Children and Young People in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC)

Children and young people typically enter OOHC because they have experienced abuse or neglect and require a more protective and stable environment. They are more likely to have unrecognised and/or unmet complex health needs (poorer physical, mental, and developmental health), be socially and economically disadvantaged, and have very limited access to health resources.

If you are not a health care worker, please click here to visit our community member page for children and young people in OOHC

The Out-of-Home Care Health Assessment Pathway

In response to the National Clinical Assessment Framework for Children and Young People in Out-of-Home Care (Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2011), the Gold Coast Primary Health Network (GCPHN) has developed an Out-of-Home Care Health Assessment Pathway (OOHC Health Assessment Pathway). The OOHC Health Assessment Pathway outlines each stakeholders’ role and responsibilities and is aimed at improving responses to the health needs and health outcomes of children and young people in OOHC.

The core elements of the OOHC Health Assessment Pathway include:

1. A Preliminary Health Check conducted within 30 days of a child/young person entering OOHC; and
2. A Comprehensive Health and Developmental Assessment conducted:
   • within 90 days of a child/young person entering OOHC; and
   • every 6 months thereafter (if the child is under 5yrs old); or
   • every 12 months thereafter (if the child/young person is 5yrs or older).
3. A Health Management Plan within 90 days of the child/young person entering OOHC, with a focus on early intervention, care coordination and continuity of care.

Please access and download the Out-of-Home Care Health Assessment Handbook which outlines the roles of GPs and general practice in achieving the OOHC Health Assessment Pathway objectives, in addition to information regarding the roles of other relevant stakeholders. GP’s and general practice staff can receive a free copy of this handbook by completing this order form. 

Developed for GPs, the Children and Young People in Out-of-Home Care webpage on Gold Coast Community HealthPathways, provides clinical guidance and resources for the health assessment and management of infants, children and adolescents on the OOHC Health Assessment Pathway.

Please take the time to watch a short educational video below on navigating the webpage.

Resources developed to assist GPs and health care workers:

General Practice

The Children in Out of Home Care Fact Sheet provides information about Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items available for the primary health care needs of children and young people in out-of-home-care.

The Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) provides a standardised, evidence-based approach to assist GPs in determining the most appropriate referral option to provide the best support for patients requiring mental health care.

Head to Health Assessment and Referral Phone Service provides initial clinical assessment (where required) and service navigation to connect people to the most appropriate mental health services. GPs can utilise this service for advice on which services are most suited, most cost efficient and have the shortest waiting periods.

Early Childhood Approach is an NDIS program for children younger than 7yrs with a disability or a developmental delay, and their families.

This medical decision making guide assists health professionals to determine who has the authority to provide consent for the health and medical treatment of children and young people subject to child protection orders and in OOHC. Please liaise with the child or young person’s Child Safety Officer to seek further clarification if required.

If you require any additional support, please contact:
Gold Coast Health Liaison Officer
GoldCoastHLO@cyjma.qld.gov.au
0436 653 764

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO)

Kalwun provides culturally safe integrated services including medical, social and emotional wellbeing, allied health, dental, specialists, community health and family programs.

The Children in Out of Home Care Fact Sheet webpage provides information about Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items available for the primary health care needs of children and young people in out-of-home-care.

The Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) provides a standardised, evidence-based approach to assist GPs in determining the most appropriate referral option to provide the best support for patients requiring mental health care.

Head to Health Assessment and Referral Phone Service provides initial clinical assessment (where required) and service navigation to connect people to the most appropriate mental health services. GPs can utilise this service for advice on which services are most suited, most cost efficient and have the shortest waiting periods.

Deadly Ears Program | Children’s Health Queensland reducing the rates and impacts of middle ear disease and conductive hearing loss for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across Queensland.

Early Childhood Approach is an NDIS program for children younger than 7yrs with a disability or a developmental delay, and their families.

This medical decision making guide assists health professionals to determine who has the authority to provide consent for the health and medical treatment of children and young people subject to child protection orders and in OOHC. Please liaise with the child or young person’s Child Safety Officer to seek further clarification if required.

If you require any additional support, please contact:
Gold Coast Health Liaison Officer
GoldCoastHLO@cyjma.qld.gov.au
0436 653 764