1. AIM AND OBJECTIVE
TSH advocates for a family centred approach to all our services. This policy outlines how a family centred approach is integrated within all of our therapy approaches.
2. GUIDELINES STATEMENT
This policy applies to all TSH therapy staff working within all TSH programs and outlines the underlying philosophy for working with families.
3. RELATED LEGISLATION
National Standards for Disability Services
Disability Discrimination Act 1992
Disability Services Act 1993
Early Childhood Intervention Australia National Guidelines – Best Practice in Early Childhood Intervention 2016
NDIS Practice standards and Quality Indicators; November 2021 (Version 4)
4. FAMILY CENTRED PRACTICE
Within TSH’s Therapy Programs (Chatterbox, Clinic, Talkabout, and Outpost) we use family centred practice as the platform from which we support children and their families to acquire spoken language through listening. Recognising the context of each family unit, along with the aspirations each family has for their child, our family centred practice aims to provide a flexible service that meets the needs of the child and whole family.
4.1 Definition
Family centred practice is an approach that recognises the role the family plays in an individual’s life. It is defined as “service delivery, across disciplines and settings, recognising the centrality of the family in the lives of individuals. It is guided by fully informed choices made by the family and focuses on the strengths and capabilities of these families” (Allen and Petr 1996).
4.2 Research
Our approach to family centred practice is in line with the national guidelines for best practice in early childhood intervention. Research supports the efficacy of family centred practice:
• improves child behaviour and wellbeing, family functioning and family satisfaction with the service (Dempsey & Dunst, 2004; Dempsey & Keen, 2008; Gavidia-Payne et al., 2015; Guralnick, 2011)
• improves developmental outcomes for children, due to the self – efficacy of the family (Dunst and Trivette, 2009)
• builds on the family’s abilities and empowers families
• Is more effective and empowering to families and community stakeholders leading to better long- term outcomes (ECIA – National Guidelines, 2016).
5. IMPLEMENTING A FAMILY CENTRED PRACTICE
TSH’s therapists and educators develop a working partnership with the family, and it is important that family priorities drive the planning and intervention. Our service focusses on education, guidance and the application of techniques and strategies that promote the acquisition of spoken language. As the providers and therapists, we understand that all families are resourceful, and it is our role to help them access the resources or supports they require.
At TSH we ensure the use of a family centred approach through family involvement in service planning, service delivery and service evaluation. We do this to:
• Provide families with the right to self-determination
• Ensure involvement of families in services provided through TSH
• Embed a focus on the strengths, aspirations and goals of each family and child
• Obtain regular feedback about service delivery
5.1 Family Involvement in Service Planning
After a family has been referred to TSH, we will engage with the family to ascertain the goals and aspirations for their child and their family. We document these goals by using an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).
An IFSP is the annual family goal document created in conjunction with the family and relevant people. It is a document outlining the goals the family has for their child in a 12- month period and how TSH will assist the achievement of these goals. The IFSP is designed to be a review document that is constantly updated when family goals are achieved. It is an integral part of the development of therapy goals to ensure the family receive a family centred practice.
The IFSP meeting is an opportunity to discuss the family’s strengths, hopes and dreams for their child and is also an opportunity for the family to provide feedback on the service they receive from TSH.
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is completed by the education staff in the school programs. This process is completed in consultation with the family, therapy team and education staff.
5.1.1 IFPS Procedure
• In Chatterbox and Clinic an IFSP is to be completed one month after the child/family have received their NDIS plan. If the child doesn’t have an NDIS plan the IFSP is to occur at the start of their service delivery.
• In Talkabout and Outpost an IFSP/goal sheet is to be completed at the start of the year and reviewed and updated in the middle of the year. IEPs are also completed by the education team in Talkabout and Outpost. These documents occur during individual family meetings.
• An IFSP is to be completed with the caregivers, the multidisciplinary team from TSH (families must be informed of who will attend from TSH) and any other relevant people in their life that they wish to attend the meeting. This may include other allied health professions, day care, school, grandparents, friends, etc.
• The meeting is to be recorded on the IFSP form or goal sheet form and a copy given to the family.
• An electronic copy of the IFSP is to be saved on Cliniko.
• The family and other relevant people in attendance must sign the IFSP once completed and be given a copy to take home.
• If the family has an NDIS plan the IFSP must align with the NDIS participant goals.
5.2 Family Involvement in Service Delivery
Through involving families in play-based individual and group therapy sessions, TSH’s therapy and education staff will ensure families are given the tools to develop their child’s listening and spoken language skills. Through each of our individual or group services, TSH staff will educate and empower families to take the learnings from the sessions and implement them at home. This means that, at home, caregivers can make everyday activities into a fun learning opportunity.
TSH will also provide families with access to materials that support their own understanding of hearing loss, language development, child development and other activities through caregiver information sessions, materials within the TSH library and other appropriate means.
5.3 Family Involvement in Service Evaluation and Feedback
Throughout service delivery, TSH will constantly seek feedback from families about the services we provide and the progress of their child and family. We will do so through various meetings with the therapist and parents/caregivers, and through discussions with our Family Liaison Officer and program managers.
As part of our quality improvement focus, TSH will actively engage families in a periodic Family Survey, which will formally seek the feedback of families. This survey will contain a range of structured and unstructured questions to obtain family feedback and will normally be completed in the third or fourth term of each year.
6. POLICY UPDATES
This policy may be updated or revised from time to time. TSH will notify all staff each time the Policy has been updated. If you are unsure whether you are reading the most current version, you should contact the CEO or Head of Clinical Services.
| Originated | Version 1 | November 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Updated | Version 2 | August 2021 |
| Updated | Version 3 | October 2024 |