Natalee’s Story

For many, parenting comes easily, even naturally, and most have the support of family and friends. But for some, like Natalee, who have faced significant trauma or disadvantage with a limited support network, parenting can be a real struggle. Understanding and knowing how to safely care for a newborn or toddler can be difficult.

Natalee and Toby were identified by child protection before baby Annabelle was born.

Natalee needed support to help her deal with substance use, mental health issues and violence which was occurring between her and Toby. As an adolescent Natalee’s mum was unable to manage her behaviours and alcohol use. Family violence between Natalee and her siblings was frequent and Natalee’s suicide attempt and instances of self-harming worrying.

Every day children are exposed to abuse or neglect, through no fault of their own. Often behaviours of their parents are learned from their own parents, creating a cycle of disadvantage for many. Until programs like SafeCare provide a different path.

Over the coming weeks and months demand for support from vulnerable children, young people and families will increase, we must ensure we can be there.

*Names have been changed and models used in imagery to protect the identity of the family

OzChild’s SafeCare program is just one of several early intervention and prevention programs we deliver which are focused on keeping families together and kids out of foster care or residential care facilities.

SafeCare addresses the need to improve the parenting skills for parents of children aged 0-5 who are at risk of or have been reported for child neglect or physical abuse.

Every year there are thousands of unborn reports to child protection. Research has shown if a mother is subject to an unborn report her baby has a 28% likelihood of entering out-of-home care before the age of two.

A really sobering reminder of why programs like SafeCare are essential in our quest to keep families safely together.