Establishing a nurse-led outreach service for young people on child protection orders living in out of home care
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Presenter: Miss Laura Easterbrook1
1Children’s Health Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Date of Presentation: 27th October 2016
Abstract
Aim
This presentation will discuss the challenges in establishing a dedicated health service for young people aged 15-18 years who have been removed from their birth families due to abuse or neglect. The literature overwhelmingly indicates that health outcomes of this group are significantly poorer compared to their peers who are not in out of home care.
Method
We undertook over 45 information sessions and presentations and met with over 150 staff across the sector. We consulted with key stakeholders and designed a service to reflect identified needs. We designed assessment tools and trained staff in dealing with the broad range of issues faced by these vulnerable young people. We utilised innovative and flexible practices to engage young people.
Results
The service is a nurse led program which provides immunisations, oral health assessments, sexual health screening through an outreach model. The service is on track to offer health assessments for 75 young people during the commissioning phase. Upon discharge from the service young people are linked in with local primary health care services and a healthcare plan.
Conclusions
Engaging this group of young people is challenging and a flexible approach is required. Young people with a trauma background often require innovative and supportive practices to engage in the health system. A focus on health care planning when young people are exiting the care system could improve outcomes for this population.