Supporting Child Wellbeing

a health assessment tool for the Hamilton Children’s Team

Abstract

The Hamilton Children’s Team received its first referral in 2015, with dedicated lead professionals appointed for each child referred. The role of these lead professionals is to assess need, develop a plan for each child, and coordinate a cross-sector Child Action Network to improve care and wellbeing. Challenges were identified in Hamilton for the assessment, identification and coordination of health need within the Children’s Team, particularly for lead professionals from outside the health sector. Therefore, a health assessment package was developed in partnership with the Hamilton Children’s Team, the Waikato District Health Board and other relevant agencies. The use of a standardised and systematic approach, with training and relationship development, resources and referral pathways, resulted in identification of significant unmet need. A number of referrals to the health sector resulted from this assessment and there are implications that such a process can support ongoing attendance at health appointments, monitoring of outcomes from the Children’s Team process, and improvements to physical, emotional and mental wellbeing for families. This approach was well received by lead professionals and families, and future use is likely to enhance the Children’s Team programme and service delivery, and improve wellbeing outcomes.