The barriers and enablers to implementing child and family health hubs for migrant families

Migrant women and children can face significant barriers when accessing child and family health services. Child and family health hubs (hubs) represent a potential solution to simplify pathways between maternity, child, and social care services for migrant populations. However, how these hubs operate specifically for migrants remains underexplored. Our study addresses this gap by exploring what helps and hinders the establishment and delivery of hubs across three different contexts in New South Wales, Australia for migrant populations using a case study approach. While all sites found the hub model appropriate and acceptable, its feasibility varied. Challenges included limited resources, particularly the absence of a dedicated hub coordinator, governance issues, and personnel turnover. Success depended on clear leadership, dedicated coordination, systematic referral pathways, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement. The evidence from this study can be used within other contexts to plan and deliver hubs for migrant and potentially other priority population families with young children.