Page 1454 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 6 April 2011
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look at proposed options including service models, costings and the location of any service including specialist school environments. I think we have recognised the benefits of exploring the four specialist schools as a site or a location provision of this service.
I remind members that we are talking about young people’s lives and futures and I think our response to their needs deserve some careful consideration. Young people with disability, particularly those with complex needs, are vulnerable and are likely to experience social isolation, financial disadvantage and limited vocational opportunities. These children and young people deserve the benefit of services that have been properly considered. I, as the minister, want to be able to say that we have done everything we can to ensure that the eventual provision is consistent with good practice and provides opportunities for our young people to live good lives.
This would be a good time to remind the Assembly that the government supports and funds a range of community services. I draw members’ attention to the Gungahlin Regional Community Services after-school and vacation activities which are available for young people with a disability over the age of 12, and I understand that 30 to 40 young people use this service. This government also provides funding for Noah’s Ark to continue the delivery of an after-school care program for children with a disability in the south of Canberra. I understand that approximately 20 primary and secondary school students attend this service.
School-aged children and young people with disabilities are also supported by respite services after school. Disability ACT provides centre-based respite care at two locations, Kese in Belconnen and Teen House at Narrabundah, and I also remind members that social inclusion is a key commitment under the National Disability Agreement. This commitment is also reflected in Future directions—toward challenge 2014, and I draw the Assembly’s attention to strategic priority 3, which is “I want to socialise and engage in the community”. The ACT government policy framework for children and young people with a disability and their families also highlights the key principle that as far as possible children and young people with a disability should have their needs met through mainstream services used by all children and young people and their families.
I certainly recognise that in the conversations I have had with organisations and with families there is a mixed interest in locations and also in having their children supported in a mainstream environment, but there is also consideration about being supported within a special school environment. These natural and normalised supports are preferred options wherever possible because of the benefits of an inclusive approach. However, we recognise that in certain circumstances specialist services are required when natural supports and mainstream community services are not able to meet specific needs. Madam Assistant Speaker, I seek leave to move amendments circulated in my name. I move:
Omit all words after paragraph (1)(f), substitute:
“(1) (g) that the ACT Government has tabled its response to the Standing Committee on Health, Community and Social Services Report: Love Has Its Limits—Respite Care Services in the ACT; and
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