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Indigenous early childhood development. New Directions: mothers and babies services

by Australian National Audit Office

Abstract

The Indigenous early childhood development national partnership (IECD NP) focuses on improving access to, and the use of, maternal and child health services. The New directions: mothers and babies services is a program under this partnership, funded by the Australian Government and administered by the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA).

Service delivery under the IECD NP includes:

• antenatal and postnatal care
• standard information about baby care
• advice and assistance with breastfeeding, nutrition and parenting
• monitoring developmental milestones, immunisation and infections
• health checks and referrals prior to starting school.

This audit report examines how effective DoHA has been in administering the New directions: mother and babies services program.

The audit includes key findings on:

• program development and planning for effective service delivery
• program implementation
• performance monitoring and reporting.

Recommendations and DoHA's response are also presented.

Abstract adapted from Australian National Audit Office summary

Links

• View abstract: Indigenous early childhood development. New Directions: mothers and babies services
• View report: Indigenous early childhood development. New Directions: mothers and babies services (PDF - 1.7 MB)
• View media release: A better start for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and children
• View website: Australian National Audit Office