Submission by Michel Hansen on behalf of Making Connections Together Date: 10 August 2017
As part of the committee’s inquiry into the implementation, performance and governance of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the committee will inquire into and report on the provision of services under the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) Approach by 6 December 2017, with particular reference to:
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The eligibility criteria for determining access to the ECEI pathway; a. The criterion is fine it is the interpretation and implementation that is the issue. b. The way it is implemented is not child/family focussed c. Lack of providers who have the appropriate qualifications d. The Transdisciplinary package is not used as intended thus putting participants at risk
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The service needs of NDIS participants receiving support under the ECEI pathway; a. This is limited due to the fragmented implementation of the scheme. Many children under 6 are not being catered for especially in the Queanbeyan area.
b. Lack of consistent service provision 3. The timeframe in receiving services under the ECEI pathway; a. This is extremely poor and ill promoted. Services such as Making Connections Together are able to offer services however the NDIS is making it impossible for participants to access us
b. Lack of the Transdisciplinary approach by all service providers – not working collaborating in the best interests of the child and family.
- The adequacy of funding for services under the ECEI pathway; a. This is confusing and limited with little or no explanation of the funding
pathways. There is too much of NDIS saying it is other services responsibility and other services stating they can’t do it because the child is NDIS funded.
b. Leaving families in the lurch with no supports. c. Levels of support not understood by many providers 5. The costs associated with ECEI services, including costs in relation to initial
diagnosis and testing for potential ECEI participants;
a. The child and family are often put through diagnostic services to ‘prove’ their eligibility
b. Understanding of the needs of the child are often put second to the service providers goals for the child
c. Under the ECEI there needs to be a dedicated Case Manager to ensure all services are working in the best interest of the child. Currently there is a lot of debate over who’s role it is to coordinate the services
- The evidence of the effectiveness of the ECEI Approach; a. The current approach is not working in the best interest of children and is very confusing for families and service providers
b. A more direct child focussed approach is needed
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The robustness of the data required to identify and deliver services to participants under the ECEI;
a. This needs to be improved as currently not much information is being
transferred appropriately to the NDIS from mainstream services or previously used government funded agencies
- The adequacy of information for potential ECEI participants and other stakeholders; a. Very limited and state/territory orientated rather than child focussed. NDIS guidelines are often put before the needs of the children
b. Information not passed on to the NDIS from the previous funded services c. Gap between the end of a government funded support and getting a plan to replace it. This is putting children at risk
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The accessibility of the ECEI Approach, including in rural and remote areas; a. The best answer here is very limited and is putting children at risk
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The principle of choice of ECEI providers; a. Limited and usually the family is pressured by the NDIS to use only one service which takes away choice and control
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The application of current research and innovation in the identification of conditions covered by the ECEI Approach, and in the delivery of ECEI services;
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Any other related matters. a. I know of one baby who was approved for the NDIS is December 2016, funding from government service ended in July 2017 and still waiting for a plan. This child is at risk of serious deterioration and possibly death if services are not implemented quickly. Have been advised that it could be January 2018 before a planning meeting (NSW Client)
b. NDIS creating one stop shops which limit access to individualise service provision for clients (EACH is an example). Families are being told they can only use EACH or risk losing their funding
c. Children with serious and lifelong disabilities are being informed that ECEI is early intervention which in turn will mean that they will not need support later in life.
I have written this quickly but also mindful of wanting to have a say. Making Connections Together believes that the NDIS is a good scheme and should be utilised however the Staff at the NDIS and any LAC are making this extremely difficult for families.
Due to work commitments this is not an extensive submission but gives a general outline of concerns. We are also happy to discuss further.
Yours sincerely