The Case for Investing in Early Intervention and Prevention
Every child deserves to grow up safe, strong and supported. When families get the right support early, children are safer, families stay together, and communities thrive.
Early Intervention and Prevention are one of the most effective and responsible investments the NSW Government can make.
To strengthen the case for Early Intervention, Fams NSW partnered with Lumenia to analyse the true value of the Community and Family Support (CAFS) program.
Based on best available evidence, this analysis illustrates how Early Intervention can benefit children, families, communities and the NSW budget over time.
Many of the most important outcomes of Early Intervention such as healing, connection to culture, stability, hope for the future, do not naturally show up in dollars. But they matter deeply.
Our modelling assigns conservative, evidence‑based values to these outcomes.
Even with this caution, the results and potential are compelling.
The Economic Case for Investing Earlier
For every $1 invested in early intervention, up to $2.97 in social and economic benefits can be generated.
Our economic modelling shows the potential benefits of investing earlier, provided the right funding and program settings are in place.
But the value of early intervention goes beyond dollars. Keeping children safe, strengthening family connections and supporting cultural identity are outcomes that matter just as much.
Economic modelling developed in partnership with Lumenia.
Investment That Matches the Evidence
To realise these benefits, we need to shift the focus towards supporting families earlier, rather than waiting until challenges become crises.
Fams is calling for a 30% uplift in CAFS funding over four years, in addition to indexation, and the transition of 40% of service delivery to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
Our broader advocacy priorities focus on:
- Investing earlier: Expanding early intervention and prevention so more families can access support when they need it.
- Strengthening the sector: Providing additional, sustainable funding to support organisations, their workforce and the relationships they build with communities.
- Supporting Aboriginal-led services: Strengthening investment in ACCOs to support culturally safe, community-led approaches.
- Centring lived experience: Ensuring policies and services reflect the voices, strengths and experiences of children, families and communities.
Together, these priorities support our vision for a stronger, more connected and sustainable early intervention and prevention system across NSW.
📃Explore our economic modelling infographic
📃Read our full Advocacy Platform 2026-2027
Find Your District Snapshot
Local evidence to support stronger advocacy.
The case for investing earlier looks different across NSW. Our District Snapshots bring together local child protection data, funding comparisons and key insights to show why greater investment in early intervention and prevention matters in each community.
Designed to support local advocacy, these resources can help organisations and sector representatives make the case for change with their Members of Parliament.
Find your district, download your snapshot and use it to start a conversation about investing earlier in children and families.
Sydney Metropolitan
Greater Western Sydney & Blue Mountains
Illawarra & South Coast
Northern & Regional NSW
Want to take the next step? Find your local MP and share why investing in early intervention and prevention matters to your community.
Endorsements and Support
The Smartest Dollar campaign continues to receive support from Members of Parliament and organisations advocating for stronger investment in children and families.
Recognition in NSW Parliament
On 22 September 2026, the Hon Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC submitted a Notice of Motion recognising Fams’ work and the evidence behind the Smartest Dollar campaign.
Read the Notice of Motion submitted to Parliament
Members of Parliament who support our message:
| Alex Greenwich MP Member for Sydney | Judy Hannan MP Member for Wollondilly | Greg Piper MP Member for Lake Macquarie |
| Helen Dalton MP Member for Murray | Michael Regan MP Member for Wakehurst | Roy Butler MP Member for Barwon |
| Joe McGirr Member for Wagga Wagga | Phil Donato MP Member for Orange | Jacqui Scruby MP Member for Pittwater |
Read the letter of support from the Independents in the Legislative Assembly here.
Organisations who endorse our message:
Add Your Support
Help strengthen the case for investing earlier in children, families and communities across NSW.