A good start in life is the best path out of poverty

The launch of the ACOSS report “Poverty in Australia 2016” on October 16^th showed the shocking statistic that the number of children living in poverty has increased in the last 2 years. Now 17.4% of all children are living in poverty. In a country that’s experienced 25 years of economic growth the only explanation that makes sense is that as a nation we don’t really care. Is that true? Or does it mean that we don’t know what to do.

At Anglicare NT we know that there are solutions and in partnership with communities, governments, peak bodies and families we are working to make a difference.

In most communities, being born into a poor household is the biggest predictor that a child will have poorer life outcomes. Growing up poor is the greatest predictor of mental health issues, long periods of unemployment, difficulties in education, time in prison, experiencing violence and physical health problems.   Sadly, the Northern Territory has the highest percentage of children growing up in poor households and the greatest rate of children being removed from families by child protection for reasons of neglect. Poverty is a huge challenge in our communities.

The good news is that communities can do something about this. Being born poor does not have to mean that life cannot be experienced to the full. In the NT we are fortunate that many communities have services focussed on giving all children a good start in life. A good start means children are more likely to start school well and starting school well means you have a better chance of finishing school, getting a job and living a long and healthy life.

For example, in ten communities across the NT, families of 3-4 year olds can get support from a home-based tutor to help parents become the child’s best ‘pre-school’ parent. Regular ‘homework’ includes nursery rhyme sessions, singing together, drawing, reading stories and early number games. And lots of play. The program is called HIPPY and it’s one of many early childhood programs that are making a difference in Territory families and communities.

An interesting new approach being considered in Aboriginal communities across Australia is called “The first 1000 days”. This approach focuses on supporting parents and their babies from conception to two years old. Pre-natal support and education, nutrition, targeted heath workers and coordinated services are part of a major change to giving all Aboriginal children a good start in life.

We owe all Territory children a good start, and a good start is a whole community responsibility – a responsibility for those who plan, for politicians, for health and for education. But most importantly it’s important for us to support parents – they’re the ones who nurture, play with, talk to, feed, and sing to little children. They’re the ones who will read them stories, take them to the clinic and keep them safe. Supporting parents is the start of a good life for all of our children.