Principle 11: Knowledge & Skills

Introduction

The following is one of a group of principles which recognise the particular needs of tamariki and rangatahi receiving health and disability support services. The principles describe what should be provided when your child or young person receives those services.

The principles are based on expert opinion and a considerable body of literature in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas and they have been developed after wide consultation.

See a listing of 14 principles guiding provision of health and disability services

Knowledge and skills

Principle: Health and disability service providers whose knowledge and skills enable them to respond appropriately to children's and young people's clinical, emotional, developmental, educational and cultural needs, should care for tamariki (children), rangatahi (young people) and their whānau (families).

Caring for tamariki requires different knowledge and skills from those required when working with adults.

You can expect all staff who have contact with your child or young person to have had specific education, within their organisation, on the needs of tamariki. This includes, orderlies, clerks, pathology staff, x-ray and plaster room technicians.

You can expect all healthcare professionals to be appropriately qualified for the posts they hold and the service they provide.

You can expect staff working with your child or young person to have the appropriate skills to:

• deal with the specific problems of childhood illness, where your child may react differently to adults both physically and emotionally
• communicate with your child or young person
• provide care and support for your whole whānau
• work with whānau from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, acknowledging the effect that these have on your child's care and on your family's life
• work with other providers and agencies in the coordination of your child’s care