Utilising existing data for a pilot social return on investment analysis of the family wellbeing empowerment program: A justification and framework

Demand is growing in the public, private, and philanthropic sectors for economic and quantifiable outcome data to guide decisions regarding the allocation of resources. This paper explores the challenges and opportunities in economically evaluating an Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing intervention, emphasising the value of utilising existing data. Driven by local and national Indigenous research priorities, the study involved a pilot Social Return on Investment analysis of the Aboriginal Family Wellbeing empowerment program. Underpinned by a collaborative mixed-methods approach, designed to mitigate data limitations and bolster trustworthiness, the analysis was undertaken across four stages, including a literature review to identify impacts and create a theory of change; co-design of an impacts framework; a targeted literature review to inform impact quantification and attribution; and calculation of the Social Return on Investment results. Results indicate that for every Australian dollar of investment in delivering Family Wellbeing between 2001 and 2021 in the Yarrabah Aboriginal community, A$4.60 of benefits were produced for participants and the community. The return is expected to be higher if important community and cultural impacts of the program were included in the monetisation. Data limitations and implications for future mixed methods economic evaluation of social interventions are explored.