Medical Care
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See also Health Concerns
Carers can expect to be provided with comprehensive health information about the child or young person placed in their care when they are placed with them or as soon as possible after the placement commences.
Entry To Care Assessment
Children and young people being placed in home based care for the first time and who remain in care for more than one month, will undergo a comprehensive health assessment (including medical, dental and mental health) as soon as possible. Every year each child’s health will be reviewed and decisions about the need for further assessment will be made by the care team as part of the care and placement planning process.
Medical Treatment
In an emergency situation, a medical practitioner can treat a child or young person without consent from the appropriate person.
Medication
The Home Based Care Handbook is clear in stating that "Caregivers can administer medication prescribed by a doctor, but must ensure that the medication is given strictly in accordance with the directions. The doctor or pharmacist can answer any questions about how to appropriately use the prescribed medication". (p 19 Home based Care Handbook)
The handbook does not indicate the need for written parental consent, (which sometimes can be hard to get). In these situations the doctor is able to treat a child or young person without consent from the appropriate person.
