Charlie continues to display strong indicators of autism however long public health waitlists, the family’s capacity to access private services, language barriers and living in transient accommodation has hindered a formal diagnosis. Charlie commenced child care at the age of 1 and staff immediately recognised developmental concerns and encouraged his family to connect with health services for a review. The family felt that the concerns identified were only a matter of maturity [...]

Lilly has a history of trauma and was placed in the care of her grandmother at the age of 2 by the Department for Child Protection, for almost two years her grandmother has faced barriers in seeking specialist appointments to address Lilly’s developmental delays and behavioural issues.   Lilly’s grandmother expressed significant concerns about her granddaughter’s development and wellbeing with her case worker and family GP shortly after Lilly was placed in [...]

Riley has been under the care of the Department for Child Protection (CPFS) for several years, despite repeated requests from early learning centre staff to address his extreme trauma-related behaviours, no therapeutic services have been provided.   Riley has a history of abuse and neglect, his mother has significant drug and alcohol related issues and his father was incarcerated; at the age of 2 he was placed in the care of his [...]

Coen is 5 years old, he has experienced behavioural and developmental issues since birth that only begun to be formally addressed at the age of four. Coen was born into a vulnerable family environment, during his first year his mother identified that he was born with complications and he had challenges with feeding but as a teenage mother and with little support around her, she had difficulties navigating Western Australia’s health system [...]

It has been well publicised that Western Australia’s health system is experiencing a significant crisis including staff shortages and extensive wait lists to access specialist services. But not as well publicised is the impact these shortfalls are having on children and young people across the state. Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing the stories of families who have experienced the challenges of engaging with, and navigating the WA health system [...]