Page 803 - Week 02 - Thursday, 25 February 2010

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video

---

(7) All victims of a violent crime which occurred in the ACT are entitled to eight hours of service to support their recovery from the harm suffered as a result of the crime. An additional 12 contact hours of service are extended on a discretionary basis in two, six hour blocks. Client care coordinators assess the extension of contact hours using progress reports and recommendations supplied by the client’s approved provider. A decision to extend the hours is made in consultation with the client, the approved provider and for more complex cases, the service manager of Victim Support ACT. The paramount issue is the therapeutic benefit the client would derive from further hours of service.

(8) Yes. When a client first makes contact with Victim Support ACT, a Client Care Coordinator makes an initial assessment about the presenting issues and will inform and refer the client to other services as required. Following this contact, clients are sent a Victims of Crime Help Card with contact details for a range of government and non-government services (including VOCAL, Police Victim Liaison Officers etc) as specified in Victim Support ACT’s Client Reception Policy.

During the intake assessment, a further assessment of their needs is undertaken and clients are asked about what other services might be involved in providing them support. Clients are referred to a range of other services that are appropriate to their needs, including providers who are funded by JACS, for example: the Home Safety Program through SupportLink.

(9) No. Clients are presented with opportunities to choose their provider at reception, intake and at stages in their care plan. All clients receive a “Help Card” at reception, which identifies victim agencies, both government and non-government. At intake, the client care coordinator will discuss with the client their options and preferences for referral. A care plan will be drafted, which reflects the client’s preferences. This care plan is reviewed at each extension of contact hours.

(10)

(Note: the drop in VOCAL referrals occurred as the Home Safety Program (HSP), Victims Support ACT and the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre became established within the SupportLink e framework. Most victims of crime sought information on improving home security following a burglary (as provided by the Home SafetyProgram) or counselling support as provided by the funded provider for this service - VSACT or Canberra Rape Crisis Centre)

(11) Yes. In 2008/09 JACS provided $50,000 (GST excl) towards the ACT Home Safety Program www.homesafety.act.gov.au and $50,000 (GST excl) towards a Paramedic Support Program that includes welfare support for staff and a referral program for clients identified as vulnerable or at risk.

---

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video