What to do while you’re on a waiting list

Waiting is far from a favourite past-time for most of us, yet seems to be a common human experience regardless of age, culture or geography. Whether in a queue for coffee, on a plane at an airport, or waiting for needed support services, the experience can lead to feelings of frustration and anxiety. This is particularly the case when we are waiting for something we feel we want or need sooner rather than later, for ourselves, or for others we care for, especially our children. 

When seeking services for a child with emerging support needs, being told it is months or years before help can be accessed is usually the last thing parents or caregivers want to hear. The good news is there are things parents and caregivers can do during frustrating waiting periods. Let’s consider waiting lists and opportunities to make the most of waiting periods in more detail.  

Why are waiting lists so common?

Waiting lists typically occur when supply is unable to meet demand. For child and family services, there has been a long-standing undersupply of individuals, teams and organisations who have the funding and expertise to meet demand for services in Australia. Whilst the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s Early Childhood Intervention Programme has, for example, supported more providers to service the sector in recent years, there have also been more children and families seeking services based on known or emerging needs. And so, waiting lists continue… 

Is it better to go through the public or private system to avoid waiting lists?

Both public and private sectors have continued to experience high demand for child and family services in recent years. As such, both types of services can have lengthy waiting lists. Every region in Australia has a unique number and arrangement of service providers across public and private settings. It is highly recommended that you discuss the options in your area with a general practitioner or a child health nurse, or other accessible primary care provider in your region. 

The other important task to do is to review available and relevant services, and their waiting times, within the area that you can travel within. This may take a bit of time, and you may need help from a primary care provider, friend or family member to help you with your search. It is time well spent, however, as it may help you and/or your child access the type of support that is required as soon as possible.  

I am on a waiting list. Now what?

First of all, pat yourself on the back for finding the service that is right for you and your child. This is not an easy task! Now that you have found the right service, waiting can be challenging, but there are things you can do to make sure this period is not one where time simply passes by. Here are some things to consider when looking to avoid wasteful waiting periods:

1. Talk to the service you are waiting for:

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It is not uncommon these days for public and private services to offer ideas, support and advice while children and families wait for the usual care that the service offers. Ask the service providers about what, if anything, is offered prior to initial appointments. They may offer one-off advice and support, direct you to other resources, or send you information that may be helpful in the meantime. 

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2. Explore free, online resources supporting child and family health, development and wellbeing:

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The other bit of good news is that there has been quite a bit of investment in Australia, and abroad, supporting the development of free online resources, apps, and services that can help children and families with emerging support needs in the early years. Here are just a few to take a look at:

• Raising Children’s Network

https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/developmental-delay

• World Health Organisation’s Caregiver Skills Training: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240048836
• Reimagine Australia’s Tools and Resources:

https://reimagine.org.au/practitioner/helpful-tools-and-resources/

• Relationships Australia: Families

https://www.raq.org.au/families

• National Disability Insurance Scheme – Early Connections

https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/early-childhood/early-connections

• Thrivary App.. links to appropriate places

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3. Connect with other families in your area who may be accessing services for similar issues:

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Always remember that despite this journey having potential moments where you feel like you are facing this alone, it is likely there are others who have gone through, or are going through, a similar situation themselves. You can seek these out by:

• Asking your primary care provider about support groups for your situation in your local area
• Typing your suburb name and support area/need into your preferred social media app, to explore if an online chat or support group may exist in your area. If not, perhaps a wider search of state or national chat groups that are focused on your area of support need may be helpful.
• Explore resources and funded programmes that are focused on connecting families with other families e.g.some text
  • The Envisage Programme: https://envisage.community/
  • Family Child connect: https://www.familychildconnect.org.au/
  • Reimagine/Thrivary resources

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4. Explore “drop-in” child and family-focused sessions or support services in your local community:

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Many communities in Australia have drop in services, group programmes, support sessions and other initiatives that help children and families without needing to wait on a waiting list. Talk to your primary care provider and other families in the area about opportunities for immediate supports in your community.

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5. Continue to review service options in your area:

Finally, don’t be afraid to call the service you are waiting for periodically to check in regarding services, wait times and opportunities. Also review other service options in the area, where similar provisions may be being offered.  Things can change, so what was the case when your child was originally placed on your preferred service’s waiting list may be different now. Explore, review, and consider you and your child’s best options for support services now, and regularly throughout the waiting period.

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