Child Development Program

The Child Development Program works with families, communities and professionals throughout the Greater Brisbane area to improve the health and well-being of children and young people experiencing development problems. We provide multi-disiplinary diagnostic, assessment and intervention services, including a specialist outpatient clinic at the Queensland Children’s Hospital for children with rare developmental conditions. Specialist clinics for conditions include:

• 22qdel (Velo-cardio-facial Syndrome)
• Rett Syndrome
• Prader Willi Syndrome
• Tuberous Sclerosis.

What is child development?

Child development refers to the skills children acquire throughout the early years and subsequently as they grow through childhood and adolescence.

A child’s development is influenced by biological and genetic factors that interact with the environment. The social and learning opportunities in a child and young person’s life can positively promote development. Understanding a child’s developmental strengths and difficulties will help children achieve their full potential.

Who can access this service?

New patients

Referrals are accepted up to a child’s 16th birthday (pre-referral eligibility criteria apply).

Existing patients with complex care needs

Referrals are accepted up to a child’s 18th birthday (patients are usually transitioned to adult services by this time).

Catchment area

The Child Development Program catchment areas include the greater Brisbane metropolitan area (see hub locations listed below) and statewide specialist consultation which is available upon request.

Queensland Children’s Hospital Child Development Service Hub

• Includes the greater Brisbane local government areas, less The Prince Charles Hospital catchment suburbs.

Northern hub and surrounding suburbs (Keperra)

• Includes the Moreton Bay local government area plus The Prince Charles Hospital catchment suburbs.

Southern hub and surrounding suburbs

• Includes the Logan-Beaudesert and Redlands local government areas.

The Child Development Program works in partnership with general paediatric and specialists services across the greater Brisbane hospital network.

Do I need a referral?

You will need a formal referral to access this service.

How do I get a referral?

You will need a referral from a GP, General Paediatrician or other medical specialist before an initial appointment with the Child Development Program can be made.

Other referral information

If you believe your child is experiencing developmental issues or you have questions about our services please contact the Child Development Program Access Service by calling 1300 366 039.

Information for health professionals

From 1 May 2019 referral criteria will apply at CHQ. This condition has minimum demographic and essential clinical referral information that is required to be included prior to submission of the referral. Visit the CPC website for the required condition. If you are unable to provide the required “essential information” please state the reason when you submit the referral.

Specialist intervention pathways conducted by the Child Development Program include:

• Adolescent Consultation Liaison Clinic
• Family Therapy – Complex Development Clinic
• Single-session Consultation
• Second-opinion Consultation Liaison – Assessment / Care Planning.

A GP or specialist consultant (public or private) is required for referral to this service. The Child Development Program works in a shared care arrangement with GPs for all referred children.

Who may benefit from this service

• Children who present with significant developmental and/or learning difficulties which are impacting on daily life across multiple settings.
• Children with developmental delays and co-morbid complex medical conditions.

Referral instructions

Referral enquiries should be directed to the Child Development Program Access Service.
t: 1300 366 039
f: 07 3068 5126
e: CDPAccessService@health.qld.gov.au

The Clinical Access Service is also the first point of contact for GPs and other health providers wanting to know more about the Child Development Program, including the referral process.

Useful links

Raising Children Network