JOY Burch says a new service focusing on the early identification of developmental delays in young children will begin from January 2016.

“The new ACT Child Development Service will be a hub of expertise not previously available under one roof,” Joy said.

“The new service will focus on the early identification of developmental delays by providing assessment and referral for children aged 0?6 years, children 7-8 years who have not had a previous diagnosis, and autism assessment up to age 12 years.

“In addition, it will also provide some services for children who are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, including Developing Kids groups, parent information sessions and therapy clinics.

“These services will be provided across the human services system in Canberra, including at Child and Family Centres in Tuggeranong, West Belconnen and Gungahlin. The child development service will be located in Weston Creek.

“This new service is an important development for the transformation of services in Canberra under the transition to the NDIS.

“It underlines our commitment that no individual will be left without some form of support under this transformation.”

Currently in the ACT, services such as developmental assessments are provided separately by community paediatricians and child health medical officers in the Health Directorate, educational psychologists in the Education and Training Directorate, and allied health professionals in Therapy ACT.

The new service brings these areas together and will create a single point of access for families rather than people having to navigate different systems. Priority will be given to those who cannot access other services, including the NDIS, or who have particular vulnerabilities including cultural, social and financial.

The service will also engage with groups that may not otherwise seek formal services, by providing services where groups meet, such as the Child and Family Centres, schools and in non-government services.