J Paediatr Child Health. 2025 Nov 17. doi: 10.1111/jpc.70235. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To evaluate the health and developmental concerns for children in out-of-home care in Central Australia and assess whether they received timely and comprehensive paediatric health assessments.
METHODS: A retrospective audit of paediatric outpatient assessments for all children in out-of-home care in Central Australia, from 1 September 2018 to 1 May 2020. Timeliness of paediatric assessment was compared with the recommended timeframes in the National Clinical Assessment Framework.
RESULTS: A total of 304 children, aged 0-17 years were in out-of-home care during the audit period, with 174 (57%) children seen through paediatric clinics. Ninety-five percent of children were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and all children had health needs identified. Developmental concerns were most common in children over 1-year-old (70%). Sixty-three percent of school-aged children had behavioural concerns and 43% had mental health concerns identified. Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) was diagnosed or suspected in 50%-66% of primary school-aged and younger and 43% of high school-aged children. More than 50% of primary school-aged children had diagnosed or suspected attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Nearly all children were referred for ongoing paediatric care. Less than half of the children had a comprehensive health assessment within the recommended 3 months of entry into out-of-home care.
CONCLUSIONS: Children in out-of-home care in Central Australia experience significant physical, developmental, behavioural and mental health care needs. The findings highlight significant delays in the provision of paediatric health assessments, with most children not seen within recommended timeframes. The findings from this study highlight the importance of timely and consistent access to assessments and should challenge stakeholders to prioritise service, system and policy development.
PMID:41251097 | DOI:10.1111/jpc.70235
