CITIES OF THE FUTURE sustainability, vitality and wellbeing In the Zone Conference 2009 Perth, Western Australia 10 November 2009 Professor Fiona Stanley AC Director, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research Chair, Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth Professor, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia

Beyond GDP to Measure Societal Progress Shift from GDP to wellbeing and sustainability measures Led by OECD, UNICEF & UNDP –‘Statistical indicators are the structural DNA codes of nations. They reflect a society’s values and goals and become the key drivers of economic and technological choice.’ (Henderson) –‘If we think GDP is success then people will strive for GDP.’ (Stiglitz)

Health and Safety Source: UNICEF report card 7

Australian Early Development Index (AEDI)

The AEDI domains Physical health and well-being. Child is healthy, independent, ready each day Social competence. Child plays, gets along with others and shares, is self-confident Emotional maturity. Child is able to concentrate, help others, is patient, not aggressive or angry Language and cognitive development. Child is interested in reading and writing, can count and recognise numbers, shapes Communication skills and general knowledge. Child can tell a story, communicate with adults and children, articulate themselves

The AEDI provides evidence that can be used to support policy, planning and action for health, education and community support

The AEDI pinpoints strengths in communities as well as what can be improved

Asset Mapping Perth East Metropolitan region, Proportion of children vulnerable on one or more domains East Metropolitan Perth, WA Prepared by: AEDI National Support Centre Source: AEDI Communities Data 2004/05

A snapshot of Australia ’ s children Completion of AEDI Checklists by state/territory 3,255 55,449 27,579 16,208 5,916 87,168 4,432 61,196 Total = 261,203 children = 97.8% Essentially a developmental census of five year olds Source: AEDI 2009, ABS 2009, Estimated Resident Population for five year olds

Developmental Pathways Project Using agency data and linkage for measuring developmental pathways Telethon Institute for Child Health Research Crime Research Centre at the University of WA Department of Health Department for Child Protection Department for Communities (Office for Youth) Department of Education and Training Department of Corrective Services Disability Services Commission Department of the Attorney General WA Police Department of Treasury and Finance Department of Indigenous Affairs Department of Premier and Cabinet

Developmental Pathways Project Using agency data and linkage for measuring developmental pathways Multidisciplinary Health, development and wellbeing of children and youth Linked, longitudinal population level data Use evidence for the development of policy and practice

Why is Child Health & Development Crucial for Australia’s Future? Intellectually Competent & Emotionally Capable Workforce Most Young People Participating to their Full Potential Most Children Mentally & Physically Healthy, Reaching their Educational and Social Potential National Economic Prosperity Health & Welfare Budgets Not Draining Australia’s Capacity Next Generation of Parents Socially & Emotionally Competent Cycles of Economic Prosperity & National Capacity Most Children Commence their Lives in Environments which Enable Full Opportunities for Healthy Child Development BUILDING BLOCKS

Healthy beliefs and clear standards Reduced exposure to harmful drugs Sense of self- efficacy & self-worth Opportunities for achievement and recognition of accomplishments Sense of social connected- ness Optimal brain development in utero and early childhood Genetic factors Time Responsive Parenting (i.e. appropriate care stimulation and monitoring) Effective self regulation of emotion, attention & social interaction Effective learning, communication & problem solving skills Healthy pregnancy, reduced maternal smoking, alcohol & drug misuse Healthy nutrition in utero & throughout childhood & adolescence Social and economic environments supportive to child rearing – especially absence of poverty and exposure to violence Economic participation, civic participation, and social participation Positive interaction with peers Availability of +ve adult role models & engaging community activities Academic success & other achievements Positive interaction with adults Pathways to Participation

CIVIL SOCIETY UNCIVIL SOCIETY Focus on: Equality/diversity Trust, care Collective good Valuing parents Valuing childhoods Prevention more than cures Protected environments Safe places for all Effective use of helpful technologies Child needs as well as adults Accepting of: Inequalities Fear, violence Priority for material wealth Parents not valued Fast tracking childhoods Cures more than prevention Environmental degradation Safe places for the few Excessive use of damaging technologies Adults needs more than children’s

LowHigh Outcome measure % of Children Vulnerability threshold

LowHigh % of Children Gap narrows Targeted strategies decrease curve for vulnerable Universal strategies-entire population moves Outcome measure