|
 Case management is the program through which client intake and needs assessment occurs. It is also the conduit for referrals to our other internal programs and to external service providers including agencies, support networks and pro bono practitioners.
In 2005-06, intake assessments were conducted with 185 new clients and direct services were provided to several hundred asylum seekers in total. The program is staffed by a full-time Casework Coordinator and Caseworker.
Case Management services include:
referrals for: emergency or short-term accommodation (where available); emergency financial or material support (where available); pro bono legal advice (where available); centre-based health care (on a priority basis); mental health crisis intervention and external counselling or psychiatric support (where available); centre-based and external English classes; TAFE courses; and centre-based job seeking support (where eligible) and recreational activities
individual advocacy with government bodies for improved entitlements and eligibility for services (We liaise primarily with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), Medicare, the NSW Department of Housing and the NSW Department of Education and Training)
provision of social work support (including, where relevant, in relation to making departure preparations).
Clients are eligible for ASC case management services for the duration of the processing of their applications for refugee protection or permission to remain in Australia on humanitarian or compassionate grounds. This can range from a few months to many years. However the intensity and duration of case management undertaken with clients varies extensively.
We currently provide highest priority case management assistance to clients who meet one or more of the following criteria:
-
apparent suicidal ideation
-
critical unmanaged physical or mental health issue/s, including those related to torture and trauma experiences
-
actual or threatened homelessness
-
imminent prospect of detention or deportation
-
long-term ineligibility for income and health care entitlements combined with a lack of alternative supports
-
other compelling circumstances
The second level of priority assistance is provided to those who meet one or more of the following criteria:
-
ineligibility for income and health care entitlements combined with ineligibility for government-funded support, including the Red Cross-administered Asylum Seekers Assistance Scheme
-
in unstable or very short-term accommodation
-
high physical or psychological health support needs
-
at a critical legal juncture and lacking appropriate legal advice
-
suffering extreme social isolation
On the rare occasion that a person presents to us for assistance without a valid visa or without having yet lodged a protection visa application, we refer the person to a lawyer as a priority, to regularise his/her legal status, prior to engaging in further casework.
|
