The following best practice models and particular strengths of current practice in individual jurisdictions were discussed. Established service coordination roles enable relationships, referrals and information sharing between health services and child protection case workers (such as in Victoria and NSW) Clear policy frameworks to underpin agreed clinical standards, roles and responsibilities, and issues of priority access to health services (such as through ‘rapid in SA and WA) response’ Engagement, information sharing and training of GPs and primary care practitioners in the needs of children and young people in the child protection system Clear and established pathways from preliminary health assessment to comprehensive and multidisciplinary assessment Competency based training regimes for health professionals (currently in operation in the UK) Coordination and collaboration with the educational and schools platform. 5. Key features of current Australian approaches ACIL Allen Consulting presented on preliminary assessment of jurisdictional consultation feedback and areas for possible discussion. 7. Gaps in current practice Members raised the following key concerns and gaps in current practice drawing from the individual experiences of jurisdictions. Concern over current and future skill set of General Practitioners, paediatricians and practice nurses to work with children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse and neglect Deficiencies in interagency collaboration and communication Need for shared understanding, coordination and accountability at senior government levels. Differing focus and emphasis among health professionals and child protection staff, on the health and developmental needs of children and young people Poor understanding at a policy design level of the on the ground issues associated with collecting health histories and coordinating health assessments for this population group, including amount of administrative and follow up work required to make referrals and ensure treatment (intervention) outcomes A lack of consistency and shared understanding around appropriate roles and responsibilities A risk-averse approach to issues of privacy and information sharing Variable use and take up of current MBS items to enable health assessments and interventions for this population group Absence of a dedicated MBS item for General Practice (major concern) and for specialist assessment (less of a concern)
The following best practice models and particular strengths of current practice in individual jurisdictions were discussed. Established service coordination roles enable relationships, referrals and information sharing between health services and child protection case workers (such as in Victoria and NSW) Clear policy frameworks to underpin agreed clinical standards, roles and responsibilities, and issues of priority access to health services (such as through ‘rapid response’ in SA and WA) Engagement, information sharing and training of GPs and primary care practitioners in the needs of children and young people in the child protection system Clear and established pathways from preliminary health assessment to comprehensive and multidisciplinary assessment Competency based training regimes for health professionals (currently in operation in the UK) Coordination and collaboration with the educational and schools platform. 5. Key features of current Australian approaches ACIL Allen Consulting presented on preliminary assessment of jurisdictional consultation feedback and areas for possible discussion. 7. Gaps in current practice Members raised the following key concerns and gaps in current practice drawing from the individual experiences of jurisdictions. Concern over current and future skill set of General Practitioners, paediatricians and practice nurses to work with children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse and neglect Deficiencies in interagency collaboration and communication Need for shared understanding, coordination and accountability at senior government levels. Differing focus and emphasis among health professionals and child protection staff, on the health and developmental needs of children and young people Poor understanding at a policy design level of the on the ground issues associated with collecting health histories and coordinating health assessments for this population group, including amount of administrative and follow up work required to make referrals and ensure treatment (intervention) outcomes A lack of consistency and shared understanding around appropriate roles and responsibilities A risk-averse approach to issues of privacy and information sharing Variable use and take up of current MBS items to enable health assessments and interventions for this population group Absence of a dedicated MBS item for General Practice (major concern) and for specialist assessment (less of a concern)
health_assessments_-_accessible_v3.docx