A National Framework for improving children’s health, activities, participation and wellbeing has been launched.
The Framework addresses a key challenge facing many Australian families when it comes to children’s functional strengths and support needs. It will concentrate on professional practice for those working with children aged 0-12 years and their families.
“Without a consistent approach to assessment, it can be hard to form a holistic picture of a child’s strengths and support needs throughout their day – whether that’s at home, school, or out in the community. Information may be missed, or duplicated, and children and families often need to repeat assessments unnecessarily,” said Professor David Trembath from Griffith University, who co-led the project with neurodivergent speech pathologist, Amy Fitzpatrick.
The Framework can be used across relevant health, education, disability and community services, and addresses the assessment of all children, irrespective of whether they have a diagnosed condition or may receive a diagnosis in the future. This includes, but is not limited to, children with developmental delay, neurodevelopmental conditions, acquired disability, and other health and medical conditions that result in the need for additional supports.
“By focusing on a child’s functional support needs, rather than a diagnosis, or lack thereof, the Framework offers a positive, workable, evidence-based way forward,” Trembath said.
The Framework outlines the principles and processes for assessing, differentiating, and reporting strengths and support needs, detailing the appropriate approach, essential information and desired outcomes. It also provides guidance on the use of tools, necessary professional competencies and capabilities and recommended safeguarding approaches.
What’s next
Autism CRC, who commissioned the project, is working on a range of implementation initiatives to improve the approach, experience, and outcomes of services and supports provided to children and their families in Australia. These include a Light Touch Tool for developing a common approach to information gathering and a capacity-building professional development pathway.
“Implementation is everything,” according to Dr Rachelle Wicks, who is leading the development of the training and tool. “We are working with the community, professional organisations, and government to bring about this positive change to assessments, for the benefit of children and families.”
The Framework was co-produced with the stakeholder community and representatives from 23 community and professional organisations, associations, and societies across the health, disability and education sectors. This included those with lived experience of disability directly as individuals and/or as parents or family members, Indigenous Allied Health Australia and the Australian Government.
It is available in a web-based format or can be downloaded from Autism CRC’s Best Practice Portal website at autismcrc.com.au/strengths-and-supports. Registration required.