Childhood Development and Youth
(GEN- 12)
Giving every child the best start in life is crucial to reducing health inequalities across the life course. What happens during these early years (starting in the womb) has lifelong effects on many aspects of health and wellbeing, from obesity, heart disease and mental health, to educational achievement and economic status. (http://www.instituteofhealthequity.org/resources-reports/give-every-child-the-best-start-in-life) Identified Need Childhood Development and Youth - outcomes of health needs analysis
Key Issue Developmentally vulnerable children are at risk of poor health outcomes over their life span ∙ Over 2/3 of children in the APY lands are vulnerable on 2 or more domains of the Australian Early Development Census ∙ Communities in the Eyre and Western region more likely to be above the state and national average of children developmentally vulnerable in 2 or more domains ∙ Port Augusta and Murray Bridge both have a higher proportion of children developmentally vulnerable on one or more domains.
Description of Evidence ∙ Australian Early Development Census – 2015 results by communities ∙ Issue of concern in priority matrix ∙ Stakeholder consultation and feedback
Early childhood development is perceived to be an issue across the CSAPHN region. ∙
Priority Childhood Development and Youth (GEN – 12) opportunities, priorities and options
Possible Options 1.
2.
Support organisations that provide family and community programs in the target regions.
Place youth workers with expertise in mental health, alcohol and other drugs in communities of need including engagement with the RFDS and headspace sites for improved outreach services.
Expected Outcome
Potential Lead
1.
Improved health outcomes for developmentally vulnerable children
∙ Mid Murray Family Connections and/or similar local organisations
2.
Appropriate services available to and easily accessible for youth in need.
∙ NGOs e.g. Uniting Care Wesley
3.
RFDS and headspace partnering in youth services in remote regions.
∙ Autism SA ∙ SA Health ∙ Institute of Health Equity ∙ Port Augusta headspace and RFDS.
PRIMARY HEALTH NETWORKS Needs Assessment 2019-2022 (2019 Update)V2 Page 9