Future Steps
Future Steps goal is to help and strengthen the connection of the mother/caregiver with the child to reduce the impact of domestic violence experience.
During Covid, Dr Anneke Engwerda attended an online infant mental health conference which highlighted the importance of relationships and play during the critical developmental period of early childhood.
As a result, Anneke designed a four- level program which assists in fostering and facilitating secure and nurturing relationships between a parent/caregiver and child. The play packs are designed to give parents/caregivers ideas for how to interact and connect with their children through play.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Children exposed to family violence are at higher risk of developing behavioural and emotional issues. This may be secondary to events a child has experienced, but it will also be influenced by what they have not experienced. Children and infants may have experienced emotional or physical trauma. At the same time, they may have been deprived of opportunities to develop secure relationships and engage in age-appropriate activities.
Parents who have been subjected to family violence are exposed to significant stress which may impact their emotional, financial, and physical availability to provide developmentally appropriate experiences for their children. Family violence can be intergenerational. Those who have not had positive parental role models themselves may have limited first-hand experience of ideal parenting practices.
Connecting and engaging with a parent or primary caregiver can alter the trajectory of a child’s recovery from family violence. Reading to and playing with a child are a way of sharing positive experiences. Reading not only develops language and literacy skills but also allows an opportunity for the child and caregiver to have protected time together, away from the distractions of modern life.
Play is also an important part of developing social, communication and physical skills. Providing books and toys not only gives families physical items they may have had to leave behind or can no longer afford but also provides experiences for interaction and connection between the child and their caregiver. Positive play experiences help a child feel happy, loved and secure, giving them the confidence to keep exploring and learning.
The Boxes
The boxes contain a selection of carefully curated books and toys designed for the appropriate age groups in partnership with educators and paediatricians. A booklet is provided in each box explaining key information on health and development for each age group and directions on how to use the contents. The booklet also contains links to other organisations and resources for further support and information.
Next Steps Australia is developing four age group boxes:
Baby Steps 0-12 months
Toddler Steps 1-3 years
Videos have also been created to guide more visual learners.
