The program has been developed specifically for babies to teenagers (0 - 18 years old), residing in the Barwon region, who have nuero physical disabilities ie problems with the typical postural control and movement necessary for the achievement of daily skills including communication, mobility, self-care, play and hand skills, as a result of a brain injury, stroke or cerebral palsy.

Priority for therapy places is for babies and younger children. Also children with multiple impairments - for example, a child that would need all three therapy disciplines.

Our occupational therapist and both our physiotherapists have had advanced training to work with pre-term babies who may be at risk of cerebral palsy.

The program does not work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Downs Syndrome and global development delay (primarily cognitive impairments), unless there is an associated physical disability involved.

Your child will need to be a resident of the Barwon Region and have a neuro physical disability, delay or concern that has occurred because of a brain injury, cerebral palsy, or stroke.

The program is not suitable for children with autism or Downs Syndrome, unless there is an associated neuro physical disability

You can speak with your paediatrician, or speak to Kids Plus to understand if your child is eligible.

An application form can be sent to Kids Plus (mail, fax or email) and MUST have a copy of the paediatricians report attached.

If your child is eligible, Kids Plus will then invite you with your child for an assessment to understand the needs of your child. Your child is then placed on the register to attend Kids Plus.

There is no cost to families, however you are asked to commit to attending each session to ensure to maximise the opportunity of this specialised, regular high quality therapy program.

Each program is nine weeks long, with a weekly therapy sessions with an occupational therapist, speech pathologist or physiotherapist, depending on the goals and needs of your child.

Generally the program does not have a wait list, as provision of high quality, regular therapy for neuro physical disabilities is time critical, and is offered as soon as possible.

Kids Plus offers one program at time, with no guarantee of further programs. However, the average number of years is about 5 years

Allocation of places depends on a number of factors: the request for places, needs and goals of children, and critical timeframes for child ie new babies, starting kinder or transition to school. Priority places are for babies and younger children, children with multiple disabilities and children from low income families.

Families can chose to take a break from Kids Plus (because of holidays, work commitments, surgery, or siblings needs etc) and this does not affect their child’s place on the Register.

Kids Plus works hard to raise funds through donations and grants from fundraising activities, local organisations, business, corporations and individuals and families in our community. Kids Plus does not receive any government funding.

Our Parent Support & Liaison Officer can help you connect with other families and groups around the region.

The program takes place at 163 Myers Street, Geelong.

Families, please contact Melissa Moorfoot via email info@kidsplus.org.au or call Kids Plus on 03 5223 1475 and leave a message for Melissa to call you. Melissa is a mum of a child with special needs, and is the Family Fundraising and Activities Coordinator.

For other people who would like to help out, please contact Lisa Kingman, Marketing and Partnerships, email  kingman@mira.net, or call Kids Plus on 03 5223 1475.

ECIS is provided for 0-6 yr olds with special needs. ECIS provides Family Services Coordination, (similar to case management), key workers, therapy, family support, access to funding packages for resources and equipment, education programs and access to respite as well as other resources.

ECIS does not provide intensive therapy programs that focus on functional daily activities; likewise Kids Plus does not provide the range of services and resources provided by ECIS.

Kids Plus Therapy Program complements services from ECIS organisations and works collaboratively with ECIS, disability service and health professionals for each child.

Families are highly encouraged to apply for their entitlement for an ECIS place for resources and services they may need now or later. The wait lists may be up to 12 months and early referral to ECIS is encouraged.