KEY COMPETENCY 6.2 – BE AGILE
“I will help children and families understand and navigate the systems that affect their lives, providing knowledge on which systems and supports can be accessed and how to utilise them effectively.”
Understanding and Navigating Systems is the second competency under the ‘Be Agile’ Way of Working, and relates to the ‘design and delivery of services and supports‘ phase of the child’s early developmental support journey. It is important for:
Empowerment: This competency equips practitioners and families with the knowledge to effectively navigate complex systems, such as the NDIS, ensuring access to necessary supports and resources.
Enhanced Advocacy: Understanding systemic processes enables practitioners to advocate for children’s rights and needs more effectively, fostering better outcomes.
Efficient Service Delivery: Familiarity with available services and pathways streamlines access, reducing delays and confusion for families.
Holistic Support: By connecting families with various services, practitioners can provide comprehensive, coordinated care that addresses all aspects of a child’s development.
Helping children and families understand and navigate the systems that affect their lives means guiding them through complex processes such as healthcare, education, and disability services. Practitioners provide support in understanding these systems, advocating for families, and ensuring that they access the resources and support they need.
Research highlights the challenges families face when navigating systems like the NDIS and healthcare. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Participant Service Guarantee (2021) also emphasises the need for clarity and support for families accessing disability services. Practitioners are critical in bridging the gap between families and the services they require.
Research and Further Reading:
Sapiets, S. J., Totsika, V., & Hastings, R. P. (2021). Factors influencing access to early intervention for families of children with developmental disabilities: A narrative review. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 34(3), 695-711.
Australian Government NDIS. (2021). Participant Service Guarantee. https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/participant-service-guarantee
Tollan K, Jezrawi R, Underwood K, Janus M. A Review on Early Intervention Systems. Curr Dev Disord Rep. 2023;10(2):147-153. doi: 10.1007/s40474-023-00274-8. Epub 2023 Feb 18. PMID: 36845328; PMCID: PMC9937857
Ryder, G. and Robson, J. (2023). Young children as citizens: learning from practice in the early childhood setting. Journal of childhood Education & Society, 4(2), 114-123. https://doi.org/10.37291/2717638x.202342263
COMPETENCY MILESTONES
I am able to:
Understand the foundational structure and functions of systems that impact children and families, such as education, healthcare, and social services.
Provide clear and straightforward information to families about these systems.
Recognise when to seek additional information or support to assist families in navigating these systems.
I am able to:
Regularly assist families in understanding and accessing the various systems that affect their lives.
Build relationships with key contacts within these systems to facilitate smoother navigation for families.
Utilise problem-solving skills to help families overcome barriers within these systems.
I am able to:
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the complex systems impacting children and families and the ability to effectively navigate and advocate within them.
Proactively identify and address systemic barriers that families may face.
Provide training and support to colleagues on how to assist families in navigating these systems.
I am able to:
Lead initiatives to improve system navigation for families within the organisation.
Collaborate externally to streamline processes and reduce barriers within systems that affect children and families.
Advocate for policy changes and systemic improvements to better support the needs of children and families.
Reflection questions are a valuable tool for practitioners, promoting self-awareness, critical thinking, continuous improvement, and stronger relationships in their work with children and families. Below are some reflection questions for Key Competency 6.2: Understanding and Navigating Systems:
How well-prepared am I to manage crises that might impact the children and families I support?
Have I developed clear risk management and emergency plans?
How have I communicated these plans to families, and how do I ensure they feel supported during crises?
Understanding and navigating systems like the NDIS can be challenging for families—practitioners play a vital role in providing guidance and advocacy.
Access more information on the ChildKind Best Practice Framework with its 10 Ways of Working, 30 Key Competencies and 8 supporting Values and Behaviours here:
