Separated Parents Policy

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. Conflict and communication breakdown within families can limit collaboration with health care providers and impact optimal treatment outcomes for the child. The purpose of this policy is to outline our practice’s philosophy to our families to ensure that the best interests of our patients are always prioritised.
 

• It is our expectation that separated parents work together respectfully and cooperatively, regarding the care of their child.  Decisions regarding a child’s medical treatment (e.g. whether to commence medication or start intervention therapy) should be made jointly by both parents wherever possible.
• It is the parents’ obligation to provide us a copy of any relevant legal documents or court order.
• Either parent or legal guardian can
  • schedule an appointment with their child,
  • be present at their appointment
  • and/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.

• If the appointment is made by one parent, it is the responsibility of this parent to inform the other parent, invite them to attend, and provide feedback to them.
• Clinic reports will be sent to the parent who attends the appointment and it is the responsibility of that parent to forward to other parent. We do not have the capacity to provide separate feedback to each parent but welcome both parents to attend appointments and will provide copies of correspondence to each parent, if specifically requested.
• 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 attending parent’s responsibility to settle account and collect reimbursement from the other parent.
• Where there is significant conflict, we reserve the right to request the court orders, obtain signed consent from both parents, or limit our services until dispute has been resolved.  If necessary, we may discharge a family from the clinic if the conflict is 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. 

 
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 at your first appointment with us.