Short-Term Assessment and Recommendations (S.T.A.R)
What is S.T.A.R?
OKAY Therapy has listened to feedback from families about growing concerns for waitlists lengthening across the region. From this, the Short-Term Assessment and Recommendations Program (S.T.A.R) was developed with a goal to provide families with access to valuable information and interventions to support their children’s speech and occupational development.
How does it work?
An appointment is made for a parent/carer to bring their child in to meet with the Speech Therapist or Occupational Therapist at the OKAY Therapy clinic. During the appointment the therapist will complete an assessment and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. The therapist will then provide written recommendations and if necessary provided with resources to take home and implement to support the child’s needs. If required, a review phone call will be booked for two months time from the initial meeting so that the therapist can check the success of the recommendations and offer updated or altered strategies as needed. At the end of the program you will also receive a brief summary report which will list the areas of concern, goals for future therapy, recommendations provided, and funding recommendations where appropriate. This summary report can be disseminated to future therapists, educators, General Practitioner’s (GP’s) and other relevant parties. Please note that the report will also be invoiced.
For some families this short-term intervention and information may be enough to achieve their goals. Others may be recommended to seek ongoing therapy support. This will be discussed at the end of the program.
Is my child suitable for S.T.A.R?
This program is suitable for children who have had minimal or no previous Speech Therapy or Occupational Therapy involvement.
This program is suitable for children with goals related to speech, pronunciation and speech sounds, stuttering, and articulation.
This program is not a suitable therapy program for children who require support with pragmatic or social language development.
This program is not a suitable therapy program for children who have goals related to swallowing or food.
This program is not suitable for children who have already had extensive Speech Therapy assessment and/or intervention.
This program is suitable for children who would benefit from a sensory or motor assessment where families are capable of implementing therapeutic recommendations within the home.
This program is not a suitable therapy program for children who demonstrate severe behaviours of concern.
This program is not a suitable therapy program for children who require complex equipment prescriptions.
For this program to be successful in supporting child development and goal achievement, it is important to remember that the recommendations from this program require parental/carer support to consistently implement. Please remember that this program is not an ongoing therapy program. If your child requires ongoing Speech Therapy or Occupational Therapy intervention it is recommended that they are placed or remain on therapy waitlists.
Participation in this program does not lead to ongoing therapeutic duty of care. Therapy provision is limited to up to 5 hours per child inclusive of assessment, provision of recommendations and resources, review and summary report.
What is the cost of S.T.A.R?
The program will take up to 5 hours, however for some children less time will be required and the invoice will reflect only hours required.
The cost of the program is $193.99 per hour.
NDIS funding can be utilised if applicable – plan or self-managed only and funds are invoiced from the Capacity Building Budget.
Medicare rebates can be accessed if the child is eligible for a Medicare Healthcare Plan. Please speak to your child’s GP or Paediatrician to determine suitability for Medicare Healthcare Plan.
The program can also be accessed privately with the parent/carer paying the full fees out of pocket.
What happens if my child needs ongoing Therapy Intervention?
If it is recommended that your child would benefit from ongoing Speech Therapy or Occupational Therapy involvement a list of local provider details will be provided to you. While you can place your child on the OKAY Therapy waitlist, it is highly recommended that you contact other service providers as well to ensure that your child is seen as soon as possible.
How do I refer my child to S.T.A.R?
If you feel that the S.T.A.R program will be beneficial for your child please email enquiries@okaytherapy.com.au. Your child will be allocated a time as soon as possible and a Service Agreement will be sent. This will need to be signed and returned to OKAY Therapy before attendance for the initial assessment to secure your appointment.
If you have any questions please utilise our enquires@okaytherapy.com.au email or phone 0488 096 777.