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Principle 1: Children's & young people's needs come first


Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for educational use only. Please consult your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

Introduction

The following is one of a group of principles which recognise the particular needs of children and young people receiving health and disability support services. The principles describe what should be provided when your child or young person receives those services. They are based on expert opinion and a considerable body of literature in New Zealand and overseas and they have been developed after wide consultation. See all the principles listed in Principles: what health and disability services should provide for your child or young person.
 

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Children and young people's needs come first

Principle: When children and young people receive health or disability services, their needs should be the primary concern of the health provider.
 
You can expect that when your child or young person receives health or disability services:
  • their needs will be the primary concern of the health provider
  • the health provider will discuss with you the best possible options for treatment or care, implications of the treatment and how you can be involved 
  • the health provider will deliver the highest possible standard of care for your child or young person
  • the health provider has a process to hear the voices of children, young people and parents
Each time you visit a health or disability service, the focus of the provider should be on your child's or young person’s needs and yours. These visits should be used to promote and advocate for your child's or young person's development and wellbeing.
 

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Acknowledgements

 

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Endorsement

This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 20/10/2010

Copyright

Fact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation.
© The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2012


The Paediatric Society of New Zealand
http://www.paediatrics.org.nz 		Starship Foundation
http://www.starship.org.nz