Intergenerational Trauma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is a living legacy of colonisation. The primary causal influences of infant and child mental health disparities in First Nations children are: the intergenerational disruption to family structures, parenting practices, and the absence of being able to experience indigenous culture in daily life. First Nations children continue to be the highest reported population group subject to child protection concerns and removals of First Nations children continue to grow each year.

Establishing cultural and emotional safety with a highly dispossessed and continually marginalised population group such as Australia’s First Nations people is challenging. Australia’s First Nations people are the most researched population group across Australia, with few tangible differences or outcomes identifiable despite this. The mistrust of services as a result of years of oppressive legislation and adopted policies and practices has contributed to the infant and child mental health differences currently seen across our communities.

Addressing Intergenerational Trauma is not individual work, and we need a whole of community approach to collectively support our First Nations children and families through programs and interventions that are designed in consultation and delivered collaboratively with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

This presentation provides insights into supporting infant and child mental health within the context of working with families and communities experiencing Intergenerational Trauma. We will review case studies to highlight examples of best practice and collaborative engagement. Share learned experiences from the perspective of an Aboriginal woman walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants, children, youth, families, and communities on their path to achieving social and emotional wellbeing.