our babies and children education and health our babies and children education and health

Families as First Teachers ATSI vs Non-Indigenous Population – by age –

Strong Women, Strong Babies, Strong Culture The Strong Women, Strong Babies, Strong Culture Program was established in the Northern Territory in The program is aimed at increasing infant birth weights by earlier attendances to antenatal clinical and improved maternal weight status. Aboriginal women in three pilot communities work with pregnant women in a program that emphasises western medicine and traditional practices. Intervention services include: community-based maternal education and support by respected community women, advice on nutrition, reduced smoking and alcohol use, early antenatal care, testing and treatment for STDs, advice on seeking medical care and adhering to prescribed medication (Department of Health and Ageing, 2005a).

Congress Alukura Congress Alukura is another successful Aboriginal women’s health and birthing service located in Alice Springs, Northern Territory. Services are run through a midwife-led maternity service and women’s health clinic. The program was developed in 1984 through a process of community consultation and was guided by the Grandmother’s Law (Gross et al., 1998). Interventions and services provided include antenatal and postnatal care, gynaecological services, adult and youth health education, transportation, health worker training, bush mobile clinic, visiting specialists, home visiting and hospital/specialist liaison. The program also provides a comprehensive breastfeeding and nutrition intervention. Another unique feature of the program is the availability of a culturally-appropriate women’s only space that has been used to identify other undiagnosed health problems. These components have provided a holistic approach to antenatal care (Department of Health and Ageing, 2005b).

Families as First Teachers Indigenous Parenting Support Services Program Early learning The early years of a child's life are the most important for learning and development. The Families as First Teachers-Indigenous Parenting Support Services Program builds family knowledge of early learning through active engagement in quality early childhood education programs. Play based programs support families through modelling, side by side engagement and discussion. Resources have been developed to give families information about how young children learn and how parents can make the most of everyday opportunities. services/families-as-first-teachers-program

Families as First Teachers Indigenous Parenting Support Services Program Child development knowledge Families who are aware of their children's development can support learning and access help if they are concerned. Through engagement in early learning programs, home visits, family workshops or individual consultations families will strengthen knowledge of child development, birth to three. With this knowledge families will be able to take advantage of everyday learning opportunities and give their child the best possible start in life. services/families-as-first-teachers-program

Families as First Teachers Indigenous Parenting Support Services Program Health, hygiene and nutrition Health, hygiene and nutrition are major contributing factors to developmental outcomes. The Families as First Teachers-Indigenous Parenting Support Services Program works to build an awareness of these factors in order to address the improvement of developmental outcomes for young Indigenous children. Parenting and family support Staff work to strengthen positive relationships in families, promote positive behaviour in children and build confidence in parenting. This is done through modelling behaviour management at the early learning sessions, encouraging families in their interactions, group discussions, parenting workshops, home visiting and individual consultations. services/families-as-first-teachers-program