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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 11 Hansard (10 December) . . Page.. 3525 ..

The Priority of Access and Intake Procedures policy goes on the state minimum entry criteria for the various service types offered by the Program. The criteria for the Accommodation Support Service is as follows:

"a) the consumer has expressed that they would like to reside within a Disability Program service.

b) the consumer is seeking accommodation support that is not for respite.

c) the consumer is compatible with the other consumers in the residence.

d) the consumer is a priority for residential placement. For example:

- the consumer is at risk of a more restrictive placement.

- the consumer's lifestyle and/or that of the carer are at risk."

(2) Eligibility, and priority for access, is assessed by the Disability Program Placement Committee. This committee and its operations are outlined in the Program's Consumer Placement and Relocation in Accommodation Support Services policy.

The assessment includes consideration of the client's needs, preferences and circumstances, and is undertaken in the context of the Individual Planning framework.

The Individual Planning process includes discussion and negotiation with clients and their families, guardians and advocates. The process also includes an exploration of any possible alternatives. Information about the results of this process, including a description of the client and the characteristics of the placement s/he seeks, is provided to the Placement Committee.

The Placement Committee uses the information when considering the most suitable applicant for a vacancy. The consideration includes balancing relative need, and the likely compatibility of clients. Further information is sought during a phased placement process to ensure the placement will be successful for the applicant and for existing clients. This process includes the clients and their families, guardians and advocates.

(3) The Disability Program does not maintain a waiting list. The Placement Committee maintains a list of people who have requested an Accommodation Support service, and uses this list to consider suitable applicants when a vacancy occurs. In November 1998, the list contained some 17 names.

(4) As there is no waiting list, it is not possible to provide `waiting times'. However, from January 1997 to November 1998 there were 3 vacancies, each of which was filled.

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