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

See curated content on priority topics in our mini Knowledge Hubs or search our case study and resource libraries.

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.

7
Forums in 2024
1,000+
Forum attendees
40
Organisations presented across OPEN events

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.

'The work carried out and the report produced by the OPEN project has been a huge support. A community program being able to source free expert support such as this is extremely valuable; it builds capability in evaluation and supports the development of evidence-based practice which ultimately supports families and children in our communities.'

– Project Worker, Community Service Organisation

Become a member
The Centre’s membership benefits build collaboration, advocacy, and capacity within the child and family services sector, ensuring a more resilient and supportive environment that provides better outcomes for children and families.
Find out more