National Framework addresses key challenges facing many Australian families
A new National Framework for assessing children’s functional strengths and support needs (the Framework) is set to address a key challenge facing many children and families across Australia with the aim of improving children’s health, activities, participation, and wellbeing.
The Framework was developed to address the current gap in knowledge and lack of consensus about how best to assess, differentiate, and report children’s strengths and support needs. It focuses 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 has 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,” said Professor Trembath.
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.
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.
What’s next
Autism CRC, who commissioned the project, is now 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 the development of the Light Touch Tool for developing a common approach to information gathering, and a capacity-building professional development pathway.
“Implementation is everything,” said 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.”
Autism CRC commissioned this project with support from an Australian Government Department of Social Services Information, Linkages, and Capacity-Building grant.
The Framework 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.