Multiple and complex needs initiative (MACNI) is a state funded initiative which supports clients whose needs cannot be effectively met by one service system. Therefore a different approach is required that allows services and government departments to overcome the 'silos' and develop more efficient communication and collaboration.
The goal of this service is to prevent such individuals from falling between service gaps and back into crisis.
MACNI has also created an opportunity for ACSO to work in new areas such as ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) and has allowed Specialist Services to branch out into this and other new areas with confidence.
Story:
Malcolm was identified as eligible for MACNI support.
He unfortunately returned to prison just prior to MACNI implementation. However ACSO remained involved through his 2 year imprisonment and provided accommodation and intensive support upon release.
It was evident even on the first day of release that Malcolm's excessive mandated meetings and appointments lead to high anxiety and overwhelmed him. He had 14 appointments and meetings scheduled for the first four days of release.
During the initial transition period ACSO staff observed him having difficulties adapting to community life.
Malcolm's disability, poor numeracy and literacy skills, paired with long periods of incarceration had impacted on his capacity to negotiate day-to-day activities. Malcolm became anxious and frustrated when trying to negotiate money and became increasingly self conscious of being unable to perform simple tasks.
ACSO staff intervened and minimized the situation by offering Malcolm alternative strategies that didn’t highlight his cognitive deficits and which allowed him to ask for assistance based on his visual impairment.
To address his potential for serious crimes and self harm, an interagency and multiple services crisis response plan was devised as an integral part of the crisis response plan. ACSO on-call staff were required to keep a pager and a list of current medications and treating professionals contact details, as well as any diagnostic information to share with any service involved in a crisis. The crisis plan was initiated several times resulting in access to clinical services to meet Malcolm's needs.
During the period of MACNI support, Malcolm joined the local Gym and began to attain more confidence as a free man. He successfully completed his parole and was given access to activities that matched his abilities and interests. We will remain there assisting him to lead a better life, equipped with the learnings of the MACNI experience.
