1. Focuses On Indigenous
Adolescents &
Surrounding Community
Kimberley region chosen due to high
percentage of Indigenous population
and increased prevalence of FASD in
area. Indigenous students comprise
around 60% of total school population
in the region with many public schools
situated within Aboriginal communities.
5. Reduces Prevalence Of
Unplanned Pregnancy
Program includes education surrounding
safe sexual behaviour due to the increased
likelihood of unplanned pregnancy within
the Aboriginal community; particularly when
risky drinking behaviours are involved.
Primary Intervention Strategies
Program aim: reduce prevalence of FASD and risky alcohol use amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander (ATSI) people within the Kimberley region
3. Targets FASD
Risk Factors
For effective FASD prevention, risky
alcohol behaviours need to be
addressed before pregnancy occurs.
Year 10 age group selected so that
education and skill reinforcement can
be provided before risk-behaviour
patterns become fully established.
Program targets two biggest FASD
risk factors: history of risky drinking
behaviour prior to pregnancy and
unplanned or late recognition of
pregnancy.
4. Combines Education With Practical
Focus On Protective Factors
Collaborative, student-centred approach used. Program
utilises interactive teaching techniques incorporating
education, student generated role plays, supportive peer
bonding activities, rehearsal of help-seeking and refusal
skills and practical modelling of appropriate behaviours.
This helps develop critical thinking, problem solving and
decision-making skills, enhance assertiveness and equip
students to effectively navigate challenging circumstances
and respond to real world situations.
2. Increases Awareness
& Resilience
Program employs holistic, life skills
approach to; raise awareness of FASD and
consequences of risky alcohol behaviours,
promote development of tools to support
effective communication, enhance refusal
skills, establish coping strategies and
build resilience. Engages both male and
female adolescents to help encourage a
change in the current drinking culture.
6. Positively Influences
Attitudes & Perceived
Behavioural Control
Program addresses primary psychosocial
factors, beliefs, pressures and
relationships that may influence a
student’s decision to partake in or avoid
risky behaviour.
7. Replicable
Program Design
Through education, collaborative
discussion and use of interactive
activities, this program helps positively
impact attitudes and perceived
behavioural control. This strengthens the
student’s intentions to either abstain
from alcohol during pregnancy or support
their peers and partners to do the same.
Program design is underpinned by the
Australian Government Principles for
School Drug Education framework to
ensure a clear, effective, evidence based
approach to pedagogy and individual unit
structure within the program. Facilitator
education, teaching manuals, student
resources and clear unit curriculums
ensure the program is easy to deliver.
7. Evidence-Based
Framework