If you are caring for a child in out of home care
Children who are in the Out of Home Care Health Pathway program will get a health assessment and have a health management plan created for them.
It's important to see your local doctor or child and family health centre if the child you care for is sick, injured, or if you have any concerns about their wellbeing.
You can also call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24-hour non-urgent health advice from registered nurses.
The Out of Home Care Health Pathway program is for children who enter out of home care where:
- there's an interim order granting ministerial parental responsibility
- they're expected to stay in care longer than 90 days.
Children who enter the program will get a primary health assessment within 30 days of entering care. This can be done by either a:
- doctor
- child and family health nurse
- Aboriginal Medical Services.
This assessment will be used to create a health management plan that:
- identifies the child's current health
- recommends any actions to be taken
- outlines a suitable review process.
Carers will be contacted by a health staff member from their local area to organise a primary health assessment after the child enters their care.
Find out more about health resources for children in out of home care at NSW Health.