Children and young people under 18 can participate in advance care planning discussions and complete values-based advance care planning documents; however, in Queensland, a person needs to be 18 years or older before they can complete an Advance Health Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney document
The following advance care planning documents may be useful:
A Queensland Paediatric Statement of Choices Form is currently under development
The Paediatric Palliative Care Service in Children's Health Queensland can also help with advance care planning. They can be contacted by phone: (07) 3068 4699 or email: ppcs@health.qld.gov.au.
Legal perspectives relating to withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treatment from children:
The Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria have developed a very helpful policy paper, framework and discussion guide on advance care planning. This has been designed for healthcare professionals working with children who have life-limiting conditions and their families, to help them to have advance care planning conversations. There is also a very helpful App called "Thinking Ahead" produced by The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.