Megan, a public housing tenant in Perth's Cloverdale, describes how her peaceful community has been disrupted by new neighbours in the adjacent public housing block. After escaping an abusive relationship and moving into a well-kept home, Megan initially enjoyed a supportive neighbourhood with a WhatsApp group for parcel deliveries and community barbecues for pets. However, the atmosphere changed dramatically when new tenants moved in next door. Megan reports overflowing rubbish bins, cars with missing licence plates, open drug use on the street, and reports of children being abused by the tenants. She has made multiple complaints to the Department of Housing but feels discouraged from reporting further. Brent, a neighbouring resident, shares similar experiences, noting overcrowded living conditions with four children in a two-bedroom house, and concerns about his two-year-old child witnessing antisocial behaviour. Both residents feel the Department of Housing and police rarely communicate effectively, making it difficult to address ongoing issues. Megan, who has a disability, has installed security cameras and sometimes stays with friends to avoid the stress. She worries other vulnerable tenants, like a single mother with a baby, are missing out on suitable housing. Brent, who plans to move out, questions whether the Minister for Housing would want to live next to such disruptive neighbours. Minister John Carey states that complaints must be made to the Department's disruptive behaviour reporting line for action, but notes that eviction decisions rest with magistrates, not the department. The department is not a law enforcement agency, and criminal behaviour should be reported to police. Despite these protocols, residents feel their concerns are not adequately addressed, leaving them to deal with ongoing disruptions in their community.

Professor Frances Gardner explores decades of research on parenting interventions, highlighting evidence-based strategies that reduce child conduct problems, support families across cultures, and inform global,…