Principle 13: Continuity & Coordination Between & Within Services

Introduction

The following is one of a group of principles which recognise the particular needs of tamariki and rangatahi receiving health and disability support services. The principles describe what should be provided when your child or young person receives those services.

The principles are based on expert opinion and a considerable body of literature in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas and they have been developed after wide consultation.

See a listing of 14 principles guiding provision of health and disability services

Continuity and coordination between and within services

Principle: Healthcare and disability support providers should have systems to provide continuity and coordination between and within the various services working with tamariki (children), rangatahi (young people) and their whānau (families).

Health and disability services for children, young people and families are provided by many different agencies.

Staff working with tamariki and rangatahi should have adequate familiarity with other providers so that appropriate referrals can be made to other services. This will improve the way all services work together to meet the needs of the child or young person and help to ensure an unbroken continuum of care.

You can expect:

• to be an equal member of the team that cares for your child or young person
• to experience a coordinated and efficient service
• to have a key worker assigned to you and your whānau if your child or young person has contact with 3 or more services over time
• to be given adequate and accurate information about the available services
• to be given an up-to-date record of your child or young person's care