Paediatric Policy

Children and adolescents represent about 25 per cent of the population of both Australia and New Zealand. Children are vital for the future strength and success of our society. They are our guarantee for the future, yet currently one third of children live in poverty, with major effects on their health. Although healthy children become healthy adults, much adult disease has its origins in early life, and events in childhood and adolescence have long term sequelae that determine adult wellbeing.

The College has highlighted the importance of addressing these issues through policy development and advocacy. The Paediatric Policy Committee is responsible for:

• developing and reviewing policies and position statements relating to paediatrics and child health on behalf of the Paediatrics & Child Health Division
• advising the Divisional Committee on matters relating to paediatrics and child health policies
• providing unbiased and clear advice on matters relating to paediatrics and child health to practitioners, government agencies and the community
• advocating for children and young people.

Useful Links:

Australian Health Reform Initiatives - Joint Response from National Peak Bodies

National Standards for the Care of Children and Adolescents in Health Services

- Audit Tool
- Linkage Tool

Please also refer to the co-location of adults with children and adolescents in healthcare settings listed below.

Draft Australian Guidelines on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - November 2009

Submissions:

• Human Rights Commission - Age Assessment Inquiry

• Crimes Amendment (Fairness for Minors) Bill - Senate Inquiry

Policies:

• A Consensus Approach for the Paediatrician's Role in the Diagnosis and Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia (PDF: 176KB)
  Click here for more information on Helping Children with Autism Initiative - The Australian Federal Government.
• Breastfeeding *revised June 2007* (PDF: 96KB)
• Children and the media: Advocating for the future (PDF: 158KB)
  - Brochure for parents/carers (PDF: 101KB)
  - Brochure for health professionals (PDF: 115KB)
• Circumcision - RACP Position Statement (PDF: 448KB)
  The Royal Australasian College of Physicians ("RACP") recognises that there are differing medical opinions on aspects of the circumcision of infant males. The purpose of the RACP Position Statement is to provide expert opinion and information to assist clinicians and parents to make informed decisions.
  - Parent's brochure (Revised February 2012)
• Co-location of adults with children and adolescents in healthcare settings (PDF: 245 KB)
  - Audit Tool (PDF: 88.5KB)
  - Also refer to:
     National Standards for the Care of Children and Adolescents in Health Services.
  - Linkage Tool
• Confidential Health Care for Adolescents and Young People (PDF: 48.8KB) 
• Decision-Making at the End of Life in Infants, Children and Adolescents (PDF: 165KB)
• Early childhood (PDF: 75KB)
• Ethics of Research in Children *revised March 2008* (PDF: 96.6KB)
• Examination of the Newborn *revised March 2009* (PDF: 27KB)
• Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting (PDF: 59KB) April 2012  NEW 
• Genital Examinations in Girls and Young Women: A Clinical Practice Guideline (PDF: 75KB)
• Getting in the Picture - A Parent's and Carer's Guide for the Better use of Television for Children (PDF: 155KB)
• Guidelines for the Funding of Paediatric Research by Formula Companies *reviewed January 2007* (PDF: 39.7KB)
• Health and Well-being of Incarcerated Adolescents (PDF: 227KB) NEW 
• Health of Children in "Out-Of-Home" Care *reviewed December 2008* (PDF: 196KB)
• Health of Paediatricians Statement (PDF: 60KB)
• Indications for Tonsillectomy and Adenotonsillectomy in Children (PDF: 239KB)
• Management of Procedure-related Pain in Neonates (PDF: 541KB)
  - Executive summary (PDF: 40KB)
• Management of Procedure-related Pain in Children and Adolescents (PDF: 541KB)
  - Executive summary (PDF: 40KB)
• Oral Health in Children and Young People (PDF 234KB) April 2012 NEW
• Paediatrician Attendance At Caesarean Sections *reviewed November 2007* (PDF: 42KB)
• Physical Punishment and Discipline (including smacking) (PDF: 46KB)
• Protecting Children is Everybody's Business: Paediatricians Responding to the Challenge of Child Abuse (PDF: 416KB)
• Recommendations for Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents in Australia and New Zealand (PDF: 284KB)
• Routine Adolescent Psychosocial Health Assessment - Position Statement (PDF: 535KB)
• Soy Protein Formula (PDF: 61KB)
• Towards better health for refugee children and young people in Australia and New Zealand (PDF: 478KB)
  - The health of refugee children - Position Statement (PDF: 60KB)
• Transition To Adult Health Services For Adolescents With Chronic Conditions (PDF 59KB)
• Vitamin K for Newborn Babies: Information for Parents
• Vitamin K: Joint statement and recommendations on Vitamin K administration to newborn infants to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding in infancy * October 2010 *

Further Information: paed@racp.edu.au

New Zealand Submissions

• National Plan for Child Cancer - June 2010 (PDF 29KB)