New Directions for Disability Respite Services in NSW: A discussion paper inviting feedback

This discussion paper has been developed to assist in the reform and expansion of disability respite services1. It will guide the way future disability respite services are delivered, how people access those services, the types of services provided, the settings in which they are delivered and the development of new respite services across the sector.

Stronger Together: A new direction for disability services in NSW: 2006-2016 commits the NSW Government to expanding existing respite services and building a more flexible and responsive disability respite service system. Also driving the expansion of respite services for people with a disability and their carers/families is the NSW Carers Action Plan 2007 – 2012.

In order to consider different approaches and better ways to deliver respite services, the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) has been consulting with a wide range of stakeholders and reviewing national and international research along with key research conducted locally by Interchange NSW and Carers NSW.

This paper broadly outlines the direction we intend to take to reform and expand respite services in NSW. We are now seeking your input to ensure we get the mix and balance of disability respite services right for the people who use them. With your assistance we are hoping to build a respite service system that is more responsive to the individual needs of people with a disability and their carers and families. The strategy will guide future respite service system reform, commencing in 2009/10.

DADHC invites comment and feedback from people with a disability, their carers and families, advocates and service providers. We have included sets of questions as a guide when considering your comments and feedback. The questions are a guide only and all input is very welcome.

Consultation on this draft paper will take place over a three month period and all feedback will be carefully considered when finalising the New Directions strategy. Feedback will be accepted up until Close of Business on Friday 26 June 2009 and can be posted to the Respite Directorate at:

Respite Directorate, NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care Level 5, 83 Clarence Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

Alternatively your feedback can be emailed to respite@dadhc.nsw.gov.au.

Source: communityNet www.tricomm.org.au/communitynet.

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For further information

Contact

:

Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care

WWW

:

http://www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/DADHC.htm