Embedding the expertise of psychologists in Thriving Kids

This joint position statement from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) calls for psychological expertise to be embedded across the Thriving Kids model, from early identification and needs assessment through to Universal Parenting Supports, Targeted Supports, collaboration, referral and escalation.

The APS and AAPi recommend that psychological expertise is built into service design, workforce planning, commissioning, governance and evaluation from the outset. This includes recognising existing psychology and school psychology assessments to reduce duplication, ensuring commissioning models include private practitioners and smaller locally based services, funding collaboration across services, and maintaining clear professional scope within multidisciplinary models.

The statement also identifies Commonwealth reforms needed to support effective pathways alongside and beyond Thriving Kids, including access to timely, affordable and clinically appropriate psychological assessment and intervention, family support and care coordination.

View Position Statement