Target of 91 Children’s Disability Network Teams will be in place by end of the year – Burke

All Children’s Disability Network Teams which provide services to children with complex needs will be in place across the country by the end of the year, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Colm Burke said the implementation of the Progressing Disability Services for Children & Young People (PDS) will provide a single point of entry and fairer access to services for all children and young adults with a disability.

Deputy Burke, Fine Gael’s Dail spokesperson for health, said: “Progressing Disability Services for Children & Young People (PDS) is the new model for providing services for children with disability or developmental delay, based on their needs as opposed to the diagnosis they receive.

“It is hoped the programme will address unequal instances where children in some parts of the country receive an excellent service, while there are no or little services for children living elsewhere.

“The PDS also ensures the right professionals are working in partnership with families and education staff to support children with a disability from birth to the age of 18 to reach their full potential.

“Services will be provided by 91 Children’s Disability Networks (CDN) which are aligning to 96 Community Healthcare Networks (CHNs) across the country.

“The HSE has confirmed to me that all Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) will be in place and providing services before the end of 2021.

“These teams consist of health and social care professionals, including nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and others who work closely with families to provide care to children,” the Cork North Central TD said.

“When all the teams are in place, every child with complex needs will have access to a team, regardless of the nature of their disability, where they live, or the school they attend.

“Children and their families will have access to the full range of services and supports of the CDNT according to their individual needs. This includes supports, such as individual therapeutic intervention and access to specialist consultation and assessment when needed. Supports will be provided as is feasible in the child’s natural environments – their home, school and community.

“Since 2019, 285 development posts have been allocated to children’s disability services across the country. This includes 100 posts allocated under the HSE National Service Plan 2021, with 185 development posts allocated to children’s disability services across the country this year.

“The Minister of State for Disabilities also confirmed that the HSE should progress the recruitment of 85 posts to facilitate the provision of services to special schools that have provided a school-based service to date.

“I welcome the progress made in ensuring that all children and adults with a disability have speedy access to the services and treatments they need.”