Babies in care prioritised through new Inklings referral pathway

The needs of Western Australian infants in care who are showing early signs of differences in their social interaction and communication development are being prioritised through a new referral pathway.

• Infants in out of home care and their carers are being prioritised through a new referral pathway
• Inklings supports infants showing early differences in their social interaction and communication development
• Program assists carers in recognising and responding to an infants unique needs

The needs of Western Australian infants in care who are showing early signs of differences in their social interaction and communication development are being prioritised through a new referral pathway.

Foster and family carers can now access the new referral pathway for the Inklings Program, which supports infants aged 6-18 months with delays in development.

The announcement is part of Foster and Family Carers Week, held from 29 July to 4 August, which celebrates, acknowledges, and supports those who generously give their time to support children and young people in care.

Sessions use short videos to help carers recognise and interpret a baby's unique communication behaviours and respond in a way that shows understanding of their needs.

There are no out-of-pocket expenses for eligible families participating in Inklings in Western Australia.

There are more than 200 infants in care across the State's metro, remote and regional areas who may benefit from the Inklings Program. 

The Inklings Program is funded in WA through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), as part of a partnership between the NDIS, Telethon Kids Institute, Child and Adolescent Health Service and WA Country Health Service.

Ensuring the ongoing support of foster and family carers is a priority of the Cook Government, with $17 million invested in the recent State Budget towards initiatives including free specialist therapeutic counselling.

Comments attributed to Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton:

"This Foster and Family Carers Week, we are committed to increasing the supports for carers to ensure children and young people in care have access to the services they need.

"We are proud to announce this referral pathway to the Inklings Program to help foster and family carers better cater to the needs of those in their care.

"On behalf of the Cook Government, I want to say a big thank you to Telethon Kids Institute for the Inklings Program and extending this opportunity to support foster and family carers looking after WA's most vulnerable."

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"The Inklings Program is a fantastic support for children showing early signs of social communication differences and we are pleased to provide this service to kids in care.

"We know early intervention can make a world of difference in the trajectory of children experiencing developmental delays.

"Foster and family carers will now have a new referral pathway to access this program, for kids aged 6-18 months."

Announcement made via Department of Communities, click here.