These researchers investigated the impact of the comprehensive health screening offered to children in care by the Child Protection Unit at Sydney Children’s Hospital. The clinic makes recommendations for remediation, but does not offer follow-up. The researchers sent research questionnaires to the Department of Social Services caseworkers of the first 100 children screened, to determine how many of the health recommendations made for each child had been implemented and, if possible, what the health outcome had been. Adherence to health recommendations was high; however, it was not possible to quantify the degree of health benefit to the children screened. A number of systemic problems were identified that are likely to hinder the accessibility of health care for children in care, the researchers conclude.
