Child health services are largely delivered based on developmental ages and stages, and usually divided into two age groups, 0–4 and 5–14 years. Auckland and Waitemata DHBs have developed a joint Child Health Improvement Plan 2012–2017 to provide a framework for improving the health of children and their families. This is a fluid document which will be updated to incorporate changes that arise from Ministry of Health directives or recommendations from the Auckland DHB child health stakeholder advisory group.
There is a broad range of factors that influence the health of children. We will work across sectors in addressing health priorities such as rheumatic fever, skin sepsis, immunisation, injury prevention, oral health and sudden unexplained death in infancy (SUDI), to maximise health gain. The Vulnerable Children Act 2014 came into effect on 1 July 2014. This act impacts frontline staff in health, education, social development, justice and police and requires that providers of services to children, or services to adults with respect to children, have a child protection policy in place with a framework to identify and manage actual and/or suspected child abuse and neglect.
For more information, including sample policies and policy templates contact Ruth Bijl, Funding and Development Manager – Child, Youth and Women’s Health on 021 914 717 or email Rbijl@adhb.govt.nz