Children and young people in out-of-home care Improving access to primary care

Childhood abuse and neglect is more common than juvenile diabetes or cystic fibrosis and has similar negative impacts on health and quality of life. Abused or neglected children are being directed by legal orders into statutory care (commonly called out-of-home care) at increasing rates, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. On entry to care, details of the child's medical and family medical history alongside an intuitive parental appreciation of the child's health and wellbeing may be unavailable. This poses a challenge to general practitioners asked to assess or treat children entering care. General practitioners experience many uncertainties about their role with these 'children of the state'. The introduction of the first National Clinical Assessment Framework for Children and Young People in Out-of-Home Care offers new clarity about how GPs can be involved in improving access to primary healthcare for this vulnerable population.