- Infants
in out of home care and their carers are being prioritised through a new
referral pathway
- Inklings
Program supports infants showing early differences in their social interaction
and communication development
- Program
assists carers in recognising and responding to an infants unique needs
The needs of
Western Australian infants in care who are showing early signs of differences
in their social interaction and communication development are being prioritised
through a new referral pathway.
Foster and family
carers can now access the new referral pathway for the Inklings Program, which
supports infants aged 6-18 months with delays in development.
The announcement is part of Foster and Family Carers Week, held from 29
July to 4 August, which celebrates, acknowledges, and supports those who
generously give their time to support children and young people in care.
Sessions use short videos to help carers recognise and interpret a baby's
unique communication behaviours and respond in a way that shows understanding
of their needs.
There
are no out-of-pocket expenses for eligible families participating in Inklings
in Western Australia.
There are more than 200 infants in care across the State's metro, remote
and regional areas who may benefit from the Inklings Program.
The Inklings Program is funded
in WA through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), as part of a
partnership between the NDIS, Telethon Kids Institute, Child and Adolescent
Health Service and WA Country Health Service.
Ensuring the ongoing support of
foster and family carers is a priority of the Cook Government, with $17 million
invested in the recent State Budget towards initiatives including free
specialist therapeutic counselling.
Visit inklings.org.au to learn more.
Comments attributed to Child Protection
Minister Sabine Winton:
"This Foster and Family Carers Week, we are committed to increasing the
supports for carers to ensure children and young people in care have access to
the services they need.
"We are proud to announce this referral pathway to the Inklings Program
to help foster and family carers better cater to the needs of those in their
care.
"On behalf of the Cook Government, I want to say a big thank you to
Telethon Kids Institute for the Inklings Program and extending this opportunity
to support foster and family carers looking after WA's most vulnerable."
Comments attributed to Health Minister
Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The Inklings Program is a fantastic support for children showing early
signs of social communication differences and we are pleased to provide this
service to kids in care.
"We know early intervention can make a world of difference in the
trajectory of children experiencing developmental delays.
"Foster and family carers will now have a new referral pathway to access
this program, for kids aged 6-18 months."
