Children waiting an average of 19 months for special needs assessments

Children’s Rights Alliance chief executive Tanya Ward said the health service should be directing resources towards getting youngsters assessed within six months, as delays are detrimental to their development.

Delays in special needs assessments mean some children may not reach their full potential, a lobby group has warned.

More than 5,000 youngsters are having to wait longer than the law permits to have needs formally assessed before they can access public health services, the Children’s Rights Alliance said.