Paediatric rehabilitation is designed to improve the abilities of children and young people following major injury, illness or medical procedures which affect their function. Paediatric rehabilitation programs aim to maximise the ability of the child to participate in activities at home, school and the community. Families and caregivers play a key role in the rehabilitation program.  An individualised program is designed to achieve specific goals in areas such as mobility, self care and communication. Suitability for rehabilitation is assessed on an individual basis. Services are offered until young people have completed secondary schooling and includes transition to adult based services when appropriate.  The RCH Rehabilitation Service is part of the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service.

Mission statement

To provide a state-wide specialist paediatric rehabilitation service which specifically caters for children, young people and their families and offers therapy and medical-based interventions which optimise function and maximise participation in all settings.

Vision

To produce excellence in clinical care, research and education in paediatric rehabilitation

Goals

• To provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary rehabilitation program in the context of the child's/ young person's developmental needs
• To work in partnership with families and communities to produce the best possible outcome for each child
• To work in partnership with schools to maximise educational opportunities for each child
• To contribute to the expertise of community service providers in paediatric rehabilitation through education, training and support
• To develop and support a culture of professional excellence within the rehabilitation team through participation in continuing education, mentoring and ongoing evaluation of service provision
• To strengthen the evidence basis for paediatric rehabilitation through an active research program
• To ensure quality and safety of services through a process of ongoing evaluation

Values

• We respect the unique needs of each child, their family and community
• We value the family as members of the rehabilitation team for their child
• We value the contribution of others to the delivery of rehabilitation care
• We will act at all times with integrity and demonstrate professionalism