Family Options Respite Programme
Family Options Respite Programme is a regional service that is responsible for the co-ordination of supports for medically fragile children/children with long term, chronic health conditions, aged 0 - 16 years, and their families/whānau within Auckland, Counties Manukau, Northland and Waitematā District Health Boards.
Family Options Respite Programme aims to enhance and optimise the care of the children and their families/whānau in their community by participating in and supporting an integrated model of community paediatric care.
If a child's needs are as a result of a disability they should be referred to their local Disability Support Services (DSS) NASC.
If a child's needs are as a result of an accident they should be referred to ACC.
Referral Expectations
Referrals can be made to the Family Options Respite Programme via the Local DHB Co-ordinators, medical practitioner, social worker, community nurse or any other health professional. All referrals will be assessed for eligibility by the Family Options Needs Assessment (NASC) Team.
A Needs Assessment & Service Coordination (NASC) Support Plan must accompany referrals for the Family Options Short Term Supports Programme. Once assessed for eligibility a Service Provider will be identified and Carers/Support Workers will be allocated.
The Family Options Needs Assessment (NASC) Team will carry out a Needs Assessment for referrals to the Long Term Supports - Chronic Health Conditions (LTS-CHC) Programme. Once the Needs Assessment is completed a Service Provider will be identified and Carers/Support Workers will be allocated.
Common Conditions / Procedures / Treatments
Mission Statement
Family Options Respite Programme aims to enhance and optimise the care of medically fragile children/children with long term, chronic health conditions and their families/whānau in their community and supports an integrated model of community paediatric care.
The underlying philosophies are:
- to provide family/whānau centred care with a partnership approach
- to provide culturally appropriate care
- to work in an interdisciplinary team
- to support community based care
- to integrate all services provided in the community by supporting a case management model
- to promote respect and cooperation, valuing the opinions of all those involved in the care of medically fragile children/children with long term, chronic health condiitons.