Every child and woman deserves a healthy and safe start

Photo: Representatives from University of QLD and Micah Projects came together to celebrate the launch of the evaluation of the Micah Projects Healthy & Safe Start program. 

Dr Karen Healy, from the University of Queensland, has presented the findings of our Every Child and Every Woman Healthy and Safe Start program evaluation report.  

Our Healthy and Safe Start (HSS) program is an integrated response and support service for vulnerable, high-risk pregnant women and their families, who are experiencing domestic and family violence, homelessness, difficulties navigating the health system and are presenting to homelessness and domestic violence services. 

What makes the program unique is its multidisciplinary approach. It gives women and families access to practical supports that respond to multiple needs without having to visit multiple services.    

The program provides support with housing, family and domestic violence, perinatal and antenatal care, psychology, counselling and parenting support. 

What started as a pilot program in 2023, supported by The Ramsay Foundation, is now a successful initiative demonstrating ongoing positive outcomes.   

The purpose of the evaluation report was for Micah Projects to find out who accesses the HSS program, examine its various services, understand the outcomes for women and their families and explore areas where the program might be improved.  Analysis of the HSS program included data and interviews with the program’s five staff and initial 106 participants. 

This year, the HSS program has supported 171 woman and their families with the goal of securing their health, wellbeing and safety. 

What we heard was:  

The HSS program’s specialist services and wrap-around supports result in positive outcomes for high-risk pregnant women, birthing people and their families. 

• Having a team with multiple specialist areas provides holistic support and helps women and families feel informed and supported during decision-making activities.  It also reduces the burden of having to attend multiple services during acutely stressful times, ultimately improving health and wellbeing outcomes.  
• Most women accessing the program are single, pregnant and under 35 years of age, with experiences of domestic and family violence and more than half these women engage in the program because of housing instability or homelessness, often living in motels or couch-surfing with family and friends.   
• The main challenge for women is the limited availability of secure, affordable and appropriate housing. Extended specialised services, particularly mental health and substance misuse support, will further strengthen the support offered to women.    
• Overwhelmingly, the evaluation identified the need for the continuation, expansion and even greater diversification of the multidisciplinary team to enhance the program and improve the health, safety and housing stability of vulnerable women and children.  
• The extension of brokerage funds for the HSS program was identified as essential for the ongoing support of vulnerable women and families.  

The HSS program has five team members who provide support in multiple service areas, and are trained in varying disciplines, including psychology, social work, nursing, management and midwifery.  

Micah Projects Women Children and Families Cluster Lead Jo Villa said she was proud of the team and what they continue to achieve for women and children needing support during really challenging times in their lives.   

At Micah Projects, we meet the needs and fill the gaps with compassion, dignity and hope.   

Read the full report: ‘Every Child, Every Woman: Healthy and Safe Start’ Program Evaluation Final Report