Ms Tammy Burnstock

Overview

Tammy Burnstock has a background in children’s media and, in parallel, work in early intervention with children and young families. Her research interests lie in the area of volunteer and community based supports and how these complement professional services. She currently works part time as a Research Assistant for Karitane and as a ‘Circle of Support’ facilitator for JewishCare."

Research Summary

Home visiting as a delivery model for early childhood services has expanded over the past two decades. Volunteer Home Visiting is one of a range of service models aimed at early intervention designed to improve the health and well-being of families with young children. The research aims to explore whether a) VHV programs add value to professional services, and b) if so where they should be located organizationally and within the broader system of integrated early intervention service delivery in Australia. The thesis will focus on an analysis of VHV programs currently run in Sydney NSW by the Benevolent Society and Karitane. By collection of data regarding the specific service systems into which these VHV programs operate, comparative case studies of organizational service structure will be used to analyse effective functioning and issues arising. Research will focus on exploring how the various parts of the system perceive VHV programs, and what particular needs are met by access to the service. Analysis will centre on whether VHV programs currently complement professional early intervention programs for vulnerable families, and if not, what changes to the model are necessary in order for them to do so.