Next version of the NT’s Children and Young People publication released

The Northern Territory has released a new publication, Story of Our Children and Young People, prepared by the Menzies School of Health Research, providing a comprehensive picture of the wellbeing of children and young people across the NT.

“This publication is a foundation to inform and guide policy, planning, decision-making and practice to improve outcomes for Territorians aged 0-24,” said NT Minister for Children Lauren Moss.

“It provides a comprehensive picture of the wellbeing of children and young people, across a broad range of indicators and builds on the inaugural edition towards improved wellbeing and better futures.”

The publication provides statistical information across all areas of child development including:

• being valued, loved and safe;
• having material basics;
• being healthy;
• learning;
• participating; and,
• having a positive sense of identity and culture.

Story of our Children and Young People is intended to form the foundation to inform and guide policy, ensuring that government programs and resources are targeted where they are needed, and was developed under the guidance of an independent editorial committee comprised of members with expertise and experience in policy development; service delivery and research in early childhood; and, child and adolescent wellbeing.

The Story tells the Northern Territory story for the six regions – Greater Darwin, Top End, East Arnhem, Big Rivers, Barkly and Central Australia, and contains both key measures and local stories for each of the regions.

“The Story not only presents data on key indicators of wellbeing for children and young people, it also highlights some of the work happening throughout our communities to improve outcomes for our children and young people, as well as cultural stories of wellness from a number of cultural traditions,” said Chair of the 2021 Story Editorial Committee Peter Pangquee.

Data in the 2021 Story builds upon the previous edition and now includes an interactive online data platform that allows users to interact with the data; build custom tables and graphs; and, access information by Aboriginal status and sub-region.

For more information please see here.