Healthy Kids Bus Stop
Our free mobile developmental screening program, Healthy Kids Bus Stop, ceased operation in October 2022.
The closure of this program is in line with the launch of the NSW Government’s new Brighter Beginnings initiative, which is set to deliver health and developmental checks to all children in preschool settings. We’re proud of the impact our Healthy Kids Bus Stop has made and will continue to offer screening as part of our broader service offerings here at Royal Far West.
The Healthy Kids Bus Stop was conducted in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities. The program has also been delivered with the support of the NSW Department of Health via the Local Health Districts (LHDs) and many corporate and philanthropic organisations.
Together we have made a significant impact on country children’s lives, helping them start school ready to learn.
It was very positive to see a multidisciplinary team approach in action. Much is to be gained from multidisciplinary assessments on the one day and case conference team discussions to identify the most appropriate referral options and pathways for children living in rural and remote areas.”
LHD Manager/Director
Program highlights
In its eight years of operation, the Healthy Kids Bus Stop achieved a number of significant outcomes for rural and remote communities in NSW.
From 2014 to 2022, the Healthy Kids Bus Stop:
- Visited 120 locations across rural and remote NSW
- Screened over 4,200 children (30% of these Indigenous) from over 450 communities in NSW
- Conducted over 18,000 screenings and assessments
- Made over 6,600 referrals to local services or therapy via other Royal Far West programs
