Kids Are Kids! provides a range of government funded programs including Better Start for Children With Disability, Helping Children with Autism, Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan services and Child Development Service Speech Pathology services.

Kids Are Kids! provides a range of government funded programs to children and their families. These programs offer high-quality speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and/or psychology services to support your child’s skill development and increase their independence and participation in the community. Our programs include:

Better Start for Children with Disability (FaHCSIA)

Children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Sight Impairment or Hearing Impairment are eligible for early intervention therapy services funding of up to $12,000 (to a maximum of $6,000 in any one financial year) up until their seventh birthday.

Referral process: to access the Better Start program, families will need to register their child for the Better Start early intervention funding with Carers Australia.

Helping Children With Autism (FaHCSIA)

Children with a diagnosis of Autism are eligible for early intervention therapy services funding of up to $12,000 (to a maximum of $6,000 in any one financial year).

Referral process: to access the HCWA program, families will need to be registered under the Helping Children With Autism program. Following an initial diagnosis, families can contact an Autism Advisor in WA who will provide information regarding eligibility, available funding and Early Intervention and other support services.

Medicare

Children registered under the Better Start and Helping Children With Autism programs are also eligible for Medicare items for up to 20 relevant allied health services in total for each eligible child up to the age of 15 provided the treatment and management plan is in place before the age of 13.

Referral process: to access these services, families will need to be registered under either the Better Start or Helping Children With Autism program.

Chronic Disease Management Pan (CDMP)

For children with a recognised chronic medical condition, Medicare provides rebates for speech pathology, occupational therapy and/or physiotherapy services. Eligible children can claim a maximum of five (5) sessions per calendar year under the CDMP program.

Referral process: to access this program, families will need a referral letter from their GP for services recommended in their care plan.

Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative

For children or a family member with a recognised mental health issue, Medicare provides rebates for psychology services. Eligible clients can claim a maximum of ten (10) sessions per calendar year under a Mental Health Care Plan.

Referral process: to access this program, families will need a referral letter and a Mental Health Care Plan from their GP for services recommended in their care plan.

Child Development Service

Kids Are Kids! has been appointed by the Metropolitan Child Development Service to provide Speech Pathology services to children living within the Fremantle region (formerly Southwell). Families seeking publicly provided speech pathology services through Fremantle CDS are then referred on to Kids Are Kids! to receive their therapy assessment and treatment.

Referral process: to access this program, families will need to contact their Child Health Nurse, GP or Paediatrician to become registered with Fremantle CDS.

We are here to help

We understand that the health system can be complex and we support families to understand what programs and services you may be eligible to receive. For further details about any of our programs or to discuss your child’s difficulties and needs please contact our caring and friendly team.