Delivered by Community Options and funded by the ACT Health and Community Services Directorate, the WNCSP provides short-term postnatal support to families, helping ensure a safe and supported transition from hospital to home.

The roundtable brought together services from across the ACT to discuss the experiences of women, newborns and vulnerable families, while identifying opportunities to strengthen support pathways and collaboration across the sector.

One of the key themes raised throughout the discussion was the importance of early intervention. Stakeholders highlighted that providing support before families reach crisis point can have a significant and lasting impact on outcomes for both parents and children.

Community Options WNCSP case managers also reflected on the importance of coordinated communication between services, noting that many families are navigating multiple support systems at once. Strong collaboration and clear communication between providers can help reduce confusion and ensure families are aware of the services available to them during the early postnatal period.

The discussion also identified several ongoing challenges facing families across the ACT, including the need for more longer-term support options, culturally appropriate services, and targeted assistance for families experiencing complex issues such as social isolation, financial stress and housing instability.

The roundtable reinforced the value of compassionate, flexible and responsive support for women and families during pregnancy and early parenthood. It also highlighted the critical role of partnerships across health, community and social services in ensuring families can access the right support at the right time.

Community Options would like to thank all stakeholders and referral partners who participated in the discussion and contributed their insights and experiences. Feedback gathered through the session will inform the final evaluation report and help guide future development of the Women and Newborn Community Support Program to better meet the needs of ACT families.