Child LightSaver Series – Episode III

Bringing light back into a child’s life after abuse or neglect

GCPHN’s Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) Child LightSaver Series is an educational set of articles aimed at assisting general practice to navigate the OOHC Health Assessment Pathway, which is focused on providing children and young people their required health assessments. Episode III provides guidance on utilising the templates that have been specifically designed to assist GPs conduct health assessments for children/young people in OOHC.

Preliminary Health Check

The Preliminary Health Check aims to establish the ongoing relationship between the child, carer and GP. Children in OOHC exhibit a higher prevalence of chronic and complex conditions (physical, neurological, developmental, psychological and behavioural difficulties). Typically, from the time of placement in OOHC, a GP will be the first medical professional that the child engages with. This is why the Preliminary Health Check (conducted within 30 days of entering OOHC) is so important for early intervention. It allows for the commencement of a Health Management Plan (HMP) that addresses any immediate health, dietary, emotional, sensory and/or behavioural concerns (via measures or referrals).

Figure 1. Snapshot of the first page of the Preliminary Health Check.

Comprehensive Health and Developmental Assessment

The age-specific Comprehensive Health and Developmental Assessment should ideally be completed on all children within 3 months of their entry to OOHC. The Comprehensive Health and Developmental Assessment should go beyond basic screening to provide in-depth examination and assessment across each domain. Any identified concerns requiring additional assessment and treatment should be referred to the appropriate health professionals and documented in the HMP section of the form and included in the child’s My Health Record.

Figure 2. Snapshot of the first page of the Comprehensive Health and Developmental Assessment (0-11 years).

The GCPHN webpage dedicated to Children and Young People in Out-of-Home Care has been redesigned and updated for ease of use and to provide the most relevant resources and information to assist GPs and health care workers navigate the OOHC Health Assessment Pathway.

Preliminary Health Check and Comprehensive Health and Developmental Assessment templates can be accessed here.

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