Joint Standing Committee on the National
Disability Insurance Scheme Inquiry into
Prepared by Samaritans Foundation
Date: September 2019
Contents
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Approval Process …………………………………………………………………… 3
Vacancy Management ……………………………………………………………… 4
Funding ………………………………………………………………………………. 5
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Introduction
Samaritans is an NDIS registered charity which has been operating disability
services for 35 years. In the 2018 financial year, Samaritans provided a
range of services to nearly 1000 people with disabilities in Newcastle, the
Hunter, Central Coast and Mid-North Coast of NSW. As such, the
organisation has extensive experience working with people at all stages of
their plans and with the delivery of services under those plans.
Samaritans response to this inquiry represents the experiences of our staff
in relation to NDIS Supported Independent Living (SIL) processes and their
reflections on the challenges experienced with approval processes, SIL
funding and management of vacancies.
Approval Process
Participants are not often aware of the processes for having SIL funding
approved. Discussion during the development of a Participant ’s plan should
include:
- exploration of current and future housing needs,
- likely timeframe that needs will change (for example if they have aging
parents), and
- education around the SIL approval and placement processes and availability of properties.
Samaritans observes that Participants often come to us requiring SIL
urgently, but they do not have SIL in their plans and are unaware of the
process to access SIL. Samaritans can proceed through the vacancy
management process but is unable to move the person in until their SIL is
approved. The approval process often spans several months, creating issues
for the Participant around security, consistency and comfort.
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- Provide education to Participants around the approval process for SIL funding, including discussion during planning around current and
future housing needs.
- Include exploration of SIL during planning as standard for all Participants so those with possible need in the future can access the
funding when they need it.
Vacancy Management
Vacancy Management processes are for the most part managed under
individual agencies own policies and procedures. There is varying success
between agencies in their management of vacancies and subsequent impacts
in terms of costs. Samaritans has a thorough matching process , which often
means the organisation carries vacancies for a longer period where it is
unable to match an individual to an appropriate home and housemates.
There are also occasions where homes have multiple existing residents who
have lived together for some time and are in stable and comfortable
environments. Where there are vacancies in these properties, often coupled
with complex needs of the existing residents, it would usually be unsuitable
to introduce a new resident to the home. The challenges and delays getting
the SIL plans varied for those Participants mean we are carrying vacancies
indefinitely.
The requirement to have SIL approved and reviewed individually for each
Participant of a home creates unnecessary duplication and administrative
burden and further increases delays having plans approved.
The Housing Hub website is a helpful platform for advertising vacancies only
however it is not well known among participants and their families or
guardians.
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- Implement suitable mechanisms and automation that allow f or streamlined approval and review, including collective review and
approval of changes for multiple Participants of the same residence
where appropriate.
Funding
Samaritans believes the funding is generally adequate and simple for
Participants with standard to moderate support needs. Where there are more
complex support needs, funding often doesn’t consider the implications of
higher needs for the service provider. For example, ensuring the safety of
employees under Work, Health and Safety legislation mea ns two staff are
required to lift a Participant out of bed; but filling two roles is not possible
under the funding.
Additional barriers are faced for people with disabilities around availability of
suitable and affordable housing in their area. Changes to their needs as they
age, and lack of suitable and affordable housing mean they are forced into
unsuitable housing or to move further away, separating them from existing
social and support networks and activities.
Authorised by: Brad Webb, CEO
Authored by: Emma Granger, Executive Officer
Contributors: Tammie Lawler, General Manager NDIS
For more information: ceo@samaritans.org.au
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