Page 2252 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 16 August 2006
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
Using an approach based on developing individual strengths, the service’s primary objective is to create the circumstances where a family can continue to care for their child and the child can continue to live in the community. The service will work with only 10 families at a time and in such a way as to ensure that at program end the outcomes are sustainable. This means establishing substantial support arrangements and networks for families.
There are a number of key features of this model. Firstly, it provides an intensive six-month period of direct support into the family home with a further six months reduced support, if required. The interventions are developed with the family and take into account the needs and circumstances of each individual in the family, not just the young person with a disability. Disability ACT and the service provider will share the government’s responsibility for intake to the service, as well as the process of review and movement through the service.
Finally, the model includes a comprehensive evaluation strategy that will be developed with a tertiary institution. This will monitor and document service outcomes, review the service model and produce reliable data to support its development and growth in accordance with community need. FABRIC, a highly regarded family-based respite care provider with expertise in working with children and young people with disabilities, was recently announced as the successful provider of the service following an open tender process.
This is a very important initiative and one that holds great hope for enhancing the care and development of young people with disabilities who have high and complex needs. The government and, certainly, I applaud those involved in developing this model for their obvious dedication to the young people that they serve.
Disability ACT’s sister agency, Therapy ACT, is also deeply involved in service provision to young people with disabilities and development delays. In recent years there has been considerable focus on the issue of autism spectrum disorder and a rapid rise in demand for autism assessment in the territory. This rise in demand has been made apparent to me recently with the diagnosis of a friend’s son with Asperger’s autism.
In its 2004-05 budget, the government provided $1.63 million over four years to expand the autism assessment services provided by the government. A multidisciplinary team has been established, as well as a program of expanded assistance to families with children newly diagnosed with autism. Specifically, the team provides family support, both prior to and following assessment, by means of individual counselling, as well as group information, training and network sessions to assist parents to better understand autism. Importantly, the service has been able to reduce the waiting time for assessment from 18 to 20 months and 150 clients to two to three months with five to 10 clients. That is a real achievement in helping those families with children with autism.
Again, it just beggars belief that the Liberal Party has stated in this place that they will not engage in the debate on such important issues. They are not interested in talking about the issue, as they have said today. They do not believe it is important to talk about it today. They do not think that supporting families with autism is important. They do not think that these issues deserve assessment and discussion in this place. They clearly do
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .