Outcomes, Practice and Evidence Network (OPEN)
Building evidence from research, practice and client experience to deliver better outcomes.
Last updated: 30 Nov 2024
Vision and purpose
The Outcomes, Practice and Evidence Network (OPEN) is a partnership between Victoria’s child and family services sector, government and research. OPEN supports and promotes using, creating, and sharing evidence derived from research, practice, and client experiences to deliver better outcomes for children, young people, and families.
OPEN nurtures the knowledge, skills, culture, and cross-system collaborations necessary to build robust learning systems within the sector.
We are proud to collaborate with the sector and our members to collect and enhance knowledge and capacity for evidence-based practice.
OPEN's Knowledge Hub
The OPEN Knowledge Hub provides curated resources and case studies on key topics related to social services and family support. It features specialised content on issues like family violence and sexual violence, trauma-informed care, and supporting children in out-of-home care. Professionals can explore webinars, guides, and resources tailored to help them in their work with children, young people, and families facing various challenges.
History
The Victorian Government’s Roadmap for Reform identified the need for the sector to become a learning system, in which outcomes are measured and services are services are informed by the most rigorous evidence available.
In response, OPEN was established in 2017 as a cornerstone of this learning system, strengthening evidence use and creation within the sector.
OPEN serves as a dynamic platform for active engagement and collaboration among service providers, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.
OPEN is a joint initiative managed by the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare and funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH).
Impact
During 2022–23, OPEN achieved significant milestones, including increased membership and broader engagement. With over 1,000 attendees at its events, OPEN created invaluable opportunities building active participation in the Evaluation Community of Practice.
OPEN delivered expert advisory support, with 15 organisations benefitting from the program’s expert advice.
With six completed IDEAS projects and more to come, OPEN continues to lead innovation and collaboration across the sector.
Supporting the 16 Days of Activism campaign 2024
24 Nov 2024
- Campaigns
Wrapping Up the OPEN Symposium 2024
24 Oct 2024
- Uncategorised
Hub to support Family Violence and Sexual Violence workforces launched
22 Oct 2024
- Content
OPEN Symposium
The annual OPEN Symposium, a multi-day online event, brings together sector leaders, offering a platform for growth, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, setting new standards for innovation in the sector.
