On 3 July 2013 Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) released their Living Life My Way Framework: Transitioning NSW to the NDIS.
In response to this Family Advocacy has identified the key points and responded to (them).
Showing posts with label Direct Funding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Direct Funding. Show all posts
Monday, 8 July 2013
Response to 'Living Life My Way' Framework, from Family Advocacy
For some time, Family Advocacy has made individualised funding a priority for for its statewide systemic advocacy efforts, and released this response to further information about NSW policy on 5th July:
Friday, 17 May 2013
Free information sessions on individualised funding: regional NSW
Free information sessions, presented by Resourcing Families:
"Individualised Funding in NSW - What could it mean for you?"
"Individualised Funding in NSW - What could it mean for you?"
Tuesday 4th June Wagga Wagga
Wednesday 5th June Queanbeyan
Thursday 6th June Mittagong
Friday 7th June Bankstown
Tuesday 25th June Tweed Heads
Wednesday 26th June Lismore
Thursday 27th June Grafton
Friday 28th June Armidale
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Moving towards individualised funding: Consumer Development Fund (NSW ADHC)
NSW Minister for Disability Services, Andrew Constance, last week launched the Consumer Development Fund (CDF) to support people with disability and their families make the transition to a new disability system based on self-directed supports and individualised budgets.
$5 million has been allocated to the fund to prepare for the expansion of individualised funding arrangements.
"We want to ensure that people feel comfortable and confident accessing the services they need which best suits their individual circumstances by the time it is introduced in July 2014," Mr Constance said.
"The Consumer Development Fund will assist people to make the most of the opportunities available to them through individualised budgets."
The fund is an initiative of the Living Life My Way consultations where participants identified the need for support which raises awareness of opportunities, builds a person or family’s skills in developing partnerships and networks as well as their capacity to manage their own disability resources.
CDF will support a wide range of capacity building initiatives for people with disability, families, carers from different backgrounds across the State.
The NSW Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) has been engaged to administer the fund under the direction of an advisory group that will have diverse representation from people with disability, families, carers and consumer bodies. CID has significant leadership and expertise in capacity building initiatives and has been close involved in the Living Life My Way consultation process.
"We look forward to assisting people through this change which will ultimately result in them having more control over their lives," said Ms Aine Healy, Executive Director, NSW Council for Intellectual Disability.
"This may be through forums, creating local groups or networks, training or more creative means."
For more information about the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability visit www.nswcid.org.au.
For information about the Person Centred Approaches call 1800 605 489.
Source: Ageing, Disability and Home Care
Friday, 15 June 2012
Putting a price on support needs in individualised funding: seminar
In Control Australia and National Disability Services
invite you to a seminar with
John Waters, Director of Research and Evaluation, In Control UK
Putting a price on support needs in individualised funding: The UK Experience
Thursday 21 June
2.30 - 5.00 pm
Burwood RSL
96 Shaftsbury Road, Burwood
Registration is essential - click here for more information and link to register.
invite you to a seminar with
John Waters, Director of Research and Evaluation, In Control UK
Putting a price on support needs in individualised funding: The UK Experience
Thursday 21 June
2.30 - 5.00 pm
Burwood RSL
96 Shaftsbury Road, Burwood
Registration is essential - click here for more information and link to register.
Monday, 9 January 2012
Self managed support - one young woman's experience
Services and government funding for people with disabilities in NSW are moving towards giving those who wish to consider it, the option of managing their own services (all funded services by 2014). Ability Options' quarterly newsletter, Able Cable - Summer 2011 recounts Bridget Parker's experience with a self managed support package. Bridget has Down syndrome, and lives with significant communication challenges:
For the past two years, twenty-three-year-old Bridget Parker and her family have worked in partnership with staff at Ability Options Self-Managed Services to further Bridget’s interests, meet her needs and achieve her goals ...
Bridget leads an active life.
“I like going to the Merry Makers ... and dance classes ... going to the gym ... working at Penrith Disability Resource Centre and Life Line Op Shop ... I am learning to type, said Bridget. "I am happy now!"
Read the full article online here (p 10).
Bridget leads an active life.
“I like going to the Merry Makers ... and dance classes ... going to the gym ... working at Penrith Disability Resource Centre and Life Line Op Shop ... I am learning to type, said Bridget. "I am happy now!"
Read the full article online here (p 10).
Friday, 7 October 2011
Aboriginal Consultation Dates - Person Centred Approach: October-December 2011
§
Tuesday 18th October – Narrabri
§
Wednesday 19th October –
Moree
§
Thursday 20th October –
Walgett
§
Monday 24th October – Coffs
Harbour
§
Tuesday 25th October –
Kempsey
§
Wednesday 26th October – Nambucca
Heads
§
Tuesday 8th Nov –
Sutherland
§
Thursday 10th Nov –
Bankstown
§
Tuesday 15th Nov –
Albury
§
Wednesday 16th Nov –
Griffith
§
Thursday 17th Nov – Wagga
Wagga
§
Tuesday 22nd Nov –
Gosford
§
Wednesday 23rd Nov –
Newcastle
§ Monday 28th Nov - Dubbo/ Port Macquarie
§
Tuesday 29th Nov - Condobolin /
Taree
§
Tuesday 6th Dec –
Orange
§
Wednesday 7th Dec –
Parkes
§
Tuesday 13th Dec –
Grafton
§
Wednesday 14th Dec –
Casino
§
Thursday 15th Dec –
Ballina
§
Friday 16th Dec - Tweed
Heads
For more information
please contact the office of the Aboriginal Disability Network
NSW on 02 9519 5005 or juner@adnnsw.org.au
Download: Flyer
Baby Sign Playtime!
A fun play session where parents and babies can learn baby signs through songs, stories and games. For babies with and without Down syndrome. $150 per term, with eight sessions lasting 45 minutes.
Now a funded service through Better Start Intervention
Term Four sessions now open for enrolment with classes in both Baulkham Hills (Weds 11am) and Rouse Hill (Fridays 11am).
Term Four sessions now open for enrolment with classes in both Baulkham Hills (Weds 11am) and Rouse Hill (Fridays 11am).
For further information or enrolment, please contact Carolyn on 0431 514 787 or info@hillsnepean.com.au You can visit our website at www.babysignplaytime.com
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Individualised funding for people with disabilities: NSW summit in July 2011, community consultations to follow
Statement issued by the NSW Liberal Party this morning:
A two day summit will be held next month, as the O'Farrell Government looks to implement one of its key reforms to the disabilities sector.
Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Andrew Constance, said individualised funding packages would put carers and people with a disability at the centre of decision-making.
"Under the O'Farrell Government's proposal, people with a disability won't be dictated to by bureaucrats when it comes to the services they receive," Mr Constance said.
"This will put carers and people with a disability in control of their funding arrangements."
A two day summit will be held on the 7th and 8th of July to start the important process of consultation.
"The summit will be the catalyst for a significant program of over 100 consultation sessions which will be held throughout NSW over the second half of this year," Mr Constance said.
"It'll give us the information we need to make sure we are delivering what people want," Mr Constance said.
"The NSW Government is actively seeking the advice of people with a disability about their needs and aspirations for personalised service delivery."
The Government will work with peak bodies such as the Disability Council, NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS), National Disability Service NSW and consumer organisations.
"Individualised funding packages will give people with a disability more choice and control over their lives and futures, including how the system supports them," Mr Constance said.
After this phase of the consultation, the feedback would be analysed to produce a draft person centred model for NSW.
"The O'Farrell Government is committed to building the strongest client-focussed service arrangements in the country."
The NSW Government has committed $2 billion in new growth funding to implement the second phase of Stronger Together, which will see the roll-out of more than 47,000 new disability services and places between 2011 and 2016.
A two day summit will be held next month, as the O'Farrell Government looks to implement one of its key reforms to the disabilities sector.
Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Andrew Constance, said individualised funding packages would put carers and people with a disability at the centre of decision-making.
"Under the O'Farrell Government's proposal, people with a disability won't be dictated to by bureaucrats when it comes to the services they receive," Mr Constance said.
"This will put carers and people with a disability in control of their funding arrangements."
A two day summit will be held on the 7th and 8th of July to start the important process of consultation.
"The summit will be the catalyst for a significant program of over 100 consultation sessions which will be held throughout NSW over the second half of this year," Mr Constance said.
"It'll give us the information we need to make sure we are delivering what people want," Mr Constance said.
"The NSW Government is actively seeking the advice of people with a disability about their needs and aspirations for personalised service delivery."
The Government will work with peak bodies such as the Disability Council, NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS), National Disability Service NSW and consumer organisations.
"Individualised funding packages will give people with a disability more choice and control over their lives and futures, including how the system supports them," Mr Constance said.
After this phase of the consultation, the feedback would be analysed to produce a draft person centred model for NSW.
"The O'Farrell Government is committed to building the strongest client-focussed service arrangements in the country."
The NSW Government has committed $2 billion in new growth funding to implement the second phase of Stronger Together, which will see the roll-out of more than 47,000 new disability services and places between 2011 and 2016.
Friday, 25 March 2011
The BIG EVENT 2011
The NSW Chapter of In Control Australia proudly presents:Self-directed Support: Making it Happen
10th and 11th May 2011, West Ryde
This two-day event will bring together Steve Dowson (UK), speakers from across Australia, people with disability, families, carers, advocates, policy makers, support services, government & administrators to
explore self-directed support in NSW.
Please register your interest by emailing Michael Bleasdale: michaelb@pwd.org.au
Information about In Control Australia is available from the website: www.incontrol.org.au
Friday, 27 August 2010
NSW Government reaffirms commitment to person centred approach to disability services
This media release was issued to coincide with the Minister's address to The Big Event, being held today in Penrith, NSW:
Media release: 27 August 2010
Peter Primrose MLC
Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services
Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteering
Keneally Government reaffirms commitment to person centred approach to disability services
The Minister for Disability Services, Peter Primrose, said today that people with a disability should be “front and centre” in making their own life choices.
He said this view was expressed ‘loud and clear’ at the 13 consultations held across the State on the next 5-year phase of Stronger Together.
“People with disabilities, their families and carers are demanding more choice and I say to them, we hear you,” said Mr Primrose.
“People want person centred approaches, including individualised funding packages and we will deliver that as part of Stronger Together 2.”
“Its no longer about ‘if’ we do it, its about how we do it and making sure we get the model right.”
“That’s why this was at the centre of our consultation on the next 5-year phase of Stronger Together and that’s why we’re now doing the detailed planning as part of the Stronger Together 2 framework,” he said.
He said that the NSW Government had provided $17 million to National Disability Services to establish the Industry Development Fund, which would help service providers introduce more flexible and adaptive services that were responsive to individuals.
“We also have provided $600,000 over three years to the Resourcing Families Project that provides information and seminars for families of children aged up to 18 about using self directed and self managed funding.
“People with a disability and their families will need more information about the services and supports available within the service system and in the community so that they can make informed choices about the services they use and support they access.
“Pilot programs that we have been undertaking will inform us about ways in which information can be provided and how individuals and families can be supported to develop person centred plans which enable them to set life goals based on their strengths and capacity.”
Mr Primrose said that experience with individualised support options had shown that “one size will not fit all”.
“Individuals and families will require a variety of delivery options to choose from in order to meet their needs."
Media release: 27 August 2010
Peter Primrose MLC
Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services
Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteering
Keneally Government reaffirms commitment to person centred approach to disability services
The Minister for Disability Services, Peter Primrose, said today that people with a disability should be “front and centre” in making their own life choices.
He said this view was expressed ‘loud and clear’ at the 13 consultations held across the State on the next 5-year phase of Stronger Together.
“People with disabilities, their families and carers are demanding more choice and I say to them, we hear you,” said Mr Primrose.
“People want person centred approaches, including individualised funding packages and we will deliver that as part of Stronger Together 2.”
“Its no longer about ‘if’ we do it, its about how we do it and making sure we get the model right.”
“That’s why this was at the centre of our consultation on the next 5-year phase of Stronger Together and that’s why we’re now doing the detailed planning as part of the Stronger Together 2 framework,” he said.
He said that the NSW Government had provided $17 million to National Disability Services to establish the Industry Development Fund, which would help service providers introduce more flexible and adaptive services that were responsive to individuals.
“We also have provided $600,000 over three years to the Resourcing Families Project that provides information and seminars for families of children aged up to 18 about using self directed and self managed funding.
“People with a disability and their families will need more information about the services and supports available within the service system and in the community so that they can make informed choices about the services they use and support they access.
“Pilot programs that we have been undertaking will inform us about ways in which information can be provided and how individuals and families can be supported to develop person centred plans which enable them to set life goals based on their strengths and capacity.”
Mr Primrose said that experience with individualised support options had shown that “one size will not fit all”.
“Individuals and families will require a variety of delivery options to choose from in order to meet their needs."
Friday, 9 July 2010
Direct funding success story
New helping hand for those with disabilities
ADELE HORIN
Sydney Morning Herald, July 5, 2010
When Clare Hooper left high school, she attended a special community centre to learn life skills and go on group excursions. As a person with intellectual disabilities and schizophrenia, she was given little choice. The government-funded centre offered her two days of activities with 30 others. And as her mother, Helen, remembers, Ms Hooper was ''bored and unfulfilled''.
Now the 23-year-old lives in her own flat and pursues her passions - painting and drawing - helped by an inspiring teacher, Robyn Chadwick. She has twice won North Sydney Council's annual art prize for people with disabilities.
Ms Hooper is happier and more confident, her mother says, thanks to a new way of funding the needs of people with disabilities - funding families instead of organisations.
''The government gives us $20,000 a year and we have spent it on weekly art lessons, a personal trainer, WeightWatchers, and a support worker when Clare gets casual jobs, '' says Mrs Hooper.
Her daughter, who once rarely left the parental home, now ''walks around the community with her head high''.
A new study, funded by the federal government, reveals as unfounded the qualms many hold about individual funding. ''People don't waste it on gambling,'' says the lead researcher, Karen Fisher, an associate professor in the Social Policy Research Centre, at the University of NSW. ''Families are highly responsible and use the money most judiciously.''
Click here for the online article and to see Brendan Esposito's photographs published with it.
The study commissioned by the Australian Government's Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs is:
Occasional Paper no. 29
Effectiveness of individual funding approaches for disability support
by Karen Fisher, Ryan Gleeson, Robyn Edwards, Christiane Purcal, Tomasz Sitek, Brooker Dinning, Carmel Laragy, Lel D'Aegher and Denise Thompson, Social Policy Research Centre and Disability Studies and Research Centre, University of New South Wales (2010)
This report was funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs under the Social Policy Research Services agreements, and undertaken by the Social Policy Research Centre and the Disability Studies and Research Centre at the University of New South Wales. It examined the effectiveness of individual funding of disability support and aimed to inform policy to improve the provision of disability support. Individual funding is defined in this report as a portable package of funds allocated for a particular person that facilitates control over how they purchase their disability support needs. The way individual funding is organised varies in relation to who holds the funds, which parts of it are portable and what disability support types it can be spent on from which parts of the market. Individual funding is more likely to be used by people of working age with low support needs, by male and non-Indigenous service users, by people with one disability and by people without informal care networks.
ADELE HORIN
Sydney Morning Herald, July 5, 2010
When Clare Hooper left high school, she attended a special community centre to learn life skills and go on group excursions. As a person with intellectual disabilities and schizophrenia, she was given little choice. The government-funded centre offered her two days of activities with 30 others. And as her mother, Helen, remembers, Ms Hooper was ''bored and unfulfilled''.
Now the 23-year-old lives in her own flat and pursues her passions - painting and drawing - helped by an inspiring teacher, Robyn Chadwick. She has twice won North Sydney Council's annual art prize for people with disabilities.
Ms Hooper is happier and more confident, her mother says, thanks to a new way of funding the needs of people with disabilities - funding families instead of organisations.
''The government gives us $20,000 a year and we have spent it on weekly art lessons, a personal trainer, WeightWatchers, and a support worker when Clare gets casual jobs, '' says Mrs Hooper.
Her daughter, who once rarely left the parental home, now ''walks around the community with her head high''.
A new study, funded by the federal government, reveals as unfounded the qualms many hold about individual funding. ''People don't waste it on gambling,'' says the lead researcher, Karen Fisher, an associate professor in the Social Policy Research Centre, at the University of NSW. ''Families are highly responsible and use the money most judiciously.''
Click here for the online article and to see Brendan Esposito's photographs published with it.
The study commissioned by the Australian Government's Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs is:
Occasional Paper no. 29
Effectiveness of individual funding approaches for disability support
by Karen Fisher, Ryan Gleeson, Robyn Edwards, Christiane Purcal, Tomasz Sitek, Brooker Dinning, Carmel Laragy, Lel D'Aegher and Denise Thompson, Social Policy Research Centre and Disability Studies and Research Centre, University of New South Wales (2010)
This report was funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs under the Social Policy Research Services agreements, and undertaken by the Social Policy Research Centre and the Disability Studies and Research Centre at the University of New South Wales. It examined the effectiveness of individual funding of disability support and aimed to inform policy to improve the provision of disability support. Individual funding is defined in this report as a portable package of funds allocated for a particular person that facilitates control over how they purchase their disability support needs. The way individual funding is organised varies in relation to who holds the funds, which parts of it are portable and what disability support types it can be spent on from which parts of the market. Individual funding is more likely to be used by people of working age with low support needs, by male and non-Indigenous service users, by people with one disability and by people without informal care networks.
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
"Supported living - Creating a home of one's own with self directed support": In Control Australia forum
Monday August 9 2010
Theaterette, NSW Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney
This seminar will showcase Homes West, Brisbane and My Place, Perth, two services that support people with disability in homes of their own with a combination of formal and informal support.
Access a flier and online registration via the Family Advocacy website here.
In Control Australia is a group of individuals and organisations who aim to bring about systemic policy change in Australia to enable individuals with disability and their families to manage their support. The organisation is an affiliate of In Control UK and works to provide an avenue for information exchange, critical inquiry, dialogue, collaboration, leadership and influence.
Theaterette, NSW Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney
This seminar will showcase Homes West, Brisbane and My Place, Perth, two services that support people with disability in homes of their own with a combination of formal and informal support.
Access a flier and online registration via the Family Advocacy website here.
In Control Australia is a group of individuals and organisations who aim to bring about systemic policy change in Australia to enable individuals with disability and their families to manage their support. The organisation is an affiliate of In Control UK and works to provide an avenue for information exchange, critical inquiry, dialogue, collaboration, leadership and influence.
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
NSW Budget 2010-2011: $2.4 billion for ageing and disability services
Louise Hall reports in today's Sydney Morning Herald, on the NSW budget's boost to social services, "Disability and Ageing gets a 9.1 per cent rise to $2.4 billion, but the second phase of the 10-year $1.3 billion Stronger Together disability reforms are not in the forward estimates."
Media Release from Ageing, Disability and Home Care following the tabling of the 2010-2011 NSW State budget: 8 June 2010
The Keneally Government’s budget for services to people with a disability, their families and their carers and older people will eclipse $2.4 billion, up $206 million from 2009-10.
NSW Minister for Ageing and Minister for Disability Services, Peter Primrose, said the massive investment reflected Labor’s spending and policy priorities outlined in Stronger Together, the NSW Government’s 10-year plan to expand services for people with a disability.
“The 2010-11 Budget is a tangible delivery on the Keneally Government’s commitment to deliver better services and facilities for NSW’s most vulnerable members – frail elderly people and people with a disability,” Mr Primrose said.
“This year the Keneally Government has allocated a total of $2.468 billion to Ageing, Disability and Home Care, an increase of 9.1 per cent over the previous year.
“Over the past five years, the budget for ageing and disability services has increased by $710.4 million or 40.4 per cent, enabling the NSW Government to deliver services to more than 280,000 people across the state.
“This Budget represents the fifth year of the NSW Government’s historic reshaping of the sector under Stronger Together, which will deliver an extra $1.3 billion in funding over its first five years.
“This will fund continued increases in existing services, such as respite for carers of people with a disability who need a break from their caring responsibilities, therapy services for children and supported accommodation for people with disabilities who can not live at home.”
Mr Primrose said that key areas of focus and expenditure for 2010/11 included:
● $203.4 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $48.3 million over 2009-10) to fund 401 new supported accommodation places. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 there will be an additional 1,370 places, with costs over the five years totalling $590 million;
● $26.2 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $2.9 million over 2009-10) to prevent young people entering nursing homes, improve the circumstances of younger people in nursing homes and develop alternative models of support for young people living in nursing homes. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 $80 million will be have been spent;
● $6 million in 2010-11 to provide alternative accommodation support for people with a disability located in Boarding Houses;
● $71 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $13.3 million over 2009-10) to increase support from three days a week to four days a week (and five days for people with very high support needs) for people with a significant disability who leave school but are unable to enter the workforce. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11, an estimated 6,240 people will be supported via the Agency’s post school programs at a cost of $235.3 million;
● $42.4 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $4.8 million over 2009-10) for an additional 103 attendant care (intensive in-home support) places. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 an additional 612 places will be provided at a cost of $120.1 million;
● $11 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $2.7 million over 2009-10) to provide intensive support packages for children and young people and their families. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 an additional 1,840 packages will be provided at a cost of $31.2 million;
● $14.2 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $2.3 million over 2009-10) for additional therapy places. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 therapy places will increase by 2,880 at a cost of $40.6 million;
● $34.3 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $2.4 million over 2009-10) to provide 159 new flexible respite packages. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 an additional 2,243 packages will be provided at a cost of $110.7 million;
● $11 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $1.2 million over 2009-10) for day program places. An additional 780 places will be provided over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 at a cost of $33.3 million;
● $5 million over four years ($1.5 million in 2010-11) to provide intensive assistance for 410 children and their families with managing problem behaviours, both at home and at school;
● $585.8 million in 2010/11 (an increase of $48.1 million over 2009-10) for HACC services which include domestic assistance, social support, meals, transport, case management and respite; and
● $2 million in 2010/11 (an increase of $2.0 million over 2009-10) for additional support and early intervention for autism.
Mr Primrose said that the Government had also made provision in the budget to start or ramp up trials of new services for people with a disability.
“The extra 103 attendant care packages will coincide with an expansion of a program where people self manage the services that they receive,” he said.
“This will allow people to be more independent and have input into their services – so that they get the services that they need, when they need them.
“The Keneally Government has also allocated $79.3 million in capital expenditure for this year, including $56.8 million to continue work on building or renovating existing accommodation facilities and $9.2 million to start work on new accommodation.
“In this budget we have sought to provide the additional funding needed under Stronger Together to make an impact on service levels immediately while planning for long-term, sustainable changes that will deliver a more flexible, efficient, transparent and fairer system.
“There is more that we can do – and we are doing more. The Keneally Government is providing more therapy, more accommodation, more respite and more services that people with a disability, their families and the carers need,” Mr Primrose said.
Media Release from Ageing, Disability and Home Care following the tabling of the 2010-2011 NSW State budget: 8 June 2010
The Keneally Government’s budget for services to people with a disability, their families and their carers and older people will eclipse $2.4 billion, up $206 million from 2009-10.
NSW Minister for Ageing and Minister for Disability Services, Peter Primrose, said the massive investment reflected Labor’s spending and policy priorities outlined in Stronger Together, the NSW Government’s 10-year plan to expand services for people with a disability.
“The 2010-11 Budget is a tangible delivery on the Keneally Government’s commitment to deliver better services and facilities for NSW’s most vulnerable members – frail elderly people and people with a disability,” Mr Primrose said.
“This year the Keneally Government has allocated a total of $2.468 billion to Ageing, Disability and Home Care, an increase of 9.1 per cent over the previous year.
“Over the past five years, the budget for ageing and disability services has increased by $710.4 million or 40.4 per cent, enabling the NSW Government to deliver services to more than 280,000 people across the state.
“This Budget represents the fifth year of the NSW Government’s historic reshaping of the sector under Stronger Together, which will deliver an extra $1.3 billion in funding over its first five years.
“This will fund continued increases in existing services, such as respite for carers of people with a disability who need a break from their caring responsibilities, therapy services for children and supported accommodation for people with disabilities who can not live at home.”
Mr Primrose said that key areas of focus and expenditure for 2010/11 included:
● $203.4 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $48.3 million over 2009-10) to fund 401 new supported accommodation places. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 there will be an additional 1,370 places, with costs over the five years totalling $590 million;
● $26.2 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $2.9 million over 2009-10) to prevent young people entering nursing homes, improve the circumstances of younger people in nursing homes and develop alternative models of support for young people living in nursing homes. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 $80 million will be have been spent;
● $6 million in 2010-11 to provide alternative accommodation support for people with a disability located in Boarding Houses;
● $71 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $13.3 million over 2009-10) to increase support from three days a week to four days a week (and five days for people with very high support needs) for people with a significant disability who leave school but are unable to enter the workforce. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11, an estimated 6,240 people will be supported via the Agency’s post school programs at a cost of $235.3 million;
● $42.4 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $4.8 million over 2009-10) for an additional 103 attendant care (intensive in-home support) places. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 an additional 612 places will be provided at a cost of $120.1 million;
● $11 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $2.7 million over 2009-10) to provide intensive support packages for children and young people and their families. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 an additional 1,840 packages will be provided at a cost of $31.2 million;
● $14.2 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $2.3 million over 2009-10) for additional therapy places. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 therapy places will increase by 2,880 at a cost of $40.6 million;
● $34.3 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $2.4 million over 2009-10) to provide 159 new flexible respite packages. Over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 an additional 2,243 packages will be provided at a cost of $110.7 million;
● $11 million in 2010-11 (an increase of $1.2 million over 2009-10) for day program places. An additional 780 places will be provided over the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 at a cost of $33.3 million;
● $5 million over four years ($1.5 million in 2010-11) to provide intensive assistance for 410 children and their families with managing problem behaviours, both at home and at school;
● $585.8 million in 2010/11 (an increase of $48.1 million over 2009-10) for HACC services which include domestic assistance, social support, meals, transport, case management and respite; and
● $2 million in 2010/11 (an increase of $2.0 million over 2009-10) for additional support and early intervention for autism.
Mr Primrose said that the Government had also made provision in the budget to start or ramp up trials of new services for people with a disability.
“The extra 103 attendant care packages will coincide with an expansion of a program where people self manage the services that they receive,” he said.
“This will allow people to be more independent and have input into their services – so that they get the services that they need, when they need them.
“The Keneally Government has also allocated $79.3 million in capital expenditure for this year, including $56.8 million to continue work on building or renovating existing accommodation facilities and $9.2 million to start work on new accommodation.
“In this budget we have sought to provide the additional funding needed under Stronger Together to make an impact on service levels immediately while planning for long-term, sustainable changes that will deliver a more flexible, efficient, transparent and fairer system.
“There is more that we can do – and we are doing more. The Keneally Government is providing more therapy, more accommodation, more respite and more services that people with a disability, their families and the carers need,” Mr Primrose said.
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Direct Funding - dscussion paper from NSW Liberals/Nationals
An interesting initiative from the NSW Opposition, on Direct Funding for people with disabilities - more detail is available from communityNet and the discussion paper, Personalising Service Delivery, a Discussion Paper by the NSW Liberals/Nationals, can be downloaded from here.
Opposition pledges new deal for disabled
Brian Robins, Sydney Morning Herald, April 6, 2009
Brian Robins, Sydney Morning Herald, April 6, 2009
The NSW Opposition is proposing to overhaul the delivery of disability services, which may emerge as a template for its approach to social services in the state if it gains power in 2011.
It said its policy was to give disabled people money and the ability to choose the services they needed, rather than having this organised for them by government-provided caseworkers.
This approach has already been adopted in other states, such as Victoria and Queensland, but with only small pilot programs under way in NSW.
"The emphasis on quality of life outcomes for people with disability is central to the development of our plan," the Opposition spokesman on Disability Services, Andrew Constance, said. The Opposition released a discussion paper outlining its proposal as it seeks to win broader backing for the plan.
"It's going to require quite a rejig of the existing process," said Catherine Hogan, the director of Family Advocacy, a disability support group.
"At present, control resides with the Government. But until this is turned around, giving people with disability and their families the ability to choose what they need and where to get it, then people with disabilities will remain vulnerable.
"We have too many people abandoned by the system."
Mr Constance said: "We have to increasingly look at giving back choice and control. It needs to be done very carefully and cautiously, but we need to put a stake in the ground on this."
He said much discussion within the social services sector had focused on individualised funding packages.
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