Your Needs, Our Focus Supporting people with intellectual disability and their families. You can call us on 9474 3303 www.identitywa.com.au
Welcome Seeking support in caring for your child with an intellectual disability is a positive step that can help maintain your family’s health and harmony. At identitywa, we can help you achieve this through our Respite and Recreation Services. These services create opportunities for your child to develop social and life skills, and to have fun with their peers. They also give you time to rest, relax and focus on your needs. At identitywa, we have over 35 years experience in supporting people with disability. We are an outreach of the Catholic Church, and base our work on strongly held values of Care, Quality, Justice, Respect and Cooperation. In accessing our services, you can rest assured that your child will enjoy high quality support, and be engaged in a range of positive experiences. We thank you for the opportunity to provide support to your family, and look forward to seeing you soon.
Marina Re Chief Executive Officer
Contents 01
OUR SERVICES
02
OUT-OF-HOME RESPITE
04
IN-HOME RESPITE
06
RECREATION
08
USEFUL INFORMATION
10
OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
01 | OUR SERVICES
Our services
Our Staff
identitywa can support you and your child in three ways:
In each of our services, your child will be supported by specialist staff such as Social Trainers, Residential Aides, Family Support Workers and Recreation Assistants.
• Out-of-Home Respite • In-Home Respite • Recreation
Eligibility Your child can access identitywa’s services if they are: • Under 18 years of age; • Have an intellectual disability; • Can have their medical and behavioural needs met by our service; and • Live with their family or carer in a private home.
All staff are trained in First Aid, manual handling, medication administration and managing complex needs. They must also have a National Police Certificate and Working With Children Certificate. Staff can also undertake servicespecific training according to the needs of the children they support.
Make contact If you have any questions after reading this guide, contact our friendly Client Services Officer on 9474 3303 or email clientservices@identitywa.com.au
Out-of-Home Respite The houses
02 | OUT-OF-HOME RESPITE
Out-of-Home Respite offers you regular, planned breaks from caring for your child.
Both houses have a warm and homely environment where your child will feel safe and secure.
Out-of-Home Respite means your child stays with us at one of our Children’s Respite Houses. During their stay they receive high quality care, and are involved in a range of fun activities at the house and in the community.
Each house caters for up to 6 children at a time, so there are plenty of opportunities for them to make new friends. Each house is well-placed with aids and equipment.
Locations We have two Children’s Respite Houses. One located north of the river in Nollamara; the other south of the river in Riverton. Both are in quiet residential streets.
NOLLAMARA CHILDREN’S RESPITE PERTH
RIVERTON CHILDREN’S RESPITE FREMANTLE
Respite options places for those with Individual Family Support funding, or for those wishing to include identitywa in their Family Living Initiative.
Stay options outlined in the table below can be negotiated with the Coordinator to cater for your family’s circumstances:
The current fee schedule will be discussed at our initial meeting with you.
During respite Although identitywa is not a crisis service, we do try to respond in emergency situations if we have a vacancy.
Bookings Bookings are made several weeks in advance through the Coordinator.
Fees identitywa’s Out-of-Home Respite Service is partly funded by the Disability Services Commission. We also offer fee-for-service
We will provide your child with all meals and a laundry service. Staff will follow your child’s routine as closely as possible and will continue their regular programs e.g. physiotherapy. There are also plenty of opportunities for your child to be involved in community and centrebased activities suited to their interests and abilities.
Out-of-Home Respite Stay Options STAY TYPE
DAYS
FROM
TO
Day
Monday to Friday
9am
3pm
Overnight
Monday to Sunday
3pm onwards
2pm on day of departure
03 | OUT-OF-HOME RESPITE
You can access respite during the day and/or overnight. Your child’s stay with us can range from a few hours to a few days.
04 | IN-HOME RESPITE In-Home Respite Options TYPES
DAYS
MINIMUM
Day & Evening
Monday to Sunday
3 hours preferred
In-Home Respite In-Home Respite is another way for you to have regular, planned breaks from caring for your child.
We will make sure your allocated Family Support Worker fits comfortably with your family.
Locations Our In-Home Respite Service is available throughout the Perth metropolitan area.
To make bookings additional to your regular respite times, you can contact the In-Home Respite Coordinator.
Fees identitywa’s In-Home Respite Service is funded by Home and Community Care (HACC). However, a nominal fee is charged. The current fee schedule will be discussed at our initial meeting with you. HACC guidelines stipulate that no families may be disadvantaged by an inability to pay. If you have difficulty paying, feel free to discuss this with the Coordinator. See page 8 for ways to pay your fees.
Respite options Respite is generally booked on a regular, ongoing basis, but we can also cater for particular occasions. Times and length of respite can be negotiated with the service Coordinator. Although identitywa is not a crisis service, we do try to respond in emergency situations if possible.
During respite During respite, staff will follow your child’s routine as closely as possible, including any regular programs e.g. physiotherapy. They will also ensure your child is engaged in a range of enjoyable activities suited to their interests and abilities.
05 | IN-HOME RESPITE
In-Home Respite means a Family Support Worker will come to your home to care for your child. They will also engage them in a range of positive experiences at home and in the community.
Bookings
Recreation identitywa’s Recreation Service allows your child to take part in a range of enjoyable community-based experiences including sport, movies, music, nature, art and science. A brief description of each service is outlined below: Respite Through Recreation
06 | RECREATION
Our Respite Through Recreation (RTR) program enables 6-18 year olds to take part in a community recreation group of their choice, on an ongoing basis.
When: The time will depend on the activity and group chosen. A minimum booking of 3 hours is preferred. Where: The activity can be undertaken anywhere within your local community. Who: Your child will be supported by a Recreation Assistant.
Day Outings Day Outings enable 6-18 year olds to experience a range of recreational activities for a whole day. The Perth Zoo, SciTech and Spare Parts Puppet Theatre are some examples of our Day Outings.
When: Weekdays during
school holidays. Where: Throughout the Perth metropolitan area and its outskirts. Who: Four children with 3-4 support staff.
school holidays. Where: The location will depend on the activity chosen by the siblings. Who: Up to three siblings and one Recreation Assistant.
The Teen Program
Camps
The Teen Program enables 13-18 years olds to participate in social and recreational activities with a peer of similar age and interests. The teens and their families decide which activities they’ll pursue.
Camps enable 6-18 year olds to participate in a range of social and recreational activities over three days during the school holidays.
When: Weekdays during school holidays. Where: The location will depend on the activity chosen by the teens. Who: Two teens with one Recreation Assistant.
Sibling Connections Program The Sibling Connections Program enables 6-18 year olds to access community-based activities with up to two of their siblings. Siblings should be aged between 6-18 years with no significant medical or behavioural support needs. Siblings and their family decide which activities they’ll pursue.
When: Weekdays for 3 days and 2 nights. Where: West Australian country towns or the Perth metropolitan area. Who: Four participants with 3-4 support staff. Support is also available for family camps.
Fees identitywa’s Recreation Services are funded by the Disability Services Commission and Lotterywest. However, a set fee is charged. The current fee schedule will be discussed at our initial meeting with you. See page 8 for payment methods.
07 | RECREATION
When: Weekdays during
Useful information Application process - To access any of our services:
1
Ring identitywa on 9474 3303 and ask to speak to a Client Services Officer.
2
They will arrange for a staff member to visit you to discuss your child’s needs.
3
A plan is then developed which outlines supports to be provided for your child.
4
A Service Agreement is signed and your child’s first contact is arranged.
08 | USEFUL INFORMATION
Please note that for our more popular services, there may be a waiting period until a vacancy becomes available. Every effort is made to allocate services fairly and according to the needs and preferences of each family.
Paying fees identitywa has a monthly billing system. You can pay your fees in the following ways:
1
Phone 9474 3303 to pay by credit card (a 2.5% service charge applies).
2
Send a cheque or money order to PO Box 5, South Perth WA 6951.
3
Transfer funds electronically (EFT). Account details are printed on your invoice.
4
Pay in person at Head Office: 46 David St, Kensington. Pay by cash, cheque, money order, EFTPOS or credit card.
Communication At identitywa, we value clear communication with families. We will always give you a verbal report on your child’s participation in our services, and can provide a written summary on request. You’re always welcome to talk to staff about issues relating to your child’s involvement in our services.
We Value Your Views
If you would like to tell us what we’re doing well, or raise a concern about our service, see our brochure called ‘We Value Your Views’ - it will guide you through this process. We occasionally conduct client satisfaction surveys and focus groups. These are another opportunity for you to have your say about our services.
Confidentiality In accordance with the Privacy Act, information you give to us will only be used for the purpose it was provided.
09 | USEFUL INFORMATION
We welcome written or verbal feedback from you at any time. Your feedback helps us improve our services to better meet your family’s needs.
Our Commitment To Quality VISION, MISSION & VALUES Our clear Vision, Mission and Values are a constant guide to ensure we maintain a high quality service for which we have become known: Our Vision: A compassionate and socially just society that is inclusive of people with disabilities and their families.
Our Mission: To maximise the wellbeing, potential and quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities – in particular, those with high support needs and/or expressed spiritual needs.
10 | OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
Our Core Values Care: We promote well-being and enable people to develop to their full potential
Quality: We are accountable for our decisions and actions and ensure services are holistic and responsive to people’s needs.
Justice: We share power for the benefit of all and advocate for equality of opportunity and just outcomes.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK We also use the Disability Services Commission’s Quality Management Framework to measure how successful we are in supporting you to achieve the following outcomes in your life: Positive relationships
Respect: We value people’s worth and dignity and treat people with honesty and integrity
Cooperation: We work to build
Lifestyle of choice Outcome: Individuals, families and carers have choice and control over the lifestyle they want to live.
POLICIES identitywa also has a comprehensive range of policies which guide our service delivery to you. You are entitled to access these policies. Some which may interest you are available at www.identitywa.com.au
Support networks Outcome: Individuals, families and carers have confidence in their support networks now and into the future.
Wellbeing Outcome: Individuals, families and carers maintain or improve their sense of wellbeing.
11 | OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
community throughout the organisation and demonstrate openness by working together towards positive outcomes.
Outcome: Individuals, families and carers have healthy, strong relationships and connections with their families and broader communities.
Our Commitment To Quality DISABILITY SERVICES STANDARDS The Disability Services Standards offer a third means of ensuring you receive the level of service to which you are entitled. These Standards define what government expects services to achieve when assisting people with disability and their families. To ensure we comply with these standards, we are monitored by the Disability Services Commission’s Independent Quality Management process and the National Annual Data Collection.
12 | OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
These Standards cover our OutOf-Home Respite and Recreation Services.
Standard 1 Service Access Each consumer seeking a service has access to a service on the basis of relative need and available resources.
Standard 2 Individual Needs
Standard 6 Valued Status
Each person with a disability receives a service which is designed to meet, in the least restrictive way, his or her individual needs and personal goals.
Each person with a disability has the opportunity to develop and maintain skills and to participate in activities that enable him or her to achieve valued roles in the community.
Standard 3 Decision Making & Choice Each person with a disability has the opportunity to participate as fully as possible in making decisions about the events and activities of his or her daily life in relation to the services he or she receives.
Each consumer’s right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality in all aspects of his or her life is recognised and respected.
Standard 5 Participation & Integration Each person with a disability is supported and encouraged to participate and be involved in the life of the community.
Each consumer is free to raise and have resolved, any complaints or disputes he or she may have regarding the service provider or the service.
Standard 8 Service Management Each service provider adopts sound management practices which maximise outcomes for consumers.
Standard 9 Protection of Human Rights & Freedom from Abuse and Neglect. The service provider acts to prevent abuse and neglect, and to uphold the legal and human rights of consumers.
13 | OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
Standard 4 Privacy, Dignity & Confidentiality
Standard 7 Complaints & Disputes
Our Commitment To Quality COMMUNITY CARE COMMON STANDARDS The quality of our In-Home Respite Service is assessed against the WA Department of Health’s Community Care Common Standards. Standard 1 Effective Management The service provider demonstrates effective management processes based on a continuous improvement approach to service management, planning and delivery.
Standard 2 Appropriate Access and Service Delivery
14 | OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
Each service user (and prospective service user) has access to services, and service users receive appropriate services that are planned, delivered and evaluated in partnership with themselves and/or their representative.
Standard 3 Service User Rights and Responsibilities Each service user (and/or their representative) is provided with information to assist them to make service choices, and has the right (and responsibility) to be consulted and respected. Service users (and/or their representative) have access to complaints and advocacy information and processes, and their privacy and confidentiality and right to independence is respected.
We thank you for the opportunity to provide support to your family, and look forward to seeing you soon.
Head Office 46 David Street, Kensington WA 6151 PO Box 5, South Perth WA 6951 T (08) 9474 3303 | F (08) 9474 3315 E clientservices@identitywa.com.au www.identitywa.com.au