The National SIDS Council of Australia Ltd (formerly known as SIDSaustralia) was formed in 1988 and forms an umbrella association for several independent SIDS organisations throughout Australia. Their main aims and objectives are to:
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Raise funds for research into the causes of SIDS. Most of this funding comes from "Red Nose Day'. |
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Provide support for families who experience the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child. |
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Provide education services to parents, the community and health professionals on ways to reduce the incidence of SIDS. These include "Reducing the Risk of SIDS' and "Safe sleeping' programs introduced since 1991, which have lead to a reduction of SIDS deaths by up to 70%. |
In June 1999, the SIDS and Kids organisation was launched. This is an expansion of their family services support program to extend support to families of all children up to the age of 6 years who die suddenly and unexpectedly, whether through illness or accidents, premature birth (after 20 weeks), stillbirth or SIDS. Some state SIDS organisations have merged with SANDS groups (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support).
You can read more about the different SIDS organisations by visiting their national website:
http://www.sidsandkids.org
SIDS also operates on an International level known as SIDS International (or SIDSI). The National SIDS Council of Australia participates globally to work with other countries to share ideas and initiatives and provide support for each other. Their web address is:
http://www.sidsinternational.minerva.com.au
Information sources