Tiny steps, big impact: new role supports children’s growth after family violence

In August 2024, McAuley employed an Enhanced Maternal Child Health Nurse (EMCHN), dedicated to supporting the needs of babies, young children and their mothers residing in our family violence refuges.

Working with children (up to 11 years of age) and their mothers to support developmental milestones, assess and identify risks and needs, and strengthen the bond between mother and child, McAuley’s EMCHN supports families in our two refuges – Heywood House and Jan’s Place – as well as some families living in the community supported by McAuley’s family violence case management program.

“The role of an Enhanced Maternal Child Health Nurse is incredibly important for mothers and children.”

– Jocelyn Bignold, McAuley CEO

“The developmental period for children between conception and age two is a critical time. Having dedicated and consistent support, someone who will work with our families within the context of their trauma recovery and can help them focus on reaching key developmental milestones, introducing healthy routines and behaviours while they process their experiences, is key to supporting them in building the next chapter of their lives.”

Over the first year of the two-year engagement, our EMCHN supported 41 children across 35 families with many return appointments and 18 facilitated playgroups. The majority (73 per cent) of children supported were under the age of six, and almost half (44 per cent) were from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Many of the children who met with our EMCHN were suffering high levels of stress and instability after leaving their homes to escape family violence. Others were facing significant delays in meeting developmental milestones, with some children as old as five supported to transition from wearing nappies, and others as old as seven supported to transition from using bottles to cups.

Many mothers were also helped to improve both their own and their children’s nutrition and were empowered to help their children begin or manage toilet training.

“Many women come to McAuley traumatised and need help to learn how to respond to the distress and trauma of their children,” said Jocelyn.

“The Maternal Child Health Nurse is key to supporting families’ motivation and capacity to make and sustain positive change, and to improving the overall health and wellbeing of the families in our care.”

Working within the broader Children’s Team at McAuley, the EMCHN also connects children to early childhood education, care and school; assists families to navigate services and coordinate their own support; helps to build self-sufficiency; and helps to create opportunities for children, young people, and families to live the life they want.

“We are very grateful to the Paul Ramsay Foundation and the Australian Communities Foundation who have supported this appointment with a one-off grant,” said Felicity Pringle, Head of Communications, Advocacy, Fundraising at McAuley.

“This is a critical role for us and the families at McAuley and one we hope to be able to continue funding beyond the two-year grant period.”