Joint Parental Responsibilities in Paediatric Healthcare.

In most families, both parents, whether separated or together, have Joint Parental Responsibility for the care of their children. As part of their shared role, each normally has access to information and share decision-making about their child's health care until the child is 16 years or older.

Parental cooperation and communication will help your child's doctor better understand your child’s history and concerns and develop an appropriate and effective management plan. 

Your child’s specialist and their administrative team will work within the requirements of Australian Law, including Family and Privacy Law, regarding parenting, parents' rights and responsibilities, and children's rights and best interests.  We must do this within the limits and constraints of our practice software and other systems, and Medicare requirements.

Patients 16 years or older should advise your paediatric specialist and Prosper Paediatrics if you wish to limit or refuse your parents' access to information, involvement or decision-making.

Court Orders may sometimes restrict a parent or parents in some aspects of their parental roles. 

If you and your child’s other parent are separated, you should

• provide any current Court Orders about parenting and contact matters;

• obtain an information handout, Joint Parental Responsibility in Paediatric Health Care. 

  • This handout provides important information about various legal considerations, privacy matters and how we contact and communicate with separated parents. 

  • This handout should be shared with your child’s other parent.

and wherever possible, please

• advise your paediatric specialist and their admin team;

• keep each other updated and advised about your child’s healthcare; 

• provide the name and contact details of each parent;

• Consider organising a joint email account to communicate with your doctor and their admin team about your child's health care and appointments.