Investigators
Prof Jane Valentine (The Kids Research Institute & Child and Adolescent Health Service), Prof Catherine Elliott (Curtin University & Rural Health West), Dr Tiffany Grisbrook (The Kids Research Institute & The University of Western Australia), Dr Caroline Alexander (The Kids Research Institute & Curtin University), Sue-Anne Davidson (The Kids Research Institute & Child and Adolescent Health Service), A/Prof Alison Salt (The Kids Research Institute & Child and Adolescent Health Service), Dr Sian Williams (The Kids Research Institute & Curtin University), Dr Sarah Hall (The Kids Research Institute & Child and Adolescent Health Service), Dr Simon Garbellini (The Kids Research Institute & Child and Adolescent Health Service), Dr Ashleigh Thornton (The Kids Research Institute & The University of Western Australia), Prof Courtenay Harris (Curtin University), Dr Dayna Pool (Curtin University), A/Prof Roslyn Ward (Curtin University), Dr Anna Gubbay (Child and Adolescent Health Service), Alishum Ali (consumer representative), Dr Anna Robson (Western Australian Country Health Service), A/Prof Mary Sharp (Child and Adolescent Health Service), Slade Sibosabo (Kimberley Aboriginal Health Research Alliance), Prof Alicia Spittle (The University of Melbourne).
Expert advisors
Rohan Leonard (Child and Adolescent Health Service), Richard Bonney, Suzanne Spitz (Western Australian Country Health Service), Dr Andrew Savery (Western Australian Country Health Service), Dr Lynda Weir (Western Australian Country Health Service), Dr Rebecca Cresp (Western Australian Country Health Service), Liam Bedford (Kulunga Aboriginal Unit, The Kids Research Institute), Dr Brad Jongeling (Child and Adolescent Health Service).
CONNECT-CP Project team members
Dr Nofar Ben Itzhak (The Kids Research Institute & Curtin University), Natasha Amery (Child and Adolescent Health Service & The Kids Research Institute & Curtin University), Kathryn Malley (The Kids Research Institute).
Lead agency
Kids Rehab WA, Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS)
Partners
Curtin University, The Kids Research Institute
Project Description
CONNECT-CP is led by Kids Rehab WA (Child and Adolescent Health Service) in collaboration with The Kids Research Institute and Curtin University. CONNECT-CP aims to diagnose cerebral palsy (CP) earlier and ensure all children in Western Australia (WA) have access to early assessment and support. CONNECT-CP will connect services, build local capacity and equip clinicians with tools to provide timely care for children and families. The state-wide clinical and research network will provide:
- Digital Tools for remote assessments using secure video recording & analysis,
- Specialist Education and Training for healthcare providers & families to detect CP earlier, and
- Clear Referral Pathways so families get support faster.
CONNECT-CP Consumer Reference Group Expression of Interest
We are inviting parents and carers to be a part of the CONNECT-CP Consumer Reference Group, for more information:
- CONNECT-CP general background flyer for consumer reference group
- CONNECT-CP consumer reference group CAHS flyer
- Join the CONNECT-CP Consumer reference group
- Contact Us: Connectcp@health.wa.gov.au
News and events
The CONNECT-CP team is going to Hobart, Tasmania for the Oceania Academy Conference in March 2026. If you are a Person with Lived Experience (PWLE), the conference is offering complimentary registration.
CONNECT-CP presentations at the Oceania Academy Conference
- Breakfast seminar: Ben Itzhak, N., Amery, N., Alexander, C., & Valentine J. Ocean to Outback: Bridging Gaps in Access and Equity in Western Australia to Support Early Detection for Every Child.
- Instructional workshop: Ben Itzhak, N., & Salt, A. The European Cerebral Visual Impairment Clinical Practice Guidelines: Advancing early detection and assessment, with Australian and Belgian habilitation practice examples.
- PhD presentation: Davidson, SA. Accelerate WA – development of a statewide early detection network.
Funding partners
Thank you to our funding partners:
- Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF).
