Caring for substance-exposed infants is both rewarding and complex. This essential course equips foster and kinship carers with the knowledge, compassion, and confidence to support babies affected by prenatal substance exposure. You’ll gain practical, trauma-informed, evidence-based strategies that make a real difference in a child’s healing journey.
By the end of this course, carers will be able to:
- Describe how prenatal exposure to substances such as alcohol, opioids, methamphetamines, cannabis, and poly-substances affects infant growth, behaviour, and development—both at birth and later in life
- Recognise the physical, neurological, and behavioural impacts of different substances
- Apply trauma-informed strategies to support babies experiencing withdrawal
- Identify ways to respond to developmental delays and behavioural challenges
- Work collaboratively with birth families, health professionals, and support services
- Provide calm, consistent care that promotes infant safety, stability, and healing
