Changes of professionals

When parents have a child with a disability, they usually find themselves needing to develop relationships with a wide range of professionals. This usually continues for many years, with changes of professionals being unavoidable.

In addition to receiving a service from their primary service area (Early Childhood Services, Child & Adolescent Services, Acquired Brain Injury or Acquired Disability Programs) specialist services are also available from the Equipment Service and/or the Physical Rehabilitation Program.

Although this has the advantage of parents being able to use the services of therapists who have specialist skills in these areas, it has the disadvantage of requiring them to develop relationships with more staff.

Relationships with professionals

Novita recognises that the relationship between parents and professionals is very important and highly valued. This is taken into consideration when planning any staff changes. Staff changes may occur for a variety of reasons and we know that such changes may be difficult to deal with.  

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Suggestions to help parents and carers deal with changes of professionals

• If you don’t know, ask about the reasons for the change. Many staff changes occur due to events in the lives of staff members, such as having a child, moving to a new work location, or being promoted. If you have not been told the reason for the change, it is harder to appreciate that staff need to make decisions in their own personal lives.
• Staff changes often happen because of changes in your life and your child's life, for example, starting school, changing schools or moving house. It is helpful for parents and staff to try to be aware of such changes and plan together for these ahead of time.
• Novita will work with you to ensure that important information about the child is handed over between therapists. This may take a variety of forms, such as a meeting, a written summary or a joint visit by the previous and new team members. 
• Changes may occur to ensure a balance of knowledge and experience and to improve service delivery. Every effort is made to inform families of any changes as early as possible.
• Some parents find repeating information about their child to new team members very frustrating. Workers will have read the child's file, but the information often becomes more meaningful after having met the family face to face. Such meetings also provide an opportunity for the professional, child and parent to get to know each other.
• Feel free to let us know any suggestions you may have that will help us to make these changes as easy as possible.  

For further information

View the factsheet Working in Partnership (PDF - 42Kb)