Mission: healthier kids in care
The Memorandum of Understanding between FACS and NSW Health has been revised and aims to build strong local partnerships to achieve better outcomes for children and young people in statutory care. In particular, the MOU recognises the increased role of non-government organisations that provide statutory out-of-home care with case management responsibility.
“The revised MOU marks a significant milestone in meeting the health needs of children in care,” says Tahn O’Brien, Community Services Executive Director Operations Development. “One of its key initiatives is the Health Screening and Assessment Pathway model, a framework for timely delivery of health screening, assessment, intervention, monitoring and review.”
The Health Pathway has been rolled out across most of NSW and provides early assessments for all children and young people entering statutory care.
Agencies can support the Health Pathway
- Assist Community Services caseworkers to provide as much information as possible in the NSW Health referral form – for better assessment, identification of needs and interventions.
- Inform carers about the Health Pathway and their roles in supporting the assessments and interventions.
- Provide information to children and young people about the health assessment process.
- Participate in the development of health management plans.
For further information, contact Judy Tonkin, A/Manager Community Services Interagency Pathways, on (02) 9716 2993 or via email.
