Carers Queensland welcomes early childhood families continuing their NDIS journey

Published On: 8 March 2022Categories: NDIS, News

Carers Queensland is making sure children turning seven years-old and their families feel welcome and ready as they transition from their Early Childhood Approach (ECA) partner to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Local Area Coordination (LAC) program.

As the biggest LAC partner in Queensland, Carers Queensland will support more than 3000 children and their families through this change in 2022, ensuring they have the information they need to feel prepared and excited about the next stage of their NDIS journey.

Children with developmental delays or disability work with their ECA partner on common goals and developmental milestones until the age of seven.

Once a child turns seven, they may require more support for longer, and will be supported in their transition to the full scheme of the NDIS by their LAC Partner in the Community (PITC), Carers Queensland.

Carers Queensland’s ECA Transition Specialist, Jenny Dodd, said “The NDIS is a lifelong approach and Carers Queensland’s welcome for children and families was an important step in helping them feel empowered as well as acknowledging their individual requirements.”

“Carers Queensland wants families to feel supported and informed as we begin this journey together; that’s why we are here – to provide relevant information, events and support,” Jenny said.

Carers Queensland and a child’s ECA provider work together to ensure a smooth transition for future communication and plan reviews for transitioning children and their families.

“One difference we prepare families for is the focus on short-term and long-term goals: short-term goals can usually be completed in less than 12 months, with long-term goals potentially taking several years to achieve,” Jenny explained.

“The role of a child’s Local Area Coordinator (LAC) is to support them to develop a plan and connect them with services and supports that best suit their needs.”

The team of experienced LACs can help families understand the plan, what it means and link them with community and mainstream options.

For more information about the transitioning to Carers Queensland LAC program from your Early Childhood partner, visit https://carersqld.com.au/ndis/transitioning-from-your-early-childhood-partner/