Aboriginal children and their families in south western Sydney will be first to benefit from a $2.7 million trial of an innovative mental health program designed to better support Aboriginal children in the early learning environment.

Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Sarah Mitchell, today announced a tailored version of the successful GOT IT! early intervention program will be trialled at Minto’s Waranwarin Early Learning Centre and Briar St Public School in Campbelltown South.

“We’ve adapted the current GOT IT! Getting on Track in Time program so it’s culturally relevant and specifically nurtures the mental, social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal children aged four to eight years,” Mrs Davies said.

“By helping children at this young age, severe long term behaviour problems can be prevented, reducing instances of early school leaving or anti-social behaviour.”

Research shows Aboriginal children are more than twice as likely to develop clinically significant behavioural problems as non-Aboriginal children.

Ms Mitchell said under the Aboriginal GOT IT! program, Aboriginal mental health professionals will help children connect with their cultural identity, manage their feelings, develop strong social relationships and build resilience.

“The program was designed in close consultation with the Aboriginal community to strengthen cultural practices at home and at school, to give children a greater sense of belonging,” Ms Mitchell said.

Research from the current GOT IT! program, operating in six schools across NSW, shows more than 80 per cent of parents involved indicated their child had been helped significantly by the interventions.

Aboriginal mental health professionals from South Western Sydney Local Health District, Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service and the Department of Education will work together with children, parents, carers and teachers to implement the trial.

Commencing this month, the four-year trial will be evaluated with the results used to shape the possible rollout of the program across NSW. For more information visit Mental health.