PEAK BODY IN CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES URGES PRIORITISING HEALTHCARE FOR KIDS IN CARE Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare calls on Government and Industry to improve health access

With
Deb Tsorbaris, CEO
Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare &
Chair, Families Australia

Australian Health Journal segment
Filmed in Melbourne | April 2025

The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre) is calling on the Australian Government to prioritise healthcare access for children in out-of-home care.

“We have many amazing young people in care with huge potential, but they’re not set up for success,” said Deb Tsorbaris, CEO  “Young people and workers tell us that access to health and education assessments is a huge disadvantage.”

“Children and young people in out-of-home care face significantly higher physical, mental, and developmental health challenges than their peers, yet, many struggle to access the healthcare they require, leading to long-term chronic conditions, particularly in rural and regional areas where primary healthcare services are limited.”

The Centre has joined Families Australia and the National Foster Care Sustainability Group in calling for a prioritising medical, therapeutic, and developmental support for children and young people until the age of 21.

A 2022 study of over 6,000 children in foster or kinship care found that only 41 children had attended all their recommended health check-ups (https://ccch.org.au/resource-hub/reports/the-impact-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-on-children-in-australian-early-childhood-education-and-care/). The Victorian Government has invested $37.8 million in targeted health programs for children in care, but more needs to be done nationally.

“Programs like Victoria’s Pathway to Good Health and Tasmania’s Kids Care Clinics have made significant strides, but children in care deserve a consistent, nationwide approach,” said Tsorbaris.

Between one-third and one-half of children in care have a disability, yet many enter the system undiagnosed. Foster carers struggle to access financial, emotional, and practical support for children with additional needs. Meanwhile, public system waitlists for paediatric, dental, and specialist services leave many children without critical care.

“Children in care are more likely to experience undiagnosed disabilities and mental health challenges,” said Tsorbaris. “Without early diagnosis and intervention, they face compounding barriers to health, education, and independence.

Children with complex medical and developmental needs, require increased investment in trauma-informed paediatric healthcare to support them in their care experience, and better record-keeping and health navigation services to ensure continuity of care, even when they move placements.

“We know the gaps between children in care and their peers in education and health are well-documented,” said Tsorbaris. “It’s time for federal and state governments to step up with a national approach that guarantees children in care the health support they need to thrive.”

For more information visit https://www.cfecfw.org.au

Source: Adapted from media release