Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families

• 13Yarn call 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter if you are feeling worried or no good 
• Beyond Blue has developed a range of information to support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal people   
• Thirrili call 1800 805 801 (24 hours/7 days) for confidential counselling for individuals, families, and communities affected by suicide or other significant trauma 
• SMS4DeadlyDads sends texts with tips, info and links to your phone just when you and your baby need it

• Enrol your baby in Medicare only if you don’t wish to claim for a families payment. You’ll need to submit proof of birth to enrol your baby in Medicare – Services Australia 

• Registering your baby’s birth and other paperwork after your baby is born. You'll have to register the birth and complete other paperwork, such as enrolling your baby in Medicare – NSW Government 

A letter of confirmation to identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is not needed.  However, proof or confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage may be required when applying for Aboriginal specific programs or services. The Confirmation of Aboriginality process may take several weeks/months to complete. 

Resources

• Confirmation of Aboriginality statutory declaration DH0165 use this form to provide evidence of your Aboriginality if you are not able to get confirmation from a Local Aboriginal Land Council or an Aboriginal community organisation – NSW Government 
• Confirmation of Identity - Verification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people form (RA010) use this form to provide confirmation of your identity if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander who has no other identity documents available – Services Australia 
• Proof of Aboriginality provides information on the working criteria as confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage – AIATSIS

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents including information on feeding, health and daily care, safety and play – Raising Children Network  

• Deadly Tots App contains information for every Aboriginal family to help their bub learn and grow – Australian Government (Head to Health)  

• Healthy smiles for under five provides information and tips for good dental hygiene for children age 0 to 5 – NSW Health (Healthy Mouths Health Living) 

• Parenting Resources in Aboriginal language including the Raising Them Strong booklet for Aboriginal foster and kinship carers – NSW Department of Communities and Justice  

• Social, emotional and cultural wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People – WellMob 

• Vaccinations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged between 2 months and 4 years are free as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) – Australian Government 

• Yarn Safe resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents provides support on managing mental illness during and after pregnancy – Headspace 

• Aboriginal Child and Family Centres provide culturally safe services and support for families with Aboriginal children aged up to 8 years – NSW Department of Communities and Justice 

• Aboriginal early literacy project for families supports the literacy skills of First Nations children – Early words 

• Aboriginal services to support pregnant women, their families and community. They can help you with your and your baby’s health and development – NSW Health

• Get Healthy in Pregnancy with an Aboriginal liaison officer – NSW Government (Healthy Eating Active Living)  

• Strong Women Strong Babies Pregnancy Diary is a culturally appropriate resource for Aboriginal families that promotes healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding with a strong focus on prevention and early intervention – NSW Health 

• Substance use in pregnancy can harm you and your baby. Have a yarn to your doctor or midwife – Your Room