Developing A National Early Parenting Research Framework ARACY Conference Melbourne 2 – 4 Sept 2009

Developing A National Early Parenting Research Framework Increased understanding of the importance of early childhood development has led to early parenting services working together to share precious research dollars to enable the building of the highest quality evidence based practice. This framework will: develop a national interdisciplinary research agenda for innovation and evidence-based practice in the early years and strengthen knowledge sharing partnerships with key research institutes and service agencies inc AAPCH. Purpose

Australian Association of Parenting & Child Health Inc (AAPCH) Promoting excellence in research, management and clinical practice Strategic leadership in development of services Australasian networking forum Working with government, business & community organisations to promote accessible, effective services for families Role of Early Parenting Centres (EPC) Family centred services (primary, secondary & tertiary levels of care) Systematic ecological model Focus on vulnerable families facing complex issues Socially & culturally diverse communities Strengths-based partnership approach Evidence-based practice and commitment to building practice evidence Multi/trans-disciplinary teams Developing A National Early Parenting Research Framework The Role of AAPCH and EPCs

Professional development – strengthened capacity Organisational and Clinical Governance and Leadership Evidence based national early parenting practice and policy directions Quality Parenting and Health Outcomes for Families Improved Social Capital Early Parenting Services Expertise Data Agency Based Research Research Partners Policy Makers Other Agencies

Developing A National Early Parenting Research Framework Research Development Principles Connecting and collaborating Consumer involvement Development and change Contextualising early parenting (e.g. Culture) Transdisciplinary Key Disciplines Nursing Psychology Social Work Early Childhood Educators

Developing A National Early Parenting Research Framework Create a research match between AAPCH and individual organisations –Alignment of values, mission and philosophy Ensure future relevance and responsiveness of EPCs to changing community need and emergent evidence –Desire to document clinical practice and practice outcomes –Need to demonstrate accountability for clinical and management services Develop clinical evidence to support EPC practice(s) Develop organisational capacity to support research Research Imperatives

Developing A National Early Parenting Research Framework Generate clinical knowledge and develop practice –Ensure organisations continue to have sustainable and relevant practices –Develop and/or support the clinical knowledge and skills of staff –Provide leadership in child and family health through research –Translate research evidence into clinical practice Research focus maintains strong links with: –current and future policy priorities –Child and Family, and Community needs and service expectations Influence national policy directions Research Imperatives

Developing A National Early Parenting Research Framework Practice development Learning & Development for Sustainable Health Futures (Tresillian/ Plunket) Mothering at a Distance: program for incarcerated mothers (Tresillian) Involving Children in Decision Making – Exploration of Practitioners Views (Ngala) Supporting early parenting through telenursing: A case study of the QLD Child Health Line (Ellen Barron) NHMRC Funded Research into the impact of residential programs on the parenting relationship and maternal mood (All Victorian EPCs) Service evaluation Models of care implementation within residential services (Tresillian) Toddler Clinic evaluation (Parent-child interaction therapy) (Karitane) Knowledge generation Postnatal depression and anxiety research (Karitane) An investigation into parent fatigue and parenting (Tweddle) Research Themes & Examples

Developing A National Early Parenting Research Framework Positive outcomes for families Rich national data set of carers and infants and before school age children National learning/knowledge sharing and practice development Building a skilled workforce Cost effectiveness Building service capacity Interdisciplinary expertise and approach Strengthen national early parenting and childhood leadership and advocacy Improved social capital Benefits

Karitane Tresillian Family Care Centres Canberra Mothercraft Society Queen Elizabeth Centre Tweddle Child & Family Health Service OConnell Family Centre Tasmania Department of Health Plunkett SA CYWH Ngala QLD Health – Ellen Barron Family Centre AAPCH Member Organisations

Contact Details AAPCH President: Rae Walter Phone: (08)