Working with Families Experiencing Violence: The Ploeger Model of Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Nursing Practice

Gay Edgecombe
Community Child Health Nursing, RMIT University, VIC

Heather Ploeger
Outreach Team Leader, Community Child Health, Geelong VIC

PP: 287 - 296

Abstract

This paper describes the Ploeger Model of enhanced maternal and child health (EMCHN) nursing practice that has been operationalised since 1997. These EMCHNs work with families whose infants and children are exposed to violence.

Family violence is complex and many layered. It presents a situation of fear and unpredictability that is difficult to identify and manage. If this situation continues during the child rearing years the effect on the health and wellbeing of infants and children may range from death to life long disabilities. Maternal, siblings and families' health and wellbeing can also be impacted upon for life. The need for enhanced skills for identifying and supporting vulnerable families and safeguarding children at risk has been highlighted by the Department of Health (2004).

The Ploeger Model provides an example of early identification and intervention using both secondary and tertiary prevention strategies to identify and make referrals within a multidisciplinary, collaborative partnership, and a process of mutual clinical supervision. Another feature of the model is 'assertive outreach', which assists with early engagement with the family focusing on social support. Each of these helps achieve positive outcomes for children and their families. Such front line professionals must have the knowledge, skills, time and management support to work effectively with these families.

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Keywords

child health, child development, child assessment, assertive outreach, maternal and child health nursing, domestic violence, clinical supervision, social support, secondary and tertiary prevention


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References

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Children and Young Person's (Further Amendment) Act 1989, Melbourne: Printing and Publishing Services Victoria. Online at: www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au

Department of Health (2004) The Chief Nursing Officer's review of nursing, midwifery and health visiting contribution to vulnerable children and young people, London: Professional Leadership Branch, DH. Online at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/08/68/55/04086855.pdf

Department of Health (1993) Clinical Supervision in the workplace, London: Royal College of Nursing.

Department of Human Services (2005) Maternal and Child Health Program Resource Guide 2005-2006, Melbourne: Department of Human Services.

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