Family and Early Childhood Services
Family and Early Childhood Services fact sheetDisability Services Queensland's Family and Early Childhood Services supports families with a child aged up to six years who has or is at risk of a significant developmental delay.
With the support and information provided through the service, families are able to strengthen their knowledge, skills and resources, giving them a better opportunity to help promote their child's developmental learning and inclusion in the local community.
Our teams of specialist staff work with families and their children, using a family-centred approach. Our staff:
- acknowledge the importance of parents and carers as the child's most valuable source of support
- are flexible in understanding and meeting a diverse range of family needs and values
- focus on the child within family and community environments.
Our Family and Early Childhood Services teams are located in various Disability Services Queensland service centres across Queensland.
What services and supports are provided by Family and Early Childhood Services?
Services and supports are planned to meet the unique needs of each child and their family.
These may include:
- developmental assessment and strategies to promote the child's learning and skills development in a range of areas including communication, play, gross and fine movements and independence skills
- practical information and support on the child's developmental needs
- support with planning and decision-making for current and future needs
- assistance and strategies for understanding and responding to behavioural issues
- groups and information sessions on areas such as toilet training, communication, play and behaviour
- opportunities to link with other families and support groups
- connections with other services and agencies such as playgroups, childcare, kindergarten, school and respite support
- information and support for community agencies to promote the inclusion of children with a disability.
Services may be provided in the family home, at a Disability Services Queensland service centre or other designated centres such as a childcare centre or family day care.
Who is eligible to receive assistance through the Family and Early Childhood Services?
To be eligible for Family and Early Childhood Services, your child must:
- be less than six years of age
- have a significant developmental delay or be at risk of significant developmental delay in the majority of child development areas
- reside in the geographic catchment area of the team providing the service.
Your child must also meet the criteria outlined in the Disability Services Queensland Eligibility Policy1.
Your child must be one of the following:
- an Australian citizen
- a permanent Australian resident
- a Temporary Protection Visa holder
- a New Zealand citizen who arrived in Australia prior to 26 February 2001
- a member of a family on a work or study visa sponsored by the Australian Government.
Your child must also live in Queensland and have a disability that:
- is attributable to an intellectual, psychiatric, cognitive, neurological, sensory or physical impairment or a combination of impairments
- results in a substantial reduction of your capacity in one or more of the following areas: communication, social interaction, learning, mobility or self care/management
- results in you needing support and
- is permanent or is likely to be permanent (an may or may not be of chronic episodic nature) and
- manifests itself before the age of 65.
Referrals
Your child must be referred to Family and Early Childhood Services by you (the parent), health professionals, government or non-government agencies or other people who are involved in the child's life. Parental permission is required for a referral.
How do I apply for support?
Once your child has been referred, the first step is to determine if the child is eligible to receive this service.
To determine your child's eligibility, we will need to gather information from you and any other people who provide assistance to the child.
We will also need to observe and assess the child's developmental abilities.
Once your child is eligible to receive Family and Early Childhood Services, our specialist teams will work with you to develop a plan for supports and services.
Further information
For further advice or assistance regarding the Family and Early Childhood Services please contact your nearest DSQ Regional Office.
- Freecall:
- 1800 177 120
- TTY:
- 1800 010 222
1 These criteria reflect the definitions provided in section 11 of the Disability Services Act 2006.
Last updated June 2008