Dr. Rosalyn Tamming:

On CDNTs, we are doing a review looking at other counties and their children's disability services. It is a bit like the question on employment; there is no one model you can pluck. Whatever reforms happen are in the context of what we have already. One might say I would not start here, but we are here so we have to go from here. When you look at the evidence behind the current model, it is well thought out with the different aspects in those 12 principles. A lot of them are evidence-based. In theory, it is good; it is just there are problems with it. A lot of the people we talk to in reviews do not say the model is broken but, rather, the system around it. If it were properly resourced, fully staffed and had more staff, it could work fairly well is the general view coming through. Assessment of need is a complex area. The legislation will be reviewed. Without taking away rights, is there a way in the legislation to make it a system that is more fit for purpose? One has to balance the resources going into assessment of need with the resources going into providing supports to families. There is a bit of a disconnect there. CDNTs feel some of their valuable time is being taken away. The CDNT system is a needs-based system. Diagnosis is needed for lots of reasons but it is not needed to access a service, in theory.