Journal of Children and Young People's Health

Background Cannabis is legalised for medical and recreational use in many countries. However, its use during pregnancy may have health implications for the pregnant people and their developing babies. As evidence suggests that consumption rates are increasing, it is necessary to explore and map current evidence on its consequences for the neonatal population.

Methods The JBI scoping review approach was used to identify the evidence on cannabis use during pregnancy, its effects on neonates and the impacts as observed by health professionals. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed to search for evidence in three databases. The search was limited to articles published in English language between 1992–2024.

Findings The search generated 313 articles, with 19 included in the scoping review. The review suggests that cannabis use in pregnancy has negative implications on neonatal birthweight and measurements, admissions to a neonatal intensive care unit, premature birth and neonatal development and behaviour. However, there was no evidence on health professionals’ observations or experiences found.

Discussion This review mapped current evidence on the effects of in utero cannabis exposure on neonatal outcomes, with findings that largely support existing literature. However, the absence of evidence on health professionals’ observations of neonatal outcomes following in utero cannabis exposure highlights a critical gap and explains the need for further research and education in this area.

Conclusions This scoping review of current literature shows associations between in utero cannabis exposure and negative neonatal consequences Further research is needed regarding health professionals’ experiences of working with neonates exposed to cannabis in utero.

This reflective case study examines the implementation and outcomes of a university-led allied health outreach service within the Good Start in Life for Young People (GSIL) project to improve early childhood development. The project provided occupational therapy (OT) and speech language pathology (SLP) support in early childhood educational and community settings from 2021–2023 in Canberra, Australia. This study highlights the variability in service delivery influenced by high early childhood educator turnover and institutional instability within Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) and preschool settings. Reflective observations reveal that while challenges, such as varying early childhood educator understanding and high turnover, posed barriers, OT and SLP services successfully facilitated improvements in language development, participation and social interactions among children. Findings underscore the critical role of collaborative partnerships driven by OTs and SLPs, to tailor interventions in enhancing educational practices and supporting child development in these settings. Allied health professionals aimed to increase early childhood educator skills and knowledge, enhance children’s language, and parents’ knowledge of service providers and supports, and promote inclusive educational practices in the community. Feedback from stakeholders and clinicians’ case notes demonstrate that these outcomes were attained to some extent. Moving forward, sustained efforts in research, advocacy, early childhood educator coaching and stakeholder engagement are essential to maximise the impact of integrated allied health services, which may promote equitable developmental outcomes for all children.

Aim This study describes the implementation and evaluation of a peer-led family support program in two south metropolitan areas in Western Australia.

Methods Participatory Action Research was used to tailor the program to the needs of participants. Two researchers led audio-recorded reflective discussions with peer-support participants and conducted one-on-one interviews with peer support recipients and agency group members. The data was subjected to thematic analysis.

Results A total of 18 reflective discussions were conducted with the 36 peer-support participants during the study period. One-on-one interviews were conducted with mothers who received support and community agency professionals. Over 50 people completed the two-day peer-support training. Twenty-eight families with 72 children engaged in the program totalling 137 visits and 197 hours of peer-support. How social determinants of health impacted family functioning were well understood by participants. Mothers who received support reported feeling more confident, and better connected to their local community.

Conclusion Peer-support volunteers and recipient mothers alike reported improved skills and confidence. Use of a strength-based approach was identified as fundamental to the program. The peer-support model implemented in this research has potential to be adapted to a range of social and cultural community environments.