CJP removed from Sue's case

The CJP have been taken off Sue's case. To say I'm happy about this is an understatement. Sue's move will now be handled by Hunter Residences which is fabulous news. They are the organisation that currently house her so they completely understand what her needs are and what staff safety issues there are as well as any community issues. I feel a tremendous weight has been lifted and my stress levels instantly went down after speaking with the staff now involved. I will blog a bit more info about why I am so please about this but for now it is the best news I've had around Sue ans her moving since she was housed where she currently lives.

Norton Road Move cancelled

After all the hassles with the proposed move. The fact that I would not be allowed to look at plans CJP had in place for the move, the set up for her space etc the move was cancelled. I'm not upset about that at all, finally CJP looked at a space with real consideration for Sue's needs and deemed that Norton Road could not meet her needs. In reality where does that leave Sue though? Norton Road is the only other specialised unit in the state (beside Kanangra, which is slated to close by 2018) that can deal with client with complex mental health, intellectual disabilities and behaviour disorders. I have heard that Kanangra is going to be remodelled. I have strongly suggested to the CJP that wherever the Kanangra are moved to Sue needs to stay with that core group. They're has been talk of setting her up in her own space on her own. It won't work , you can't just isolate people, because they are difficult to place, it's inhumane. Sue needs a set up like she has, her own space with access and contact with other people, group activities etc. If you isolate here she will go back into a depression. I don't know why it is so hard to just leave her where she is, with the group she is with. It works for her, only placement that ever has. But trying reasoning with unreasonable people. They refuse to see truth. Don't be guided by money, needs to have vacancies filled or funding be guided by what is right for the client. You can do so as you have proven with your decision that Norton Road wasn't suitable please make future decisions as wisely as your last one.

Sue CJP move plan

Version 2.1 (27.06.10)

Client Name: Susan ‘Sue’
CJP Staff: Katelynd CJP Staff: Kelly
Annual Review and new plan development date:
Formulation statement:
Sue is a 41 year woman with an intellectual disability and Phelan-McDerrid Syndrome. Her level of disability has been assessed over time from borderline to moderate, with later assessments indicating declined functioning. Sue was an adoptive child......She also experienced significant violence and sexual assault in her accommodation upon leaving boarding school and experienced a great number of accommodation changes. From reports, it appears her level of disability, genetic disease, frequent loss of relationships, poor attachment history and traumatic and possibly neglectful early environment interacted to result in severe emotional dysregulation and fears of abandonment. This is consistent with her diagnoses of Intermittent Explosive Disorder and more specifically Borderline Personality Disorder. Her poor emotional regulation stemming from her BPD, in combination with the traumatic losses, such as the loss of her daughter also explains her periods of Major Depressive Disorder with Catatonic Features. Her reported psychotic features are also consistent and common in those with BPD.

...currently resides at .... She lives by herself in a self contained unit but has the ability to interact with other clients ... during the day. She has recently experienced a period of generally positive mental health and behaviour following a number of sessions of Electro-Convulsive Therapy subsequent to a period of catatonic depression. Apart from the ECT, which alleviated the depression, it is suspected that her improved functioning revolves about her environment and pharmacotherapy, which includes the use of mane, nocte and pro re nata psychotropic medication.

A number of environmental factors at Kanangra appear to have been instrumental in Sue's improved functioning. Kanangra provides clear physical boundaries... This includes the ability to socialise and have day activities without leaving the grounds. It also includes reinforced fixtures which reduce risk of property damage, injuries to self and staff and absconding. These reduce risk of criminal justice involvement, relationship breakdown and consequential service breakdown, (which has historically reinforced some of her Borderline thinking and coping styles). A key element to the success of Kanangra has been the experience of staff in supporting people with severe challenging behaviour. This expertise revolves about their ability to quickly de-escalate critical incidents using distraction, environmental manipulation, communication strategies, PRN medication (including IMI) and applying effective and safe restraint procedures. Of great importance has been their non-dramatic appraisal of incidents which can reduce the function of the behaviour and thereby reduce the reinforcing value of the challenging behaviour. Staff have also been very consistent, with most having been there the entire time Sus has been at Kanangra. This has provided a degree of stability in her relationships that undermines her core belief about abandonment.

To ensure Sue does nt regress or have the progress she has made squandered, it is imperative that she be supported in a model where there is a clear validating environment with stable, secure staff and other clients she relates well towards. These and the service recommendations from the SNRG assessment are strongly reflected in the accommodation and support model identified at Quakers Hill.

Relationship /Position Name Relationship /Position
Katelynd Casework Specialist CJP Carol Nursing Manager
Kelly ] Team Leader Case Management Julie Sister
Ellie RUNM Kanangra Peter Legal Guardian, OPG
Janine Psychologist Kanangra


1 Family
Objective / Rationale Actions Responsibility
Timeframe


Liaise with Julie and Sue’s mother regarding Sue’s transition into the community through invitations to meetings and the provision of regular updates CJP
Kanangra Ongoing
Maintain current schedules regarding contact and parcels (this includes food parcels to be reviewed by staff and provided to Sue in stages) Lifestyle Solutions Post Transition
Provide opportunities for visits between Sue and her family Lifestyle Solutions Post Transition
Assist Sue to display her photographs etc in her unit CJP
Kanangra
Lifestyle Solutions Incomplete
Memory book to be developed for Sue about her life at Kanangra Kanangra Incomplete

2 Physical Health
Objective / Rationale Actions Responsibility
Timeframe



Continue to monitor Sue’s weight Lifestyle Solutions Post Transition
Utilise ‘Light n Easy’ or similar to maintain her healthy eating as well as a means of meal preparation Lifestyle Solutions Post Transition
Regular Dietician review Lifestyle Solutions Post Transition
Provide regular schedule of physical activity to support a healthy weight range Lifestyle Solutions Post Transition
Identify suitable location where Sue can continue to enjoy walking Lifestyle Solutions Identified
Need Risk Assessment
Handover from current MO to community based GP who is able to provide home visits Kanangra
Lifestyle Solutions Incomplete
Ongoing GP reviews Lifestyle Solutions Post Transition
Completion of CHAP tool (as necessary) Lifestyle Solutions Post Transition
Develop appropriate and effective Reactive Strategies to be used in the place of PRN - IMI CJP
Lifestyle Solutions
Psychiatrist Incomplete
Handover current Webster Pack Kanangra At Transition
Fill new prescriptions Lifestyle Solutions As needed

3 Mental Health
Objective / Rationale Actions Responsibility
Timeframe
Identify appropriate community Psychiatrist CJP
Lifestyle Solutions Dr Sophie Kavanagh
Handover from current Psychiatrist to community based Psychiatrist CJP
Kanangra
Lifestyle Solutions
Community Psychiatrist Incomplete
Develop mental health response plan based on identifying early warning signs and providing appropriate early intervention CJP
Lifestyle Solutions Complete
Monitor mental health status through ongoing data collection Lifestyle Solutions Ongoing
Re-engage services for ECT/other appropriate treatment as indicated in mental health response plan Lifestyle Solutions As Required
Brief local community mental health team (Blacktown) CJP
Lifestyle Solutions Incomplete

4 Accommodation
Objective / Rationale Actions Responsibility
Timeframe

Sharing Information consistently:

o1 Meeting with Sue’s family
o2 Meeting with OPG
o3 Meeting with Kanangra staff
o4 Meeting with Sue
CJP
Kanangra
Lifestyle Solutions
Sue and her family
OPG
Ongoing
Transition to community accommodation:

o1 Staff buddy shifts at Kanangra

Lifestyle Solutions
Kanangra

Ongoing
o1 Photographs of new home and discussions with Sue Lifestyle Solutions Incomplete
(Proposed for: 25.07.11)
o2 Visiting new Unit at Montrose Kanangra
Lifestyle Solutions Incomplete
(Proposed for: 02.08.11)
o3 Pack belongings
o4 Farewell Party at Kanangra Kanangra
Sue and her family Incomplete
(Proposed for: 03.08.11)
o5 Move into new Unit at Montrose CJP
Kanangra
Lifestyle Solutions
Sue and her family Incomplete
(Proposed for: 04.08.11)
o6 House warming party Lifestyle Solutions
Kanangra
Sue and her family Incomplete
(Proposed for: 05.08.11)
o7 Document key clinical indicators that Sue is ‘not coping’ with the transition. The transition can then be modified accordingly based on Sue’s needs e.g. increase / decrease the speed of the transition into the community if there is clinical evidence that Sue is ‘overwhelmed’ CJP
Kanangra Complete

5 Education
Objective / Rationale Actions Responsibility
Timeframe

Investigate formal adult learning opportunities for Sue if interested Lifestyle Solutions Post Transition
Continue informal learning opportunities through Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) Lifestyle Solutions Post Transition
Continue with literacy and numeracy ‘lessons’ (1/2 hr/wk) that Sue currently enjoys Lifestyle Solutions Post Transition

7 Recreation
Objective / Rationale Actions Responsibility
Timeframe


Follow similar structure as current daily planner as far as is possible Lifestyle Solutions Post transition
Ensure Sue continues to have the opportunity to enjoy current preferred activities e.g. music therapy, walking, concerts Lifestyle Solutions Post transition
Continue structured community access activities Lifestyle Solutions Post transition
Provide Sue with the opportunity to develop new recreational activities Lifestyle Solutions Post transition
Maintain opportunities to visit peers and staff at Kanangra Lifestyle Solutions
Kanangra Post transition

8 Religion/Cultural beliefs
Objective / Rationale Actions Responsibility
Timeframe
Sue has attended Church at Kanangra of a Friday. She enjoys the music and the singing. Investigate ongoing contact with Church if Sue wishes to continue attending Church Lifestyle Solutions Post transition

9 Social Relationships
Objective / Rationale Actions Responsibility
Timeframe



Maintain Sue’s peer relationships at Kanangra with regular planned visits e.g. attending concerts Lifestyle Solutions
Kanangra Post Transition
Maintain Sue’s relationships with Kanangra staff e.g. phone calls, staff visits Lifestyle Solutions
Kanangra Post Transition
Provide opportunities for ongoing development of social interactions with peers in the community setting Lifestyle Solutions
Post Transition

10 Functional Skills
Objective / Rationale Actions Responsibility
Timeframe


Continue to provide opportunities for informal learning regarding functional skills Lifestyle Solutions
Post Transition
Utilise Individual Planning process to identify specific functional skills to target formally Lifestyle Solutions
Post Transition
Consider skills assessment Lifestyle Solutions
Post Transition
Develop skills development plans accordingly Lifestyle Solutions
Post Transition
Staff to assist with ADL’s as required in periods of depression Lifestyle Solutions
If and as required

11 Decision Making
Objective / Rationale Actions Responsibility
Timeframe
Liaise with OPG regarding Sue’s transition into the community CJP
Kanangra
Lifestyle Solutions Ongoing
Provide documentation to assist in consent for move process CJP Complete
Obtain consent from OPG
Consent for Services, Exchange of Information etc (17.11.10)
Consent for Move (05.01.11) CJP Complete

12 Behaviour & Risk Management
Objective / Rationale Actions Responsibility
Timeframe



Update current behaviour support and risk management plans in light of community accommodation and DBT model in collaboration with Kanangra CJP Ongoing
Review incident reports and data CJP
Kanangra Ongoing
Provide staff training (see Section 13) (see Section 13)
Staff to have practical working knowledge of above plans Lifestyle Solutions
CJP Ongoing
Implement data collection and collation Lifestyle Solutions Ongoing
Regular review of plans as per policy (i.e. quarterly) Lifestyle Solutions Post Transition

13 Staff Provision & Training
Objective / Rationale Actions Responsibility
Timeframe


Employ skilled staff Lifestyle Solutions Complete and Ongoing
Roster regular and stable staff Lifestyle Solutions Complete
Appropriate staffing levels not less than 2:1 (Staff:Sue) with additional back-up staff in immediate vicinity CJP
Lifestyle Solutions Incomplete
Training recommended for staff working with Sue:

o1 CJP Establishment Training


CJP


Complete
o2 Client specific Training CJP Complete
o3 Restraint/Escort Training e.g. PMVA (Graham Davies) or similar Lifestyle Solutions Incomplete
o4 Buddy shifts with Kanangra staff Lifestyle Solutions
Kanangra Ongoing
o5 Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Training (ongoing commitment) CJP Ongoing
o6 Behaviour Support Training CJP Ongoing
o7 Risk Management Training Lifestyle Solutions Ongoing
o8 First Aid Training Lifestyle Solutions staff Ongoing
o9 Mental Health First Aid Training Lifestyle Solutions Incomplete

14 Services
Current Service
Name / Contact Details Last Review / Attendance Date Community Based Service Complete Review Date
General Practitioner Dr Eric
Kanangra Centre
Hunter Residences
Department of Family and Community Services
Locked Bag No 3
Morisset 2264 Annual physical – 27 June 2011
Psychiatrist Dr Bruce 4 November 2010
Dentist Dr Wong 14 June 2011
Neurologist
Ophthalmologist
Psychologist Ms Janine 27 April 2011
Pharmacist Bowens Pharmacy
Podiatrist
Dietician Ms Wendy
Stockton Clinic 5 July 2010
Massage Therapist Mr Hedley 22 June 2011
Day Program Services Dilkara
Kanangra Centre Daily
Financial Services Leanne
Assistant Client Service Officer
Client Service Team 5 – Long Term
NSW Trustee and Guardian 27 May 2011
Outstanding Bills ? Pharmacy


15 Furnishings and Possessions

Indicate items, and actions by who and when Client Register Updated
signed and dated by current manager



16 Clothing Register

Quantity: Date of
Purchase Item Description Signature



Transportation Company: Booked Date for Transport:

17 Clothing Register
Document Document Date Handover Date
Individual Plan (signed and endorsed and the resident/carer/family member and/or Guardian/Advocate) 4 July 2011
Health Care Plan (signed and endorsed by a doctor and the resident/carer/family member and/or Guardian/Advocate) 4 May 2011
Epilepsy Management Plan N/A
Nutrition and Swallowing Plan 15 June 2011
Oral Health Assessment/Management Plan
Comprehensive Mealtime Management Plan 5 July 2010
Asthma Management Plan N/A
Client Annual Health Review 24 June 2011
Key Health Issues 24 June 2011
Client Health Care Plan As above
Cumulative Medical History Ongoing
Client Risk Profile 4 May 2011
Client Risk Management Plan 4 May 2011
Client Manual Handling Plan (Mobility Management Plan) 15 June 2011
Transport of Clients Risk Review 15 June 2011
Guardianship Order for Banker arrangements and Financial Plan from NSW Trustee Estate managed since admission
Financial Plan – 27 May 2011
Person Responsible Public Guardian
Medical/Dental Consents 23 May 2011
Guardianship Orders 10 May 2011
Behaviour Support 27 April 2011
Behaviour Assessment December 2004
Comprehensive/Incident Prevention & Response Plan 27 April 2011
Lifestyle Review 27 April 2011
Skills Development Plan 27 April 2011
Communication
Communication Profile 15 June 2011
Communication Plan
Financial Plan 4 July 2011
Recreational Activity Preference 15 June 2011
Day Programme Assessment 6 July 2010
Client Profile 15 June 2011
Personal Belongings Inventory At transition
Personal Clothing Inventory At transition
Pension Card 30 Nov 2011
Medicare Card August 2011
Calender of forward medical appointments
Current funeral arrangements

The Bail Act NSW 28 August 2012

http://www.nswcid.org.au/standard-english/se-pages/criminal-justice.html

Behaviour Support: Policy and Practice Manual Guidelines for the provision of behaviour support services for people with an intellectual disability Part 2 : ADHC procedures and templates

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0006/228363/341_Behaviour_Support_Policy_and_Practice_Manual_Part_2_web.pdf

Behaviour Support: Policy and Practice Manual Guidelines for the provision of behaviour support services for people with an intellectual disability Part 1 : Policy and Practice

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0003/228360/341_Behaviour_Support_Policy_and_Practice_Manual_Part_1_web.pdf

links

PWD policy for housing

http://www.pwd.org.au/documents/pubs/AccommodatingHumanRights2003.pdf So once again people like my sister who have very complex needs are being ignored by your firm. 60 pages of what yo want to happen not one mention on how to house complex needs individuals You actively try to close down centres that provide the type of care, support and safety that she, her staff and the general community need without offering any solution. It's shameful. When she was gaol and I turned to PWD for help I was told that you do not provide accommodation that if she ended up homeless it was not an issue for your organisation. If you close down where she can be housed correctly how does that not impact on your civil, moral and ethical stance on helping people with a disability.  It's a bit two faced. You are neglectful of people with high end need. Their true needs never get spoke about in your papers. All you do is try close down their housing without providing another way to provide an accommodation model. The only word that truly defines PWD position on this is neglectful. If you do have a proposal for how to house individuals who have an intellectual disability a variety of mental health disorders and are highly aggressive I am more than happy for you to point me in that direction so I can read what you are proposing. So far what I've found has nothing of that nature in your proposals. Don't you think all other housing models have been tried and failed? One can only conclude that you are actively setting people up to fail by forceabley pushing people who can't live in the community back into it. And ultimely for some of those people back into prison because of their aggression and behaviour disorders. Shame on you. How about fix up the damage that the Richmond report and your constant campaigning has done. How's about you help all the people that slipped through the cracks and ended up homeless or in prison because of their accommodation closing. Get them out of prison an housed correctly. Get your staff to visit the homeless shelters and the canvas the streets and offer housing the those people who ended up homeless. How about you do't create more misery are more people falling through the crack because your firm is two pig headed to see the bigger picture. There is no black and white when housing complex needs people and PWD never see's the big picture or the real issues that some people face. Your proposal is simplistic and excludes our most vunerable.

ADHC hosuing

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/individuals/support/somewhere_to_live/group_accommodation

Wadalba Group Homes

http://www.baxterbuilding.com.au/Government/?id=30&view=property

Casuarina Grove aged care facility for people with a disability

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/about_us/news/casuarina_grove_aged_care_facility_wins_prestigious_design_award Casuarina Grove aged care facility wins prestigious design award Photograph of Casuarina Grove Casuarina Grove aged care facility for people with a disability was recently awarded an Urban Development Institute NSW, Austral Bricks Award for Excellence. Developed to become the new home for former residents of the Peat Island Centre, Casuarina Grove is a purpose-built cluster-style facility with ten homes, each having ten bedrooms. The contrast for former residents of the Peat Island Centre couldn’t be greater. Built decades ago, residents’ accommodation on Peat Island was based on modified hospital wards and the island’s location meant residents were completely isolated from the local community. Following months of planning and consultation with residents and their families, the Casuarina Grove Aged Care Facility for people with a disability was formally opened earlier this year. Former Peat Island Centre resident Marty, sums up the feelings of many of the new residents of Casuarina Grove. “It all looks so beautiful and I like it. I feel really good.” The Urban Design Institute NSW Award judges noted, “The design of the facility provides a welcoming home-like setting … the use of single-storey construction, local builders and a straightforward approach to the overall planning has achieved value for money.” The Minister for Disability Services and Ageing, Andrew Constance, said the award recognises the NSW Government’s commitment to increase the range and type of supported accommodation to better meet the needs of people with a disability who are ageing. “We are committed to closing existing large residential centres and developing more appropriate accommodation in community settings with a more home-like environment that better meet clients’ needs,” Mr Constance said. Mr Constance said that a number of other large residential centre redevelopments were in progress and he looked forward to further positive outcomes for the current residents, their families and support workers. David, parent of one of Casuarina Grove residents, shares a view common among many parents. “Because I’m getting on a bit in years, he’ll live long after me. He needs an environment where he can be happy.” While the contrast between the design and surroundings of the Peat Island Centre and Casuarina Grove is obvious, it’s clear the design has achieved the most important change, a stronger sense of community. Support worker, Lesley, previously worked at Peat Island Centre and has transferred to Casuarina Grove. “People walk past, drop in and talk. The families come and visit now, we sit on the verandah together … it really is like a neighbourhood,” said Lesley. - See more at: http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/about_us/news/casuarina_grove_aged_care_facility_wins_prestigious_design_award#sthash.3Xnhi4Y2.dpuf

PWD SHUT IN Campaign

Do you acknowledge that some people cannot cope with the broader community and are dangerous to themselves and others in standard housing options? No you don't. Do you have a housing option as part of your campaign that include those hard to house because of their aggression? No Did you offer to assist in finding housing for my sister when she came out of prison ? No, your firm was going to let her end up homeless. The Stronger Together campaign is great for those who can live in the community but it falls way short for those that cannot. There still is not enough housing for my sister and people with the same level of disability and high end care and support she and others need. Do I agree that people who don't need the high end secure housing live in the community. Yes, I know that people have been housed badly and inappropriately and those that can cope and are not a threat should be included in the community. I would just like to see someone be inclusive of those that are not able to cope and are not an easy fit in the community. My sister's needs are very complex as is her housing. She has to be safe, you have to be safe and her staff have to be safe. Housing someone with a intellectual disability, mental health disorder and severe behaviour is not as simple as you would like to make out. The only facility in the state that can cope with my sister is closing. And your campaign offers no solution on her housing. Maybe she can come stay at your place.... Maybe if you lived with someone like my sister then you'd have a better understanding of the sort of care she needs. Maybe if you'd been scared for your life, beaten up, stabbed, not slept when she is in the house for fear of harm. Grown up with someone who self harms, cuts herself, tries to hang herself and suffocate herself. I've lost count of how many times I have had to untie ropes or belts from her neck or take plastic bags off her head or tend to her self inflicted wounds. I love my sister I want what's best for her. It's clear from your campaign that you underesitmate the needs of some people if you did understand then you'd see that units like Kanangra and Norton Road offer the best support for these very complex needs people. PWD is seeking the closure of the centres known as Casuarina Grove, Norton Road Specialist Supported Living, Wadalba Group Homes and Summer Hill Group Homes. PWD is advocating for these closures to occur in a carefully planned and staged process following individual assessments and relocation to community based housing and supports that conform with the objectives and principles of the NSW Disability Services Act and the CRPD. Your answer to meet the very complex needs of people is Community based housing. Don't you think that has been tried in the past. It didn't work. Housing in the communtiy did not offer my sister what she needed, staff were scared of her, had no way to deal with her aggression therefore it became worse. She assualted people. Her general health suffered, she was treated for malnutrition. Even then PWD and ADHC refused to house her correctly in a specialised unit instead they let her end up in prison. So to go back to a knonn failed system makes no sense. Geez. Are you wanting to set peeople up to fail. In community housing options. I'm sure the neighbours will enjoy someone screaming all day moving into next door. Throwing everything they can lay their hands on and threatening them and very likely doing harm to them. Do you acknowledge these very real issues, No you don't. There are some very real hard issues that your campaign simply does not provide a solution for. Norton Road is most likely the only site in the state that can cope with the very real and dangerous behavior of my sister. So without the right housing options for her she most likley will end up homeless or back in jail yep that's an inclusive and dignified option. The prison system cannot cope with her there soloution is to highly medicate and place her in isolation. When she does go into the community with staff at Kanagre she has a 3:1 ratio of staff that are highly trained disability nurses. Where in the community can you see her being housed with that level of care and safety being provided? Where can she get that level of care? Where is that going to happen for her? Oh that's right PWD doesn't offer housing to people or offer solutions to housing needs you only limit the options. Actively campaigning to close centres without adequate housing should not be supported it should be exposed for what is really is, neglectful. You are being neglectful. http://www.pwd.org.au/documents/pubs/Shut-In-EBulletin2011.html

more on housing

Housing choice for people with disabilities 15 Apr 2011 chris-bigby-thumb Professor Christine Bigby E-mail: c.bigby@latrobe.edu.au This opinion piece first appeared in ON LINE Opinion on 15 April 2011. The Productivity Commission draft report Disability Care and Support has recommended a National Disability Insurance Scheme. If it goes ahead, the proposal for a ‘properly financed and cohesive system’ to provide ‘high quality care and support’ for people with disability will be a landmark reform of the Australian welfare state. By replacing the current ‘underfunded, unfair, fragmented and inefficient’ disability support system, people with disabilities will have a right to support that matches their needs. As well as individual support for an estimated 360,000 people, the proposed insurance scheme sets out to champion change in attitudes and to remove the obstacles that face people with disabilities on a daily basis. The widespread community and bipartisan support for the scheme and its self-evident advantages has limited debate. It is important to look more closely at the detail to be assured that this major reform will do what it sets out to do and that is to make sure that people with disabilities are included in the community and are able to enjoy a quality of life that most of us take for granted. Central to this is the type of housing that people with disabilities live in and on this issue, the Productivity Report is curiously silent. Reflecting the campaigns of recent years, when institutions such as Kew Cottages have closed, and more recently the flagged closure of Colanda, an institution for people with intellectual disability at Colac, this silence is of grave concern. Should there be unrestricted choice of accommodation type in the new scheme, or as with clinical interventions should choice be mediated by the evidence base of what works? Should consumers should be able to choose to use public money on accommodation choices that evidence shows obstruct rather than hamper the broader outcomes that as a society we seek for people for people with disabilities? This is the debate that we must have before it is too late. Currently there is a real possibility that an individual or their family may choose a large cluster housing such as Norton Road in New South Wales where ten group homes were recently built side by side on one site or the Minda campus in South Australia currently being refurbished, where over 400 people with intellectual disability live together. But the design of these services are contrary to the principles of current disability legislation. Our research has shown that while not all small group or individual living experiences are great, this is more due to poor implementation. Rationing and unmet need has led to incompatible resident groupings based on urgency of need rather than choice and compatibility. Poor funding and organisational practices have led to staff who doubt the feasibility of inclusion for people with more severe intellectual disability, organisational cultures that undermine engagement and social inclusion, and front line workers without skilled or regular supervision. The proposed scheme will remove one part of the equation of poor implementation. But it cannot afford to leave the supply of accommodation services, staff and organisational practices to consumer choice or the market alone. The scheme must regulate the type of accommodation service that can be purchased to those with the potential to facilitate required outcomes. It must also ensure ongoing rigorous independent monitoring of individual people against benchmarks of social inclusion and quality of life. People with severe intellectual disability have limited bargaining power, many cannot self report, and do not always have resourceful family members or advocates alongside them. For this group, the benchmark of quality is not care alone or staff doing things for people but ‘active support’ to be engaged in their own everyday lives and to facilitate convivial social encounters. Choices offered by the new scheme must be services or support that will best support the outcomes society seeks for people with disabilities – these are not large segregated clustered housing. The scheme must reflect the principles of the National Disability Strategy, 2010- 2010 and United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Such principles place choice alongside maximum opportunities for independence and participation in the life of the community. If the new scheme does not prohibit large-scale cluster services, there is a very real danger that the myth will be perpetuated that some people are too disabled to live in the community. Professor Christine Bigby, Social Work and Social Policy, La Trobe University http://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2011/opinion/housing-choice-for-consumers-with-disabi

more on Norton Road

The new residential cluster housing development at Macquarie Hospital will allow for specialist supported living within a contemporary residential setting for residents currently on site who have mixed intellectual and physical disabilities as well as challenging behaviours. This development provides domestic style accommodation in 10 group homes, each accommodating 5 residents under the supervision of residential support carers. The central two houses have been designed to house residents with high medical needs. The housing is designed to benefit from the unique characteristics of the site including views toward Kitty’s Creek and the conservation parkland, as well as a north orientation for all living areas. The project has been designed as a master planned housing development with each house functioning independently. The houses are individualized by varying roof profiles and colour schemes. In addition to this, the behaviour challenged houses have been designed with internal finishes better suited to the needs of the residents. The site incorporates a timber boardwalk linking houses separated by Kitty’s Creek. All houses have been sited and internally designed to allow for disabled access and allow for future retrofitting of additional aids such as grab rails on an as needs basis. http://www.govarch.commerce.nsw.gov.au/files/PS_Public_10_Norton_Road_SSL_Group_Homes.pdf

PWD

Do you acknowledge that some people cannot cope with the broader community and are dangerous to themselves and others in standard housing options? No you don't. Do you have a housing option as part of your campaign that include those hard to house because of their aggression? No Did you offer to assist in finding housing for my sister when she came out of prison ? No, your firm was going to let her end up homeless. The Stronger Together campaign is great for those who can live in the community but it falls way short for those that cannot. There still is not enough housing for my sister and people with the same level of disability as her. Do I agree that people who don't need the high end secure housing live in the community. Yes, I know that people have been housed badly and inappropriately and those that can cope and are not a threat should be included in the community. I would just like to see someone be inclusive of those that are not able to cope and are not an easy fit in the community. My sister's needs are very complex as is her housing. She has to be safe, you have to be safe and her staff have to be safe. Housing someone with a intellectual disability, mental health disorder and severe behaviour is not as simple as you would like to make out. The only facility in the state that can cope with my sister is closing. And your campaign offers no solution on her housing. Maybe she can come stay at your place.... PWD is seeking the closure of the centres known as Casuarina Grove, Norton Road Specialist Supported Living, Wadalba Group Homes and Summer Hill Group Homes. PWD is advocating for these closures to occur in a carefully planned and staged process following individual assessments and relocation to community based housing and supports that conform with the objectives and principles of the NSW Disability Services Act and the CRPD. Your answer to meet the very complex needs of people is Community based housing. Don't you think that has been trein in the past. It didn't work. I'm sure the neighbours will enjoy someone screaming all day moving into next door. Norton Road is most likely the only site in the state that can cope with the very real and dangerous behavior of my sister. So without the right housing options for her she most likley will end up homeless or back in jail, yep that's an inclusive and dignified option. The prison system cannot cope there soloution is to highly medicate and place her in isolation. When she goes into the community she has a 3:1 ratio of staff that are highly trained disability nurses. Where in the community can you see that as happening for her? http://www.pwd.org.au/documents/pubs/Shut-In-EBulletin2011.html

Norton Road ABC podcast

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/norton-road-disability-housing/3010974 POdcast about Norton Road

http://www.disabled-world.com/news/australia-nz/nsw/north-ryde.php

This is where they are looking at moving Sue to due to Kanangra Centre closing North Ryde Accommodation for People with Disability Information by Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care - Published: 2011-02-21 $14 million accommodation for people with a disability opened at North Ryde... New accommodation for people with an intellectual disability and complex behaviour needs was officially opened at North Ryde today. Norton Road Specialist Supported Living, built by the NSW Government at a cost of $14 million, follows the closure of the nearby Lachlan Centre late last year. The Minister for Disability Services, Peter Primrose, who officially opened the new state-wide specialist service, said it offered 50 accommodation places to people living across NSW. “Norton Road Specialist Supported Living is a showpiece of what can be achieved in the provision of specialist accommodation for people with a disability,” Mr Primrose said. “Each of the 10 homes offers quiet areas where people can relax or entertain their visitors and, to ensure privacy, each person has their own bedroom. “They feature pleasant outdoor areas including gardens and BBQ facilities and are a very big improvement on where the residents previously lived.” Mr Primrose said that the new accommodation was built because accommodation at the Lachlan Centre was no longer suitable for the residents. “The new homes provide residents with the opportunity for increased independence, more participation within the local community and a true sense of belonging.” Residents, their families and staff were involved in the design of the homes, their fit out and furnishing to ensure that the new accommodation best met the needs of the residents and staff. They chose the furniture for the homes and picked the colours and curtains for the common areas in the houses. Mr Primrose said that the replacement of Large Residential Centres with contemporary accommodation targeted to individual need represented real progress in improving the quality of life for many people with a disability and their families. The Lachlan Centre closure follows the government’s decision to close all Large Residential Centres by 2018 and replace them with modern accommodation that better suits the needs of residents. Last week, Casuarina Grove, the State’s first specialist aged care service for people with an intellectual disability was opened at Hamlyn Terrace as part of the replacement of the Peat Island Centre which closed last year. Four, five-bed community based homes at nearby Wadalba opened last September as part of the Peat Island closure. In 2009, the Grosvenor Centre in Sydney’s inner-west was closed and replaced by the Summer Hill Group Homes and Respite Units on adjacent land.