To date, there are no documented, evidence-based “best practice” standards for Aboriginal Infant Development Programs. Infant Development Programs in B.C. have been operating over 30 years and have accumulated experience and knowledge that informs our work. However, the research needed to document the effectiveness of AIDP work has yet to be done. Starting with the establishment of the Office of the Provincial Advisor for AIDP and this manual, the work is just beginning.
What Do We Know?
The research literature on parent education and family support programs is not yet sufficient to enable us to use it as the foundation for practice decisions. However, practitioners have gained knowledge based on their experience. Until these understandings are rigorously tested by researchers, these experience-based observations offer the best available source of guidance.
Parent Education Programs can:
- Improve children’s language
- Improve parental sensitivity to children - Improve learning environments at home
- Result in sustained gains in children’s cognitive development
It is important to remember that there are many different types of parent education programs with different goals, different content, and different teaching methods. Each program needs to be evaluated separately. The positive outcomes produced by one program may or may not be produced by other parent education programs.
Programs that offer Family Support can lead to: - Lasting positive effects on children
- Parents having more positive approaches to life - Parents placing higher value on education - Improved parent-child relationships
As with parent education programs, it is important to remember that there are many different types of family support programs with different goals, different service-delivery methods, and differently qualified personnel. Each program needs to be evaluated separately. The positive outcomes produced by one program may or may not be produced by other family support programs.
The AIDP approach to family support rests on the following beliefs: - Children should be viewed within the context of their families.
- Children and their families should be viewed within the context of the policies and institutions of the larger society.
- Support should be offered via partnerships with families using family-focused approaches. - All family support and early intervention services should be delivered by culturally-competent practitioners who are sensitive, responsive, and respectful of the cultures, lifestyles, and values of the families they serve.
Adapted from: Hanson, M.J. (1995). Atypical Infant Development – 2nd Edition and IDP of BC - 2004
What Do We Know About Aboriginal Children and Families
For decades, our Aboriginal communities have faced difficulties and threats. Many of our
cultural practices were dismantled. We were subjected to policies and exposed to substances that have been detrimental to the health of our community members. We have had to deal with issues that tested our dignity. In many communities, traditional parenting knowledge, traditional
languages and basic ways of life, are on the brink of extinction, or rarely practiced. As a result, Aboriginal children and families are over-represented in reports of preventable health conditions. Today we recognize the importance of preserving and renewing Aboriginal cultural practices in our homes and communities. We recognize the importance of prevention and early intervention to ensure the healthy development of our Aboriginal children and families.
There are many families and communities who advocate and practice healthy behaviours for the sake of our children. Unfortunately, one of the consequences of our Aboriginal history is that some families are caught between two worlds and other families are living unhealthy lifestyles. Some families living in Aboriginal communities are under extreme stress, living unhealthy lifestyles and not practicing cultural traditions. There are a number of initiatives underway at the community level and throughout the province intended to increase the numbers of Aboriginal families who incorporate cultural values and beliefs into their daily lives.
Some families who live in non-aboriginal communities are disconnected from their cultures and living unhealthy lifestyles. Others living in non-aboriginal communities practice healthy
behaviours and want to reconnect with their roots. These families are looking for links back to their heritage. Fortunately, many individuals, families and communities have gone through, or are going through, healing processes and are on the path to reclaiming their Aboriginal identities, values, and beliefs. Communities are providing early intervention and prevention programs to support family and community growth and development.
We are learning from the resiliency of our parents, leaders, Elders and ancestors. We are finding our way back to healthy lifestyles and healthy communities. We are relearning our traditional teachings and traditional parenting practices. These sources of knowledge point the way to raising healthy children and living in healthy families.
Reports such the Regional Analysis of Health Statistics of Status Indians in British Columbia, 1992 – 2002, David Martin, MD, MHSc. outlinethe health determinants that effect healthy growth and development and well being of children.
What do we need to do? How do we do this?
Our traditional teachings and parenting practices provide a good foundation for raising healthy children.
We need to honour the traditional cultures and teachings of our ancestors. We need to build our children’s pride in their heritage. We need to teach them respect for themselves, their families and friends, the environment, and all that lives on our mother earth. We need to encourage our children to pursue education and careers. In so doing, our programs and services will renew our cultures and our own best practices of Infant Development will emerge, reflecting our rich histories and our resiliency during difficult times.
Aboriginal Infant Development Programs have been operating since 1992. While individual programs have kept annual statistics, they have never been collated or shared with each other. As we work to raise our standards, we plan to improve our services and document our progress by gathering our AIDP statistics annually.