Early intervention for mothers and infants who have experienced family violence: the ANROWS project

A number of women and children are adversely affected by family violence across their lifetime that has immediate and long-lasting effects on their psychosocial, developmental, cognitive and social-emotional health. The Safe Nest Group (SNG) program is designed as a weekly, 6 session intervention for women and their infants who are under 3 years old, to engage in a group session underpinned by trauma-informed, psychodynamic and infant mental health principles. The project aimed to prioritise infants' needs, and intervene to assist mothers and infants in their recovery from the impacts of family violence. The study found that the program had been beneficial, noting meaningful reductions in mothers’ symptoms of depression and trauma and a better understanding by mothers of the impacts of family violence on their children. 

Show notes:

The ANROWS report by the Safe Nest Group: Pilot Project

https://www.anrows.org.au/publication/violence-prevention-and-early-intervention-for-mothers-and-children-with-disability-building-promising-practice/ 

Dr Katie Wood:

https://experts.swinburne.edu.au/494-katie-wood

Dr Emma van Daal: 

https://theplaystudio.com.au/team/

Research for this episode was conducted by Latrobe Law School student, Melissa Mazzeo.

Best Interests Children’s Law Podcast is sponsored by Ex Curia: Coaching & Consulting Pty Ltd, Meliora Psychology and Claudia Grimberg Lawyers.

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