THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME AND PARENTING SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES WITH A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY: A NEED FOR POLICY REFORM

The Australian Government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) represents one of the most important social reforms in Australian history.  It represents a move away from block funding of disability services to a personalised approach that provides individually-tailored packages of services.  Although this new approach has benefits, there have been inadvertent consequences.  The personalised model relies on families having the knowledge and capacity to understand and prioritise support needs, make informed decisions regarding which services will best meet these needs, advocate with a NDIS planner for desired services, and access these services. Unfortunately, a lack of awareness of the value of parenting support, and a lack of clarity around the funding options for such services, among other barriers, has resulted in a reduction in the provision of specialist parenting support.  This is of considerable concern since parents are uniquely placed to provide an optimal environment for their children’s development, and benefit from support in doing so.  Such support does not need to be intensive, but rather delivered at a critical period of neurodevelopment to maximise potential gains. Parenting programs have been shown to enhance lasting skill development and day-to-day functioning.  Parenting programs have also been shown to reduce behaviours of concern, increase community participation, and enhance the wellbeing of both children and parents/carers. A key opportunity to enhance enduring life-long skills for children with developmental disabilities is being missed.  Recommendations for reforms to policy and practice will be made to increase access to, and participation in, evidence-based parenting support.