Submission: Inquiry and review of current health assessment programs for children and young people

In ACTCOSS’s submission to the inquiry and review of current health assessment programs in the ACT for children and young people, we highlight the need for the ACT Government to commit to a real increase in spending on health services. There is also a need to implement key worker strategies to attract and retain health workers in the ACT. More specifically, this submission makes nine recommendations aimed at improving health outcomes for children, young people and their families/carers. Recommendations focus on the key areas of:

• Early diagnosis and early intervention for children with disability
• Health screening and access for young people involved with the youth justice and out of home care systems
• Taking seriously the role of families/carers in health and providing adequate supports.