior to statutory thresholds, with potential to alleviate demand on overloaded CPS systems.