Program History in Australia
The Australian Nurse-Family Partnership Program (ANFPP) is a part of the Australian Government's commitment to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with particular focus on maternal health and early childhood development.
In 2006, a decision was made by the Australian Government to fund an evidence-based program that would support mothers and babies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) was chosen based on the strong evidence of the program's efficacy.
In 2008, the NFP was adapted for use in Australia to meet the requirements of the Australian health care system, including the geographical context and scope of nursing practice in all states and territories. It was also adapted to be more culturally suitable and appropriate for use with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. During this time the Department of Health, selected robust primary health care service organisations, with experience in providing Indigenous maternal and child services, to be the first sites to test and implement the program in Australia.
Following subsequent adaption to the Australian context in 2008, the implementation of the ANFPP began in 2009 and has since been running at health care services across four States and two Territories.
During the initial ANFPP planning phase, a decision was made to adapt the NFP model for the Australian environment by introducing an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Family Partnership Worker (FPW). Initially, this role acted as a cultural broker and advisor for Program Managers, Nurse Home Visitors (NHV) and clients. The role has matured since its first inception, and the critical importance of the FPW contribution has become more apparent. FPW input is now seen as an essential enhancement that allows the NHV to deliver the program effectively and safely. Without the input of the FPWs, the ANFPP would not be able to provide culturally appropriate services and ensure a trusting relationship is established. This trust enables the program to meet the needs of Indigenous families effectively and safely.
ANFPP National Support Service
Molly Wardaguga Research Centre | Charles Darwin University
Molly Wardaguga Research Centre | Charles Darwin University
Level 11, 410 Ann St | Brisbane QLD | 4000 Australia
email: info@anfpp.com.au
phone: +61 7 3169 4283 or 0448 570 503
phone: +61 7 3169 4283 or 0448 570 503
The Australian Nurse-Family Partnership Program (ANFPP) National Support Service (NSS) acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we live and work. We pay respect to elders past and present. We further acknowledge that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities are diverse and dynamic and continue to evolve and develop in response to historical and present social, economic, cultural and political circumstances.
Diversity includes gender, age, languages, backgrounds, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, family responsibilities, marriage status, life and work experiences, personality and educational levels (Commonwealth of Australia, 2013)