Creating a better environment for children to flourish and grow in their own parents' care
Keywords:
Aboriginal, Children, Cultural SafetyAbstract
The health and wellbeing of children in Australia are impacted by numerous factors, including social inclusion, disadvantage, and vulnerability. The early years of a child's life are essential where it has been found that the early to middle years of a child's life influence adulthood particularly. Australian children who experience different forms of disadvantage have an increased risk of social exclusion, impacting the individual's participation in society. This has been highlighted in a study by Frederico and colleagues (2008), who stated that a child's current functioning and future development are impacted by maltreatment, especially regarding the child's behavioural, cognitive, emotional, social, and physical wellbeing. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect are more harmful when long-lasting, more chronic, and occur earlier in an individual's life (Frederico et al., 2008). Therefore, this paper will discuss many issues affecting children and families within Australia, and the emerging information that may potentially improve the practice frameworks practitioners utilise and the child and family policies impacting them.
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