At the Child Development Clinic, our focus is on the medical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of the children we see. Amongst the children who attend the clinic, many come from separated families. This can at times result in conflict around communication and decision making related to a child’s health and wellbeing. The purpose of this policy is to outline our practice philosophy to our patients to ensure that the best interests of the children we see are always kept in mind.
We always try our best to accommodate all family circumstances. Please help us to provide the best care for your children by providing all information regarding your family situation upfront at your first appointment with us.
- It is our expectation that separated parents work together respectfully and cooperatively, and hold discussions regarding the care of their child outside of our appointment times. Decisions regarding a child’s medical treatment (e.g. whether to commence medication, start therapy etc.) should be made jointly by both parents wherever possible.
- We communicate with the ''nominated contact.'' For each child, our software identifies a ''nominated'' contact which is the parent / carer that makes the initial appointment. Communication from our team, by default, is directed to that parent unless we are informed by that parent of a change in nominated contact. It is the responsibility of this parent to inform the other parent, invite them to attend and provide feedback to them. We do not provide separate feedback sessions for parents at a child's appointment.
- Either parent or legal guardian can schedule an appointment with their child, be present at their appointment or be sent a copy of their reports unless there is a court order restricting their involvement in their child’s care. If this is the case, please ensure you provide these court orders at your first visit to the clinic.
- When one parent makes an appointment, it is the responsibility of this parent to communicate all information about the appointment to other caregivers, including the other parent.
- If the appointment is made by one parent, it is up to that parent to communicate this to the other, and to invite them should they see fit.
- Consent for medication testing and/or prescriptions will only be obtained from the parent in attendance at the appointment, and it is expected that this parent has, or will communicate to the non-attending parent regarding this.
- Letters or reports will be sent directly to the parent who attends the appointment, and it is the responsibility of that parent to share them accordingly.
- Payment is to be made on the day of the child’s appointment. If there is legal agreement that requires the other parent to pay all or part of the treatment costs, it is the consenting parents’ responsibility to collect payment from the other parent.
- Where there is a shared parenting situation which involves significant conflict, we reserve the right to request the custody orders, obtain signed consent from both parents, or limit our services. In rare cases, we may make a decision to discharge a family from the clinic if the conflict becomes disruptive to the clinic or impedes the care of the child.
- We do not take referrals where the purpose of the assessment is to generate information for legal decision making around custody issues of parental separation.
- If a child is referred during the process of parental separation, it is a parents’ obligation to inform us of this and to provide a copy of any legal documents or court orders.
We always try our best to accommodate all family circumstances. Please help us to provide the best care for your children by providing all information regarding your family situation upfront at your first appointment with us.