The individual care program
Is a service through which families, often with the support of case managers or agencies, can purchase respite support. This is tailored to meet the needs of the individual and family in a flexible and responsive way. Respite Support Workers provide indivudalised support and care to the young person with the disability, in the home or in the community on a one to one basis. Interchange Co-ordinators oversee the provision of respite services in accordance with individual needs and allocated funding.
Funding for individualised respite care can be accessed through a variety of sources. The development of the Individual Support Package (ISP) scheme is one example of this. DHS ISP funding is limited and there is a specific process to follow to access ISP funding. This usually involves working with a Case Manager through a brokerage agency and requires the completion of an application for the Disability Support Register (DSR). Interchange Inner East does not function as an ISP facilitator.
Interchange Inner East can provide information to families about how to access short term, holiday and emergency funding for respite from a range of organisations. Examples of possible funding sources include Yooralla Breakaway Program and Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre.
Individual Care Program costs:
- Brokerage funding required to access this program
- parents responsible for costs of activities
All new referrals for the Individual Care Program must be directed through the Interchange Intake system before being eligible to access Interchange Inner East Respite services.
