ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a digital game-based measure of social-emotional wellbeing designed specifically for the stage of middle childhood, and the drivers that shaped its creation, content, and presentation format. It outlines some of the events and processes that guided the progress of the decade-long body of work, and the centrality of the partnerships that were cultivated to realise the mission. It charts a journey of growth that unfolded in stages: beginning at the commencement of a community-based developmental prevention project as an idea formed in response to our need for a practical outcome measure, evolving into a sophisticated user support system that allows the measure to be deployed independently, as a frontline practice tool. Evidence of the lifetime benefits of effective early intervention to support social and psychological development makes a strong case for promoting child wellbeing within strategies that aim to reduce the likelihood of young people's involvement with the criminal justice system. Since social, emotional, and behavioural problems are developmental, access to data that contributes to understanding of group (e.g., school and community) and individual issues of concern can illustrate where and how best to take tailored action through universal and selected initiatives. It follows that communities need access to practical measures and timely data so they may prioritise goals for collective efforts and monitor the effects of their coordinated action. The integrated digital system for collecting data on child wellbeing described in this chapter has the potential to become part of the infrastructure for community services working together to promote positive outcomes for local children.
