Aboriginal + Torres Strait Islander Model of Child Development

Structure (1→4)

• 4 stages of development, roughly based on age

  • Perinatal-2

  • 2-5

  • 6-12

  • 13-18

Perinatal-2 years old (2)

• Emotions + connections with family as building blocks for life

• Impacts resilience for rest of life

2-5 years old (4)

• Fast brain development

• Learn to communicate with family, community + others

• Relationships to let children know they are safe, secure + loved are vital + encourage them to explore → develop

• Lays foundations for learning, healthy habits + behaviours

6-12 years old (3)

• Begin school + build social, emotional + thinking skills

• Better able to express care + understanding but still difficulty dealing with tricky emotions (e.g. envy, jealousy)

• Start to develop self-identity which is closely linked to cultural identity, thus cultural practices + customs important

13-18 years old (4)

• Adolescence → changes in appearance + emotions (hormones) → can trigger risk-taking behaviour

• Racial identity is influenced by external factors (e.g. media, police, teachers)

• Learning from elders + creating early interventions to reclaim cultural + ecological connections

• Connection to culture, family, community, Country + spirit are protective factors which will ensure positive outcomes