Synopsis

Ms Jacquie O’Brien, is the CEO of Tweddle Child and Family Health Services, a statewide early parenting intervention and prevention health service and public hospital.  Jacquie will be speaking on trauma-informed care and developing integrated models of care with early parenting services. Ms O’Brien will describe, using case studies and experience, how working in an integrated way across health services can lead to better outcomes for all. Tweddle is located in Footscray, and has been operating for 100 years, providing in-home, counselling and residential programs to over 4000 babies, toddlers and their families each year. Many of those who receive support from Tweddle have experienced significant life adversity, social isolation, and trauma, including family violence and childhood abuse.

Speakers

Ms Jacquie O’Brien leads a multi-disciplinary team of maternal and child health nurses, early parenting practitioners, psychologists, and infant mental health specialists in their work to support families.  Jacquie has degrees in Health Services Management and Education, and over 30 years’ experience in health, education and management.  She is a thought leader in her field, championing and advocating stronger evidence-based practices and programs in early parenting.  Jacquie provided evidence to the recent Mental Health Inquiry, and in 2020 Tweddle has kept going, with a combination of face-to-face and telehealth programs.