Victoria’s Maroondah City Council has been successful in gaining funding for a trial respite care program for disabled adolescents.
The Department of Human Services has agreed to a four month trial and provided a $15,000 grant. The program will be assessed after the trial period.
Council recognised that there was also a need for care respite programs for parents who have children with complex disabilities.
The trial is expected to provide further insight into the specific needs of those with a disabled person under their care.
Making use of previously established youth programs, the trial will involve other young people from the Maroondah district.
“What we are trying to do is provide respite care as part of our existing programs, but also involve our young people with high needs in our activities, as a means of social interaction,” said Councillor Marg Munro.
A Disability Resource Officer, who will handle the necessary equipment and transport, will also manage recommendations for participation in the trial respite care program.
Training of staff has been deemed a vital part of the proposal, so as to assist the youth and ensure that progress is made.
The program will provide funds for parents and carers of disabled adolescents, to allow them to engage in other respite services that will hopefully prove beneficial.
Councillor Munro said that relieving those with a disabled young person in their care is an important part of the project, while the young people get to meet other people in similar situations as themselves and can enjoy new experiences.
For further information contact Brian Sullivan, Public Affairs Officer, on (03) 9298 4329.
