Position Statements
Asylum Seeker Children and Young People’s Health
Children and young people seeking asylum in Australia often arrive alone or with family, having experienced trauma and violence in their country of origin and during migration. Mandatory immigration detention, including offshore facilities with no time limits, severely impacts their physical and mental health. Detention is linked to PTSD, depression, developmental delays, and behavioural issues. Frequent relocations and lack of education and play further harm development. Unaccompanied minors face heightened risks and are entitled to special protection under international law. However, appropriate healthcare services are often unavailable in detention, particularly offshore, where access to specialised care is limited or absent.
First Nation Children and Young Peoples’ Health
Indigenous inequality is a global health problem. Compared with non-Indigenous Australian people, First Nations People experience disproportionate and poorer health outcomes, with a greater burden of disease, unacceptably high mortality rates, and a shorter life expectancy1-3. First Nations children and young peoples have higher rates of injury and hospitalisation, than their non-Indigenous peers, and are over-represented in child protection and youth justice systems2,4,5. Historical, political, and socioeconomic disadvantages are major contributors to the increased negative health and social outcomes in adulthood6. Chronic disease, substance use, as well as inadequate diet, education, employment, income, housing and access to health and social supports contribute to this present situation2,6,7. To address the unacceptable health disparities between First Nations People and non-Indigenous children and young peoples, the Australian College of Children & Young People’s Nurses (ACCYPN) have developed a position statement to guide the education and practice of nurses working with First Nations children, young peoples, families, and communities.
Industry sponsorship and advertising
The ACCPYN relies on industry to support its activities, most notably the production of the Journal of Children and Young People’s Health (JCYPH) and the international nursing conference. The ACCYPN believes that the sponsorship should provide benefit for the organisation, members and the company sponsoring. The ACCYPN believes that it should not be associated with corporations whose activities are not consistent with the best interests of children, young people and their families and the Mission and Objects of the ACCYPN.
Minimum standard for nurses caring for children & young people
The primary goal for nurses working with infants, children, young people, and their families is to assist them to achieve optimal health, including mental and physical health, and psychological and social well-being. A key element of optimal health for children and young people includes cybersafety. Nurses advocate for children, young people and their families by upholding the rights of the child in primary and clinical care and research, and recognising the lifelong impact of physical, environmental and emotional adversity on children and young people, and their vulnerability within the healthcare system. This will ultimately be achieved by meaningful and respectful engagement with all relevant partners in the planning and delivery of care that is inclusive of the infant, children, young people and their family’s knowledge, ways of knowing and experiences. This nursing standard helps ensure that children and young people receive the highest quality of care, tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
Nurse Education
Nurses play a significant role in the delivery of health care to children, young people and their families in a variety of clinical settings. Nurse education and ongoing professional learning impacts on the quality of health care provided for these client/patient groups. There is an ongoing need for nurses to be appropriately prepared for generalist and specialty practice. They should be able to demonstrate competence, as well as clinical expertise and leadership, in the care of children and young people.
Planetary Health and Its Impact on Children, and Young People
The ACCYPN recognises planetary health as a critical determinant of child health outcomes and aligns with the International College of Nursing's position that climate change presents a significant threat to global health, with nurses having a responsibility to both mitigate climate change and support adaptation through development of relevant clinical and advocacy skills (International Council of Nurses, 2024).
Promoting, Protecting and Supporting Optimal Nutrition in the Early Years
Optimal nutrition is crucial for all individuals, including women pre-conception. This statement focuses on nutrition from birth to early childhood.
Refugee Children and Young People’s Health
Refugee children, who make up about half of Australia’s Humanitarian Program intake, often come from protracted refugee situations marked by extended exile and exposure to trauma. These experiences, including interrupted education and limited healthcare access, affect their development and well-being. Many suffer from physical health issues such as malnutrition, infections, and poor dental health, alongside psychological problems like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Barriers including language, transport, and unfamiliarity with healthcare systems hinder access to appropriate services. Comprehensive health assessments are essential, yet up to 80% of refugee children in Australia do not receive specialised care to address their complex needs.