GAP Outreach Service
The GAP Service is a voluntary program with an outreach worker providing a proactive and assertive response to the needs of clients living in the North and West Metropolitan Region. Many of the GAP Service clients do not engage with community-based services, and so a short period of 'perseverance' or 'assertive outreach' by the GAP worker is need to assist the client to identify and work toward their goals. (The term 'assertive outreach' refers to multiple, and often creative attempts, to engage a client even when that client is declining to engage with the service.)
For more information about the GAP Service eligibility and referral process, please download the GAP Service brochure, below.
LINK (Individualised Support Packages)
The LINK Service provides outreach support to individuals with an intellectual disability in the North and West and Southern Metropolitan Regions of Melbourne. Activities may include the following:
- Assistance with accessing recreation, leisure and cultural activities;
- Travel training and transportation support;
- Skill development; and / or
- Assistance with household management skills (cooking, cleaning, budgeting).
If you would like to use your Individualised Support Package to access the LINK Service, please contact the LINK Program Coordinator on 9413-7043 before completing the referral package.
Supported Living Accommodation Program (SLAP)
ACSO’s Supported Living Accommodation Program (SLAP) offers assistance for individuals with intellectual disabilities, requiring assistance in living independently within their accommodation. Clients usually present with behaviours of concern and have come into contact with the Criminal Justice System, or are at risk of doing so. The SLAP Service aims to assist clients to live responsibly byfocusing on developing independent living skills, community participation and strengthening personal relationships.
Typically, SLAP clients reside in an Office of Housing (OoH) flat in the inner Northern or Western Melbourne suburbs, and are provided up to 3 hours outreach support per week. The SLAP Service support will be reviewed, and may cease, when the client is able to manage their daily activities independently, can access their community resources, appears to be managing their risk of re-offending effectively, and/or once the client’s Support Plan goals are been met. Referrals are made via Disability Client Services, applications can be directed to DCS, North and West Metropolitan Region or by contacting the Team leader, Disability Outreach Services on (03) 9413 7049.
To be eligible for consideration to enter the service, the potential client must:
· Have an intellectual disability;
· Have obtained accommodation,
· Be willing to engage with the service in developing a Support plan, and work towards the goals outlined therein.
· Have an active DCS Case Manager that will remain active for at least the first three months of the client engaging with the service;
· Have the skills required to live independently; and
· An appropriate outreach worker available to support the client.
