APS Response to the Consultation about the National Framework for Assessing Children’s Functional Strengths and Support Needs

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) welcomed the opportunity to contribute input to the development of a National Framework for assessing, prioritising and reporting the functional strengths and support needs of children 0-12 years with developmental concerns, delay, disability and/or other health and medical conditions that result in the need for additional supports. 

The APS supported the development and implementation of an appropriate National Framework that provides a pathway for all children and families to have access to high-quality functional assessment and intervention planning when needed irrespective of whether they have a diagnosed developmental condition or not, or whether they may receive a diagnosis in the future.

The APS response included feedback that the National Framework should:

• Require a family-centred, culturally responsive and holistic approach to functional assessment to be able to determine the needs and plan supports that will enable the young person to thrive in their context and experience success in life. 
• Recognise the essential role of multidisciplinary teams comprising psychologists, allied health professionals and other health practitioners for high-quality, safe functional assessment that leads to effective prioritisation and planning of functional supports.
• Be resourced with adequate investment for implementation, which must include investing in psychologists and the multidisciplinary workforce. 

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