Evaluation of the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy 2000-2004 : Mandurah targeted region

The results of an evaluative case study undertaken as part of the Australian Government's Stronger Families and Communities Strategy are presented in this report. The report assesses the achievements in the implementation and effectiveness of the Strategy in addressing the local issues of social isolation, youth at risk, families with young children and disempowerment of the Indigenous population around Mandurah in Western Australia, where infrastructure development cannot keep pace with expansion rate of the local population. Areas of high social disadvantage were uncovered, as evidenced by: low levels of education; limited life skilling and training opportunities; high unemployment; reliance on social security; a disproportionately high proportion of the population accessing crisis assistance services; community fear about violence and other crime and safety issues; a high incidence of stress, depression and substance abuse; children and youth at risk. The report concludes that the Strategy has been effective in combating these issues in the community.