While a number of programs report that they do not have a waiting list for their service, six programs report waiting lists ranging from two weeks to six months. A variety of referring agencies utilise the programs described. A number of the programs designed to support and enhance parenting and vulnerable families provide services between three weeks and one and a half years. The duration of the program and its intensity may be negotiated with each family. Generally, however, programs provide weekly or fortnightly contact with clients.
Several programs are of a fixed duration and intensity.
The complexities of evaluating human service programs are evidenced in the descriptions given of how programs measure their effectiveness. For those programs whose target group comprises children with special needs, individual service plans and client review feedback forms are commonly employed. A number of programs have engaged or are in the process of engaging external evaluation consultants to undertake reviews of their programs. Generally, however, formative and descriptive evaluations appear to be utilised. The program has been extensively field tested in randomised controlled trails to establish the efficacy of the program.