That ICPA (Aust) advocates for improved access and utilisation of Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) funding, currently managed through the NDIS scheme for geographically isolated children.
Many remote and geographically isolated children are missing out on essential allied health supports due to the ability to access or utilise funding administered through NDIS for Early Childhood Early Intervention. In Bourke the NDIS Early Childhood Partner was McKillop, and they had around 7 staff supporting Western NSW. McKillop Family Services has now withdrawn and the workload has been transferred to NDIA staff. Remote areas also have a significant underutilisation of ECEI funding, as when children’s needs are identified, there are often no allied health services available to support them. Evidence shows that accessing Early Intervention supports improved educational outcomes.
