Emergency or Crisis Situations

At the Child Development Network we are dedicated to supporting children with complex developmental needs and their families. The Clinicians consulting from the CDN provide highly specialised, individualised, structured and coordinated care, within business hours, and in the structure of planned consultations.

The CDN does not offer acute care services.

Doctors and Clinicians consult from CDN on a sessional basis i.e. they do not necessarily attend on a weekly, daily or full day basis. Therefore, they are unable to provide emergency or crisis care.

In the case of less urgent difficulties that arise between planned consultations, each CDN clinician will have their own procedures in relation to these. The administration staff will be able to advise you of these or please discuss with your Clinician at your initial or next appointment.

If you find yourself in a crisis, there are a number of supports which are specifically available to address the needs of children and families with acute difficulties.


For more immediate medical support in business hours please contact your General Practitioner or local emergency department.

For medical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Ambulance and local hospital emergency department - 000 (significant/ immediate concerns)

For mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

The following services also provide support and information to parents and families, though may not be available 24 hours per day: