Overview - Early Childhood Development in Indigenous Communities

Integrating services for a healthy start to life

Improving the wellbeing of Indigenous children is a national priority and the key to 'Closing The Gap' in a generation.

However, there are many complex factors which impact on the development, health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0-4 years die at three times the rate of non-Indigenous children.

Indigenous babies are twice as likely to be of low birth weight.

Indigenous children are 6 times more likely to be the victims of abuse or neglect.

The Early Childhood Development in Indigenous Communities Conference will showcase existing successful initiatives, sharing best practice for integrated services which help 'Close The Gap' on child disadvantage. It will also assess progress made under the National Partnership for Early Childhood Development and identify key priority areas to improve service delivery and community wellbeing.

Who should attend?

This conference is specifically designed for senior level representatives from:

• Federal & State Government
• Family Service Providers
• Aboriginal Medical Services
• Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations
• Child Protection Agencies
• Area Health Services

With an interest in:

• Family & Community Safety
• Education
• Policy & Strategy
• Early Childhood Development
• Child Protection
• Ante, Peri & Post-natal Care
• Social Determinants of Child Development
• Service Integration & Delivery Models
• Maternal & Child Health

Criterion Conferences is delighted to offer a select number of scholarships for Indigenous community organisations to attend.

To apply, please contact Lisa Roadnight