Over a thousand Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nurses have come together to explore ways to improve services for Victoria’s most at-risk families today.
Speaking at the biannual MCH conference at theMelbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos said Victoria’s MCH nurses played a central role in the prevention and reporting of family violence and linking women to the right support services.
The conference’s theme Improving Outcomes for Vulnerable Families puts MCH nurses at the front line of engaging and supporting newborn Victorians and their families during the important early stages of a child’s life.
Through health promotion, early detection and intervention and early learning, MCH nurses provide free support and advice regarding parenting and children’s health and development.
Around 150 nurses in rural and regional areas are expected to tune into the conference online as it is streamed live on the web.
Last year Victoria’s MCH nurses worked with more than 458,000 children and their families across the
State.
The Andrews Labor Government last week announced a $950,000 fund to support innovation, collaboration and creative thinking in the delivery of MCH services to support vulnerable families in particular.
The Government is making Victoria the Education State – this starts with giving every Victorian child a healthy start in life.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“Victoria’s MCH nurses play a central role in securing better futures for our children, especially our most vulnerable families.”
“We are working to boost participation in the vital MCH Key Ages and Stages visits - we know that these lead to early intervention and better outcomes.”
“We are working towards a strong early childhood service system that supports parents when they need it most by providing quality care, learning and development.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020