Rapid TLC

A vast number of children with health related problems fall through the gaps of the majority of healthcare support services. In some cases, the child or their family may have to wait an extended period of time (up to 1 year) to receive a wish or surprise, and have to endure lengthy processing evaluations to receive any form of support.

The aim of Rapid TLC is to ‘fill the gap’ and provide practical and effective support at the time of the trauma. To do this, we eliminated the bulky assessment process by taking requests only via approved healthcare workers, who are aware of each child’s family circumstances, as well as what will really help them in their difficult time. The Rapid TLC program is now the fastest referral system of its kind in Australia.

Healthcare Professionals refer patients directly to us via an established secure online referral system. There are no waiting lists or criteria – just the trusted judgement of the nurse or healthcare worker. We accept referrals for any child, with any sickness or health condition, of any age up to 21 years. We work with children who may have life-threatening illnesses such as cancer or cystic fibrosis, regular, long-term hospital inpatients such as those with chronic conditions, cardiac patients, and transplant patients. Most serious or terminal health conditions don't discriminate, so neither do we!

Our philosophy is simple: if there is a need, we will address it in the shortest possible time. And there is usually no spare time for bureaucracy.

Emotional Benefits to the Child

Encouragement
Very often a well-timed gesture will be enough to encourage a sick kid to hang in there when facing daunting and often painful treatment, or prolonged hospital stays away from family and friends.

Reward
Sick kids are generally very brave kids. They can all benefit from a special reward for the way in which they are managing their sickness and treatment. Sick kids can often teach adults a lesson in bravery!

Happiness
Sick kids can always benefit from having their spirits lifted along their journey. So can their families and friends.

Support
When a sick child has his or her spirits lifted, when they feel encouraged to tackle treatment, when they can actually smile about life through a request fulfilled by TLC for kids, we have actually provided valuable support to not only that child but their family, friends, and the Health Care Professionals.

RAPID TLC examples

Purpose chosen toys
Tickets to a special event for the child and their family
An outing away from the routine of hospital
An experience that's been a long held dream
Something practical for the child or their family
Anything the healthcare professional feels will make a difference in the child's life

If you are a Healthcare Professional and wish to make a RAPID TLC referral or order additional items for your TLC Distraction Box, click here to login to the secure area.