Publisher's Synopsis
Children with complex healthcare needs are a growing group using family-based short-term care services. This is due, in part, to advances in medicine which mean that more children are surviving very premature birth and neonatal complications and those with degenerative conditions are living longer. However, many agencies have experienced difficulties and inconsistent advice regarding their responsibilities when placing these children. This has been compounded by a lack of national guidance. As a result, some children have been denied access to services, putting families under enormous pressure. This report has been written to help agencies develop a multiagency approach to manage invasive and life-saving procedures administered to children using family-based short-term care and foster care services. The report: explains why there has been an increase in the number of children with complex healthcare needs; describes the nature of family-based short-term care services; highlights the main difficulties services have experienced in placing this group of children, focusing on children's rights to receive services; outlines the legal framework; provides practical help to agencies to agree a multiagency policy. The main issues for children, support carers and services are highlighted, and guidance about the provision of any clinical treatment is offered with the aim of clarifying responsibilities for carrying out such procedures. The guidance offered is flexible, to maximise opportunities for children, while identifying clear parameters in relation to when, how and by whom medication is given. Towards a healthy future is essential reading for family-based short-term care services run by local authorities and voluntary agencies, foster care agencies run by local authorities or independently, and health authorities planning services.
