14 October 2021
Early assessment and support for mental illness is particularly important for children and young people to prevent negative long-term impacts. Many infants and children visit their GP frequently and these consultations present the ideal opportunity for early intervention.
However, most doctors are pressed for time and some may lack confidence in identifying and addressing mental health concerns, especially in infants and toddlers. Supporting children’s mental health doesn’t need to be difficult or time-consuming. Many of the skills GPs use every day can be applied to support children’s mental health.
Australia’s Emerging Minds provides an evidence-informed guide created specifically for GPs. This article includes links to brief videoclips, podcasts and e-learning courses on conducting child mental health assessments.
Early intervention and referral by GPs can prevent progression of a mental health condition, contributing importantly to children’s future wellbeing.
Southwest Sydney Paediatric Clinics
21 September 2021
One in in five children in South Western Sydney are at risk of poor language outcomes. A child’s vocabulary and language skills at age three predict their later academic, mental health, socio-emotional wellbeing and employment outcomes.
Children’s language skills consist of their ability to understand and use language effectively across different environments. In addition to the Blue Book, you can use this communication screening checklist to assist in identifying when a child may be experiencing delays in their communication skills.
Communication screening checklist
Early intervention is key to enhancing children’s outcomes in later life. If there are communication concerns for a child, at any age, refer to speech pathology services.
SP Services Directory
The longer we wait to refer children, the more limited their access to time-critical supports becomes. Children who receive the right treatment, at the right time, in the right way will have better outcomes.
This article was written by members of the ‘Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees’ project which includes professionals from a number of government and non-government organisations in South Western Sydney. The group aims to support GPs working with families to navigate and access timely services when they have a concern about a child’s development.
12 August 2021
When parents and carers have concerns about their child’s development, their GP may connect them to a range of mainstream services and refer them to an Early Childhood Partner.
The Early Childhood Approach supports children 0 to 6 with developmental delay or disability. Qualified professionals build the skills and knowledge of families and other people in the child’s life to support them to learn new skills, participate in everyday activities and be included in mainstream environments.
When children need longer term supports, the partner will support families to access the NDIS.
Children with developmental delays or concerns do not need a diagnosis to be referred to the Early Childhood Approach.
EACH is the Early Childhood Partner in South West Sydney.
Find your local Early Childhood Partner
Information for GPs
The Early Childhood Approach Guidelines
Best Practice in Early Intervention Parent Handout
EACH Phone referrals: 1300 003 224
EACH Referral Form
Send referral form to: PITC.EACH.ENQUIRIES@ndis.gov.au
This article was written by members of the ‘Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees’ project which includes professionals from a number of government and non-government organisations in South Western Sydney. The group aims to support GPs working with families to navigate and access timely services when they have a concern about a child’s development.
