DeadlyKidsSA

DeadlyKidsSA aims to support Aboriginal children to be happy, healthy and strong  by providing a number of different activities to promote the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal children and their families across South Australia . Our activities include supporting fun and healthy cultural events such as the annual Strong Aboriginal Children’s Health Expo and the provision of 'Get Set, Go!' backpacks through our Aboriginal Children’s Backpack program.

The ‘Get Set, Go’ Aboriginal Children’s Backpack program

The ‘Get Set, Go!’ Aboriginal Children’s backpack program provides a healthy start for Aboriginal children commencing their journey into preschool or primary for the first time.

Our backpacks contain practical items and resources to support healthy behaviours at school and are suitable for 3-6 year olds.

Orders for the 2020 school year will be coordinated with preschools in August and distributed in October 2019. To ensure your preschool is added to the mailing list, please email HealthDeadlyKidsSA@sa.gov.au.

Under 8’s Aboriginal Children’s Ear Health Program

The Under 8’s Aboriginal Ear Health Program aligns with the SA Aboriginal Ear Health Framework and addresses gaps in provision of prioritised referral and management pathways for Aboriginal children living across the Northern and Southern Adelaide Local Health Networks.

The Under 8’s team of Aboriginal Health Practitioners undertake screening of Aboriginal children primarily aged 0-8 years in early childhood centres and primary schools as well as in the clinic setting and community events. Screening is comprehensive and includes, but is not limited to, ear health and hearing, dental and immunisation assessments. Children can then be referred to appropriate services ensuring direct referral pathways into audiology and ENT services at the most appropriate location for families.

If you would like the Under 8’s team to visit your early learning centre or you would like to arrange a screening for your child, please contact HealthDeadlyKidsSA@sa.gov.au who can direct you to your local Aboriginal Health Service.

Resource development and dissemination

We co-design resources with Aboriginal people to provide evidence-based advice around keeping children happy, healthy and strong.

Simple messages for keeping children happy, healthy and strong

  • Give them plenty of fruit and vegies
  • Get them to drink mainly water
  • Move and play with them everyday
  • Brush their teeth
  • Get them immunised
  • Have regular ear, health and developmental checks.

Useful downloads

Families

Early childhood professionals

More information

For further information please contact HealthDeadlyKidsSA@sa.gov.au