Question On Notice No. 3007 asked in the Legislative Council on 23 June 2020 by Hon Alison Xamon
Question Directed to the: Minister for Disability Services
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the Disability Justice Centre (DJC) and to work done to support people accommodated at the DJC to transition back into the community, and I ask:
(a) do DJC policies support community sector disability support services to provide in-reach services to individuals accommodated at the centre;
(b) if yes to (a):
(i) which organisations have provided in-reach services to the DJC;
(ii) how often have these organisations attended the DJC; and
(iii) please table any memorandums of understanding relating to this work; and
(c) if no to (a), why not?
Answered on 8 September 2020
(a) In-reach services are traditionally provided to individuals in environments that cannot facilitate an individual accessing external, community-based support services.
Given the Bennett Brook Disability Justice Centre’s classification as a declared place, supports on-site are typically provided by centre staff. Should a resident be approved for leaves of absence by the Mentally Impaired Accused Review Board, external, community-based support services may be engaged.
The Centre supports individuals to access a variety of community-based services, such as a general practitioner, mental health supports, drug rehabilitation, education activities, and recreation opportunities in preparation for a successful transition back into the community.
(b) (i) Since the Centre opened in August 2015, targeted recreational and personal development information and/or programs have been delivered to residents by WA Child Safety Services and DADAA.
ii) The information and/or programs provided by these organisations are as follows:
- WA Child Safety Services has provided 5 one-hour sessions to a Centre Resident; and
- DADAA is an arts and health organisation that creates access to cultural activities for people with disability or a mental illness. DADAA has provided the following in the DJC:
- specific multi-media projects for 2 Residents.
- a painting program, available to all Residents at the Centre, to encourage communication between residents and individual self-expression. These programs have been provided on a regular basis since the Centre opened in 2015.
iii) The Department of Communities does not have a memorandum of understanding with disability sector organisations as this may limit the choice and control of individuals.
Residents of the Centre (or their guardians) can exercise choice and control over which disability support organisation they want to support them when they are in the community, in line with the principles of the NDIS.
(c) Not applicable.