Out of Home Care (OOHC) Health Pathway
NSW Health in partnership with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides health checks for children and young people in OOHC.
What to Expect from the OOHC Health Pathway Program?
Children and young people in OOHC may have varied health needs. Upon entering OOHC, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) will refer a child or young person for a Primary Health Screen (also called a 2a).
Usually, an appointment will be made for the child or young person to see an OOHC Registered Nurse, a Youth Health Nurse or a Child and Family Health Nurse, depending on the child’s age. The appointment may be offered at an Aboriginal Medical Service if the child or family identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Who is referred?
Children and young people who are 0 — 18 years old and will be in care for more than 90 days.
Referrals to the OOHC Health Pathway are made by DCJ within 14 days of the Children’s Court order allocating interim parental responsibility to the Minister.
 What is Assessed?
- Growth/weight/height/BMI
- Development — including speech, fine and gross motor skills
- Nutrition
- Immunisation
- Vision
- Hearing
- Dental
- Learning
- Social/Emotional wellbeing and Mental Health
- Carer/placement issues
- Sexual Health/Drug and Alcohol
- Any other health concerns
What Happens Next?
A Health Management Plan will be developed from the appointment which will include any health recommendations or referrals that the child or young person requires to ensure good health and development. The Health Management Plan is sent to the DCJ Caseworker who will provide the child’s Carer with a copy and discuss any recommendations or plans.
Children or young people should be reviewed and have their plan updated regularly depending on their age
0 — 5 years: every 6 months
5 — 18 years: every 12 months
Contact OOHC
Phone: 02 4633 0578
Email: SWSLHD-OOHCHealthReferral@health.nsw.gov.au
|
