Award Category: Best Early Intervention Program
Our Best Early Intervention Program Award recognises innovative early intervention models which demonstrate positive outcomes resulting in a reduction in the need for ongoing support.
Finalist Details
"The Congratulations Initiative from Down Syndrome NSW educates medical professionals on delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis positively, focusing on saying ""congratulations"" rather than ""sorry."" They provide up-to-date information through Medical Professionals Packs and link families to Down Syndrome NSW for continued support."
Services include expert advice, prenatal and postnatal assistance, hospital visits and parent support networks to ensure families are well-prepared and have up to date, fair and equitable?information and support. Immediate, accessible support is available through their dedicated mobile line, available for calls, texts and FaceTime. Families can engage in fortnightly Online CatchUP! sessions and attend New Babies Days to connect and learn from professionals.
In the first half of 2024, the initiative supported over 30 families, delivered one online workshop to 30 health professionals, distributed seven prenatal and six new baby packs and conducted hospital visits. One success story involved supporting a family who relocated to NSW during their prenatal stage, providing tailored resources and easing their transition into a new healthcare system. The ongoing commitment from the initiative ensures that all families, regardless of their circumstances, receive compassionate, expert care from prenatal stages through early years.
