Australian Family Partnership Program (AFPP) – Institute for Urban Indigenous Health

Australian Family Partnership Program

About AFPP

The Australian Family Partnership Program (AFPP) is an intensive voluntary home visiting program supporting mothers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies from pregnancy through to the child’s second birthday. It’s an educational and social support program for first-time mothers. AFPP is here to support you and your family on your journey into parenthood. It focuses on your goals, strengths, and dreams for you and your new bub.

This Commonwealth-funded program was established by IUIH on Brisbane’s northside in 2016/17 and extended into the southside from 2017/18.

Our Program

As part of the program, you will be paired with a dedicated family partnership worker and a nurse home visitor, who will become your home visiting team. They will visit you regularly at home during your pregnancy, until your bub is two years old. Your home visiting team is committed to walking alongside and sharing your parenting journey with you. Your home visiting team will provide information and education, offer social and emotional support, answer your questions, help you discover your strengths, and help you build the skills you need to be a great parent and strong family.

Am I eligible?

To participate in the program, you need to be:

a first-time mum, or this is the first opportunity
you have to parent
having an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
bub
less than 28 weeks pregnant (referrals can be
considered if you’re over 28 weeks pregnant).

How do I join?

To join the program, you can:

contact us yourself or fill out the self-referral form
get a referral from your GP, midwife, counsellor or any other health professional (including BiOC)
be referred by a family/community member.

Our Services

You will have:

a family partnership worker and nurse home visitor who will visit you regularly at home
cultural support and connection, ensuring you stay connected to your culture and receive culturally appropriate support
opportunities to participate in cultural activities, have a yarn and build relationships with other parents and bubs
education, information and resources for your pregnancy and as your bub grows
emotional and social wellbeing support, offering support for both you and your bub to ensure overall wellbeing
assistance with referrals to other services that may be helpful for you and your family
upon completing your two-year journey, you and your bub will be invited to a special graduation ceremony to celebrate your achievements.

Improving and Integrating Urban Indigenous Health Services