2011 Annual Report

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ANNUAL REPORT2011

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this publicati on may contain images or content relati ng to deceased persons.

Page 1 • ANNUAL REPORT 2011

Chairperson Welcome 2

Founding CEO Welcome 3

CEO Welcome 3

About Us 5

Our Achievements 25

Our Stakeholders and Supporters 52

Summary Financial Statements 58

Contacts 80

Contents


It is an honour to Chair the Board of Life Without Barriers.

Life Without Barriers began as a small group of individuals concerned about the future of people with a disability and we are now one of the largest not-for-profi t community service providers in Australia.

This year we embarked on the second year of our fi ve-year strategic plan. We have made sound progress towards achieving initi ati ves set out under our key success areas and we are determined to deliver the very best services to those in greatest need.

Signifi cantly, we placed children with loving foster families and supported people with a disability to achieve their personal goals. We cared for refugee children who arrived on our shores without their family members, and assisted people with a mental health issue to parti cipate in community life. We helped older Australians to remain at home and in their communiti es, and supported people without homes to fi nd stable accommodati on.

We also delivered on our Reconciliati on Acti on Plan and Accessibility Acti on Plan targets; implemented robust operati onal systems and processes; and invested in research to inform our practi ce.

In March this year, the Board approved a succession plan which sees us farewelling our long-standing CEO Ray Dunn and welcoming Claire Robbs into the CEO role.

Ray has been integral to the development of Life Without Barriers over the past 12 years, and the Board and I applaud his vision, commitment and drive. We sincerely thank him for his dedicati on and look forward to his conti nued support and assistance.

Claire’s leadership capacity, vision for the future, operati onal experti se, and strong relati onships across government, the community sector and our partners makes her a most suitable appointment as in-coming CEO.

This year we conti nued to focus on prudent fi nancial management and achieving effi ciency improvements to ensure we provide value for money to our funders and the maximum benefi t to our clients and their communiti es.

Life Without Barriers’ success has been achieved with the assistance, directi on and confi dence of Government departments and support from community partners which we greatly value.

On behalf of the Board I would like to thank our carers, volunteers, employees, and the executi ve for your outstanding eff ort this year. I also extend my appreciati on to all of our board members who have freely committ ed their ti me and knowledge to achieve Life Without Barriers’ goals.

The Board looks forward to working with you in the year ahead to conti nue to empower and support vulnerable people to reach their full potenti al.

ChairpersonWelcome

Terry LawlerChairperson

ANNUAL REPORT 2011 • Page 3

It has been a pleasure to lead Life Without Barriers over the past 12 years – to see it grow from humble beginnings in Newcastle to become one of the largest non-government providers of human services in Australia.

Life Without Barriers has led the way in demonstrati ng that the non-government sector can operate diff erently by working collaborati vely and genuinely sharing responsibility with government. We have not sought public recogniti on for our work and instead directed every possible resource to delivering more services to children, young people, adults, families and communiti es across Australia and New Zealand.

I am delighted and humbled to be appointed in-coming CEO of this extraordinary organisati on.

I would like to acknowledge Ray Dunn’s achievements over the last 12 years – he has made an enormous diff erence in the lives of many vulnerable people. I would also like to thank the Board for their confi dence and support.

As the in-coming CEO, it is important to me that we remain true to the values and origins of our organisati on and strongly maintain our determinati on to ‘never give up’ on the people we serve.

It has been an honour to help Life Without Barriers emerge from a local idea to assist people in need to the nati onal, innovati ve and responsive provider we are today.

As I transiti on out of the CEO role, I am confi dent that Claire will lead this organisati on confi dently and successfully into the future.

I would like to thank Terry Lawler and the Board for all their support and encouragement. I am so proud of the work we do and sincerely thank the many people who have contributed to Life Without Barriers over the past 12 years.

Over the coming years I want to see us harness the full potenti al of our size, experience and knowledge. Life Without Barriers needs to be recognised for the quality of our services and the outcomes achieved by the people we work with.

I look forward to working alongside our dedicated carers, volunteers, employees, and our long-standing and highly committ ed Board to conti nue to deliver the best possible services and to promote the interests of disadvantaged and marginalised people.

Ray DunnFounding CEO

Claire RobbsCEO

Founding CEO

Welcome

CEO Welcome



Life Without Barriers is a not-for-profi t organisati on, providing care and support services across Australia in urban, rural and remote locati ons and in New Zealand.

Our community-based programs assist children, young people, adults, families and communiti es. We provide family support and out-of-home care, disability services, home and community care and support to refugees and asylum seekers. We also work in the areas of mental health, homelessness and youth justi ce. Life Without Barriers has a strong commitment to reconciliati on and delivering culturally sensiti ve programs.

We believe in the rights of people and the importance of relati onships. These foundati ons shape our unique approach to care and underpin the vision and mission of our organisati on.

Life Without Barriers has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most signifi cant not-for-profi t organisati ons in Australia, with over 85 offi ces providing care services to communiti es across the country.

Life Without Barriers is a not-for-profi t organisati on, providing care and

About Us

Page 6 • ANNUAL REPORT 2011 Page 6 • ANNUAL REPORT 2011

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS’ EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, CARERS AND VOLUNTEERS HAVE A SHARED PASSION TO SUPPORT AND EMPOWER OTHERS AND HOLD AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE WE SUPPORT.

We recruit and select a diverse range of people who share our values of Relat onships First, Quality Delivery Uncompromised, Honesty and Everyone is Valuable. These values sit at the core of our work and shape how we care and support people in need.

Our people conti nuously demonstrate a high level of commitment, a can-do atti tude and a fl exible, person-centred approach and it is their dedicati on and compassion that makes them our most important asset.

Our People

Elisabeth and Allan Good, Carers

Nicholas Schmidt, Comm

unity Peer Worker, South Australia

Carmen Mendoza, Senior Support Worker, Now

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Vision:Communiti es where disadvantage is challenged and people are empowered.

Mission:We support vulnerable and marginalised people to reach their full potenti al.

Values:Relat onships FirstWe value meaningful, healthy relati onships, and it is the diff erence and the foundati on of everything we practi ce. We engage in meaningful dialogue and communicate openly. We work collaborati vely with individuals, families and communiti es. We listen and refl ect, empathise and seek answers.

Quality Delivery UncompromisedWe are an ethical organisati on that looks to provide client focused services. We take an evidence-based approach, we undertake research and we measure our outcomes. We are effi cient and eff ecti ve, delivering value for money through our services. We are fl exible, responsive and innovati ve and we conti nually look to improve what we are doing and how we do it.

HonestyWe are opti misti c to future potenti al. Our philosophy is to be open, accountable and to set realisti c goals and deliver on expectati ons. We follow through with what we say we will do. We challenge established ways of thinking and we are accountable for our acti ons. We build hope by increasing opportuniti es, capabiliti es and independence. We create safe environments for honest dialogue and we encourage and respect feedback.

Everyone is ValuableWe are an organisati on dedicated to caring and we never give up. We are centred on people. We have faith in the human spirit, we embrace and value diversity and we are culturally respectf ul. We value our clients, our people and our stakeholders. Our approach is to see capability and possibility.

Vision, Mission and

Values


We believe in the

rights of people and

the importance of

relati onships


THE LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS 2010-2015

STRATEGIC PLAN ARTICULATES A BOLD FUTURE

AND A COMMITMENT TO CLIENT OUTCOMES, ACHIEVED THROUGH

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE.

It ensures Life Without Barriers is focused on delivering innovati ve services informed by research,

across a wide spectrum of communiti es, driven by a desire to challenge disadvantage and foster hope

and independence.

At the heart of this plan is a passion to support and empower our clients. We believe in the rights

of people and the importance of relati onships. These foundati ons shape our unique approach to

care and underpin the vision and mission of Life Without Barriers.

The Strategic Plan identi fi es fi ve key success areas including:

Client OutcomesLife Without Barriers will build the capacity of the people in our care to empower them to realise their full potenti al. We will focus on working with our clients to help grow their resilience, independence and self suffi ciency.

Cultural RespectLife Without Barriers recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique status as the fi rst Australians. Our commitment to reconciliati on will be demonstrated through acti ons that make a positi ve diff erence in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, carers, employees and communiti es with whom we are engaged.

Challenging Systemic DisadvantageLife Without Barriers will acti vely challenge systemic disadvantage for vulnerable and marginalised people. We will embrace the responsibility that comes with working for and with disadvantaged and marginalised people. We will advocate with policy-makers, drive a research agenda and facilitate an innovati ve evidence-based approach to delivering services. By listening to the valuable insights our clients provide, we will enable them to have a collecti ve and prominent voice as we work with policy-makers across government.

People and LeadershipInvesti ng in our people will provide a solid foundati on for service delivery. As Life Without Barriers grows and diversifi es, we will ensure our employees and carers have the skills, experience and resources to best meet the needs of our clients.

Organisati onal Eff ecti venessLife Without Barriers’ unique approach is enabled by systems that support innovati on, quality, effi ciency and eff ecti veness.

THE LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS 2010-2015

ARTICULATES A BOLD FUTURE

Strategic Plan


Timeline

Two community leaders from Newcastle who shared a passion for improving the lives of people living with a disability proposed to create a new, non-government, secular organisati on for people living with a disability. A Board was formed and Life Without Barriers commenced operati on.

Founding Chief Executi ve Offi cer Ray Dunn joined the team. Life Without Barriers recruited more staff , enhanced and expanded the original disability programs and applied for government funding.

Out-of-home care services, such as foster care, commenced in New South Wales. Demand for these services increased rapidly because of the unique community-based approach of Life Without Barriers.

Out-of-home care services commenced in South East Queensland.

Central and Far North Queensland operati ons commenced and Life Without Barriers established itself in South Australia.

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1999

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2002

ANNUAL REPORT 2011 • Page 11ANNUAL REPORT 2011 • Page 11

The Life Without Barriers model of care expanded into mental health services in South Australia. Services commenced in the Northern Territory and new programs were developed in collaborati on with local Aboriginal communiti es to provide culturally appropriate care.

Operati ons were established in Tasmania and Far West New South Wales.

Life Without Barriers launched services in Western Australia. Life Without Barriers won the Australian Business Award for Innovati on for our unique approach to mental health and Aboriginal support services. New South Wales achieved accreditati on in out-of-home care for fi ve years. Queensland commenced receiving the fi rst of 22 licences in out-of-home care across the State.

Life Without Barriers became the largest non-government provider of disability services in the Northern Territory. The organisati on held its fi rst annual reconciliati on event.

Life Without Barriers hosted its inaugural carer conference att racti ng carers from around the country. The organisati on commenced providing care to unaccompanied asylum seekers on Christmas Island. Operati ons were established in Victoria and Life Without Barriers expanded into New Zealand, gaining approval to be an out-of-home care provider.

A new fi ve year strategic plan was developed identi fying key success areas for the organisati on. The implementati on of a consistent Nati onal Service Delivery Model commenced for out-of-home care services.

Claire Robbs appointed as Chief Executi ve Offi cer. Life Without Barriers accredited as a Home and Community Care provider. Services to support refugees and asylum seekers expanded to include provision of community detenti on.

2007

2006

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2011


LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS HAS SHAPED A FAMILY

SUPPORT AND OUT-OF-HOME CARE SERVICE

MODEL THAT CARES FOR MANY CHILDREN AND

YOUNG PEOPLE IN NEED ACROSS AUSTRALIA AND

NEW ZEALAND.

These services deliver meaningful outcomes for children, young

people and families with an emphasis on building safe, stable

and nurturing relati onships.


Our Services

Our services are individualised and provide children, young people and families with the wraparound support necessary to achieve the outcomes that are important to them. Based on our unique model of care, Life Without Barriers has been at the forefront of extending foster care to include adolescents previously seen as unsuitable for fostering programs.

We provide a range of services, from family support aimed at assisti ng vulnerable families to retain their parenti ng role, through to foster and residenti al care, providing for children and young people who are unable to live at home.

Our services also encompass specialised programs to support children and young people by addressing their needs in criti cal areas of development or through major transiti ons in their lives.

Life Without Barriers’ family support and out-of-home care services include:

• Foster care

• Residenti al care

• Supported accommodati on

• Family contact

• Case management

• Educati on

• Clinical services

• Cultural planning

• Family support

• Transiti on support

• Employment services

• Respite

Our services are individualised

Family Support and Out-of-Home Care Services


Sarah, Youth Representative, Queensland

As a former young person in care with Life Without Barriers, Sarah understands the questions that many young people who leave out-of-home care have as they embark on the next phase of their lives.

In December 2009, Sarah was able to put this understanding into

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Glen

da Norris, carer, New South Wales

Glenda Norris, Carer, New South Wales

Almost eight years ago, Glenda Norris embarked on a remarkable journey to give back to the community by becoming a carer for vulnerable children.

practice when she became a Youth Representative for Life Without Barriers’ Supported Independent Living Skills (SILS) and Transition From Care (TFC) Programs.

“As a Youth Rep for SILS and TFC I assist with the annual Carer Christmas Party and advise on different areas of care. Earlier this year, I attended the CREATE Consultants Training and in April I spoke at the biennial Life Without Barriers National Carer Conference. It was a great opportunity to hear from carers and sit in on the carer seminars,” Sarah said.

“I am currently in the process of establishing an email program, so young people in care can email me with their questions about what to prepare for over the next few years of their life.”

The TFC program is for young people in care between 15 and 18 years old and is aimed at establishing their goals and interests, which are reviewed monthly in conjunction with their carers and case managers.

The well spoken 18 year old has begun a Bachelor of Community Services at Griffith University in Queensland with plans to continue working in the area of out-of-home care.

“My goal is to work in child protection. You could say I have an advantage over the other students as I have been in care since I was a baby and can relate to many of the topics we cover in the degree,” she said.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support I received in care.”

Since then, Glenda has looked after three children through long-term out-of-home care programs with Life Without Barriers.

Her current foster child has been with her for the past five years.

With three biological children of her own now in their 20’s and 30’s – including one who has also become a carer – Glenda said she became involved in caring because she has always been passionate about helping others.

“Before my current role, I worked with people with a disability and in nursing homes,” Glenda said.

“In the communities I have lived in I have developed a reputation for helping others. Children and

parents have always known they could come and talk to me. I always have a pot of food on the go and have been happy to listen to them and advise them on where they can get help.

“The most rewarding part of my current caring experience with Life Without Barriers is seeing the smiles and seeing children and young people achieve,” she said.

Glenda said she encourages others to get involved but said caring needed to be a family decision.

“Also, make sure you utilise all the training and support that Life Without Barriers offers.”

Photo of Glenda Norris supplied by Stephen Wark.


Disability Services

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS’ DISABILITY

SERVICES FOCUS ON THE INDIVIDUAL,

EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO REALISE THEIR FULL

POTENTIAL.

We are committ ed to providing quality support services to people with a disability through our fl exible, person-centred approach.

Life Without Barriers encourages people to be involved in every aspect of their support and we ensure their voice shapes the design and delivery of our services. Our innovati ve programs support positi ve relati onships, valued roles and inclusive communiti es. We seek to develop people’s skills and abiliti es, adapt to an individual’s changing needs and promote resilience and independence.

Our aim is to deliver programs that strengthen families and enhance decision-making and choice through culturally sensiti ve services that focus on health and safety.

Life Without Barriers’ disability services include:


• Host family care

• In-home support

• Community access and parti cipati on

• Clinical support services

• Employment services

• Respite

• Mentoring

• Educati on support

• Brokerage

• Case management

• Transiti on support

• Family support

Fairan Naurarura, winner of the Community Builder Award at the Life Without Barrie

rs 2010 D

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Doron Ninedek, Client, Victoria

Doron Ninedek is a young man in Life Without Barriers’ Melbourne southern metro day program. He turned his interest in caring for pets into a successful business by establishing a mobile pet care service, Petcare 2 U.

What makes Doron’s story so inspiring is that he has severe auti sm and cannot speak, yet with the support of his family and Life Without Barriers, he has built many relati onships and gained new found independence.

Support worker Max Ward, who assists Doron with his care of the animals, said the business venture blossomed two years ago.

“Doron’s very keen on walking, it’s one of the main acti viti es he enjoys. He is also interested in pets, so it’s a connecti on between him enjoying the walking and being good with animals,” Max said.

In additi on to his pet care service, Doron has joined the Glen Eira Saints Football Club as a social member where he has met team players and club offi cials.

“Before the program, Doron was quite isolated. Now he’s become more confi dent and so much happier,” Max said.

Doron Ninedek, winner of the Determinat on and Persistence Award at the 2010 Disability Services Achievement Awards, Victoria


LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS’ MENTAL HEALTH

SERVICES ARE BASED ON THE PHILOSOPHY THAT

RECOVERY IS ACHIEVABLE AND EACH PERSON’S

EXPERIENCE IS UNIQUE AND VALUABLE.

Our programs work to support people to experience inclusive community membership and have a valued role in society.

Through our innovati ve approach, Life Without Barriers’ mental health programs support individuals to connect and parti cipate in their community. Our unique model of care and support, delivered by skilled and qualifi ed personnel, strives to achieve a bett er quality of life for the individual where hope, responsibility and belief in the value of life intersect to achieve positi ve outcomes.

This is achieved through innovati ve programs that operate within a framework of recovery where we work with people to strengthen community links and develop social networks.

Life Without Barriers’ mental health services include:

• Psychosocial rehabilitati on support


• Respite

Mental Health Services


Mark Harrison, Community Peer Worker, South AustraliaMark Harrison, Community Peer Worker, South Australia

As a trainee Community Peer Worker in Life Without Barriers’ mental health program, Mark Harrison’s role has two key functions. The first involves breaking down the stigma of mental illness in the community by sharing his personal story of living with a mental illness. The second is as a ‘lived experience’ consultant, working with our mental health clients to feed back information and advice to their Community Support Workers.

“As a Community Peer Worker I sit on recruitment interview panels, present at monthly orientation days and educate the wider community about what it is like to have a mental illness,” he said.

“I want to use the difficult experience I have been through with mental illness to help others who might be going through the same pain.”

Diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder, Mark provides a unique insight into mental illness, which has proven incredibly valuable when developing services and client care plans. Mark is one of four Community Peer Workers currently training in South Australia, under the guidance of Life Without Barriers’ Community Peer Worker Mentor, Kylie Harrison.

“Two months into my traineeship I was struggling with writing a speech and it was stressful as I didn’t know what to say,” Mark says.

“Kylie gave me some guidance and really helped me get my thoughts down on paper, she was fantastic and ever since, the traineeship has just clicked into place.”

“In 1997 I completed a clerical traineeship which led to a job in IT. It was pretty dry and didn’t provide much human interaction,” he said.

“While the Community Peer Worker Traineeship is very different, it gives me structure in my life and allows me to contribute to a person’s mental health recovery and interact with people, providing a far more rewarding career path for me.”


LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS’ REFUGEE AND ASYLUM

SEEKER SERVICES PROVIDE PHYSICAL AND

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TO UNACCOMPANIED MINORS, AGED 12-18

YEARS OLD.

Support is provided to young people whose applicati on for an Australian visa is being processed and to those who have been granted residency. Our services are delivered on Christmas Island and the Australian mainland on behalf of the Department of Immigrati on and Citi zenship (DIAC).

Life Without Barriers is committ ed to providing care to unaccompanied minors through our strengths-based support model that incorporates culturally sensiti ve supports and services in accordance with each client’s individual needs.

Our holisti c approach to care draws together trained community support workers, coordinators and program managers who work closely with our service partners and government funders to provide educati on, recreati on and skill-building to clients in detenti on, sett lement and community setti ngs.

Life Without Barriers’ refugee and asylum seeker services include:

• Intensive accommodati on support

• Supported accommodati on – independent living

• Independent observer

• Support in restricted setti ngs

Services to Support Refugees

and Asylum Seekers

Sahir Said, member of the Hazara Soccer team, sponsored by Life W

ithout Barriers, South Australia


Ali Hosseini, Cultural Liaison Offi cer, South Australia

Before becoming a Cultural Liaison Offi cer with Life Without Barriers’ support to refugee and asylum seeker program, Ali Hosseini lived as a refugee in Iran for 18 years.

Experiencing fi rst-hand the challenges faced by people who are forced to fl ee their country, Ali worked as a volunteer and community worker in Iran, supporti ng other Afghani and Iraqi refugees and asylum seekers and organising educati onal opportuniti es for children and young people.

“I worked with individuals and communiti es to acti vely engage them in making sense of the issues which aff ected their lives, setti ng goals for improvement and encouraging hope,” Ali recalls.

In 2003 Ali migrated to Australia. Conti nuing his work with refugees, he strived to bring about social change and improve the quality of their lives. He established a community radio stati on and assisted to develop support services.

“It’s important that people maintain their link with their community and culture,” he says.

“Our community radio stati on, Karawaan Radio was broadcast in Dari language, which for the Afghani refugees who were a long way from home, provided comfort and gave them a creati ve outlet.”

Now working for Life Without Barriers, Ali has established the Hazara Soccer Club for young migrants, which involves two nights a week training and playing every Saturday.

“Sport is a common language, it creates a unifi ed force and helps the young people stay focused and positi ve,” he says.

“Similar to the radio stati on, the Hazara Soccer Club plays an integral role in the support framework, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for the unaccompanied minors in the team. The work I’m involved with is about making a positi ve diff erence in the lives of other people, whichever way possible.”

Ali Hosseini, Cultural Liaison Of cer and member of the Hazara Soccer team, sponsored by Life Without B

arriers,

South

Aus

tralia


OUR WORK IN YOUTH JUSTICE SUPPORTS

YOUNG PEOPLE TO BREAK THE OFFENDING CYCLE AND BECOME VALUED

MEMBERS OF THEIR COMMUNITY.

Life Without Barriers provides transport, housing, educati on and training, drug and alcohol counselling and safe accommodati on for young people, with the aim of diverti ng them from the criminal justi ce system.

Life Without Barriers’ youth justi ce programs include:

• Foster care

• Family support – Multi systemic therapy

• Mentoring

• Independent supporter

Youth Justi ce Services


Justine Harris, National Manager – MST, New Zealand

Twenty years ago, when Justine Harris began her career in adult detention, she saw first-hand the outcomes for people who were released from prison with no support or ongoing assistance to break the offending cycle; they would repeatedly find themselves back in detention.

Today, in her role as Life Without Barriers’ National Manager – MST, Justine oversees a unique youth justice program, designed to reduce offending behaviours in young people, keeping them with their families and out of trouble.

“MST therapists work in the field alongside families. We establish intensive and practical behaviour management strategies, often in creative ways, that are strengths based and draw upon interests of the young person and their existing supports,” she said.

“Life Without Barriers is an MST network partner, which means we are certified to deliver training, quality assurance and weekly consultations to government and non-government organisations who wish to deliver this evidence-based program.”

A passionate advocate for MST, Justine has been involved in the therapy since 2006 and hopes to see the program develop further in Australia after seeing the positive outcomes it has achieved in the lives of young people and their families.

“There was a story involving a young man who regularly threatened to harm his mother. The police were called and the young man was placed in the MST program,” Justine explains.

“Five months later, I received a photo from the young man’s therapist depicting him and his mum in a warm embrace accompanied by a note explaining that he was back in school, had secured a part-time job and was in the process of rebuilding his family relationships.”

“I’m a part of this program because I see early intervention as critical to a person’s recovery and ultimately, I am committed to family preservation.”

Just

ne

Harr

is, N

at o

nal M

anager – M

ST, New Zealand


THE HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE (HACC)

PROGRAM IS A JOINT AUSTRALIAN, STATE AND

TERRITORY GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE TO HELP

PEOPLE IN NEED.

Life Without Barriers is a HACC service provider. We provide

eligible people with help at home, support in getti ng out into the

community and respite for carers.

The program assists frail older people and people with a disability to live independently in their own home rather than

be prematurely admitt ed to residenti al care.

Home and Community Care Services

Asher Meadows, HACC Coordinator, Queensland

In his 12 months as a Coordinator for Life Without Barriers’ Home and Community Care (HACC) program in Northern Queensland, Asher Meadows can pinpoint the experience that for him epitomises the support HACC delivers to people in need. It involved an isolated elderly gentleman.

“The elderly person I was supporti ng was from a culturally and linguisti cally diverse background and was socially isolated. Through the HACC program we implemented a social support plan which involved training him to be profi cient in using and navigati ng his way around the Internet,” he said.

“Acquiring computer and internet skills has enabled this man to reconnect with family and friends. It’s this ability to connect that has had such a positi ve impact on this man, both in terms of his outlook and general quality of life.”

Life Without Barriers is a HACC service provider, assisti ng frail older people and people with a disability to live independently in their own home rather than

be prematurely admitt ed to residenti al care. The person-centred approach to support delivers help at home, assists clients to engage with their community and provides respite for carers.

Asher’s past experiences as a Development Offi cer, Care Leader and Disability Support Worker in other community based organisati ons has held him in good stead to establish the HACC program in North Queensland.

“A big part of the last 12 months has been spent implementi ng and developing the program, which has included a lot of marketi ng, service development, recruitment, referrals, assessments and intake,” he said.

“The grati tude expressed by clients and their families makes the role very rewarding. We operate a unique and respected regional service and being involved with this program from its infancy to what it is now has been challenging but very sati sfying.”

Ashe

r Mea

dows,

HACC Coordinator, Queensland


HOMELESSNESS IS AN AREA OF

EMERGING WORK FOR LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS.

We see our role developing a broader suite of interventi ons that are recognised as criti cal

to the resoluti on of a person’s homeless status.

Our focus is on the provision of intensive case management services, which aim to engage

with the person, and over ti me re-establish their connecti ons

with the wider service network and address and resolve, in a

comprehensive way, the range of needs they present.

Homelessness Services

Kyran, Client, South Australia

Before Kyran joined Life Without Barriers’ Regional Asserti ve Outreach Program in April 2011, the 22 year old was house-hopping in Victoria, unsure of where his next meal and place to sleep would be.

Now living in private rental accommodati on in a small town called Winkie, just outside of Berri, South Australia, Kyran is able to buy and cook his own food, sleep in his own bed each night and make plans for his future.

“There was no room for me at mum’s place, so I moved out with my girlfriend. I didn’t have enough money to rent anywhere, so we would stay at friend’s places each night, sleeping on their lounge or the fl oor,” Kyran says.

“When I came to Adelaide, I joined Life Without Barriers’ Outreach Program and with help from my Support Worker, Glen, I got my own place and some furniture.”

The Regional Asserti ve Outreach Program is based on a housing-fi rst approach to ending the cycle of homelessness. The program employs a client-focussed housing

and support model, recognising the personal, cultural and material supports that clients draw upon.

For Kyran the program provided a platf orm for encouragement and skill building, helping him to connect with a support network and get back on his feet.

“I’m keen to start fruit picking and I’ve applied for a job back in Victoria. Before I leave though, I hope to get a good rental reference from Glen so I can secure a lease in Victoria,” he says.

“Mum always said that I had no idea what it was like to live on my own, pay for rent, be self suffi cient; I’m happy to say I know how to do all this now.”

With one in every 200 Australians facing homelessness, Kyran has joined the small group of people who have managed to access a support program that gets them safely off the streets.

Life Without Barriers is committ ed to developing our regional asserti ve outreach program in South Australia to ensure more people can assess these criti cally important support programs.

Kyran, clie

nt, So

uth

Aust

ralia


Where We Are Now

Our Achievements

Carers and Contractors

1000

2000

3000

2007 2008

1,6522,111 2,2082,298

2,591

2009 2010 2011

People We Support

1000

2000

3000

4000

20082007

1,901

2009

2,433

3,754

2010 2011

4,4674,823

Employees

500

1000

1500

2000

2007

755

2008

1,137 1,217

1,743

2,219

2009 2010 2011

ANNUAL REPORT 2011 • Page 25ANNUAL REPORT 2011 • Page 25ANNUAL REPORT 2011 • Page 25

Our Achievements


Our Achievements in

New South Wales and the

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales Out-of-Home Care Review Life Without Barriers supports children and families with the most complex needs and currently cares for more than 1,100 children and young people in NSW. In the fi rst half of 2011, we conducted a comprehensive review of our NSW out-of-home care services with a focus on identi fying strengths, areas for development and an agreed plan for the future. This review has resulted in building a stronger and more accountable organisati on that meets its own high standards when supporti ng children in care.

Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team in Sydney was established in August 2010 to deliver culturally sensiti ve care throughout NSW. The new unit, which consists of sixteen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identi fi ed positi ons, refl ects Life Without Barriers’ strong commitment to reconciliati on and delivers specifi c services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care.

Eurobodalla Community Based Support ServiceLife Without Barriers was confi rmed as a successful provider of personal care, social support, domesti c assistance and nursing care as part of a recent Eurobodalla Council tender process for Home and Community Care services.

Karen Tropp, Life Without Barriers Carer, Sydney

Emergency Response Transiti onal Unit PilotIn August 2010, Life Without Barriers was selected by the Department of Family and Community Services, Ageing, Disability and Home Care to provide supported accommodati on services through the Emergency Response Transiti on Unit (ERTU) pilot program in the Hunter, Central Coast and Northern regions. The ERTU pilot assists people with intellectual disability who experience diffi culti es due to a crisis and whose needs could not be met through existi ng sources of support. Life Without Barriers has developed a service model which provides specially trained support workers to assist the clients to access eff ecti ve therapeuti c interventi ons, develop independent living skills and connect with necessary supports in the community. We are currently supporti ng ten people through this pilot program.

Riverina Murray Accommodati onThe Riverina Murray region commenced supporti ng fi ve people with a disability to live in villa style accommodati on in the community. A number of the residents selected for this supported accommodati on program had been living in aged-care faciliti es, due to high and complex physical and health needs. Life Without Barriers will provide support through the employment of specifi cally trained staff , uti lisati on of mobility aids and equipment and access to the variety of health, recreati on, vocati on and educati on supports available in the wider community.


Our Achievements in

Queensland

Home and Community Care Services In July 2010, Life Without Barriers was selected to provide Home and Community Care (HACC) services to frail aged people and younger people with disabiliti es and their carers. We support over 850 people across Rockhampton, Mackay, Bowen, Townsville and Cairns. The Queensland team developed and implemented policies, procedures and workplace practi ces to ensure quality services are delivered across this service sector.

In May 2011, Queensland Health assessed the governance structure and processes around the Life Without Barriers HACC services provided across the State. The feedback was very positi ve and Life Without Barriers was accredited at the highest level.

Supporti ng Rockhampton and Gladstone Communiti esDuring 2010-2011, Queensland was successful in gaining additi onal services to support people in need in the Rockhampton and Gladstone areas. In Rockhampton these services include an emergency residenti al service, an Indigenous residenti al service and a supported independent living skills program. In Gladstone we established our residenti al services.

Rockhampton and Mackay Life Without Barriers NAIDOC touch

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Clinical ServicesDuring 2010-2011, the legislati ve amendments to the use of restricti ve practi ces came into force in Queensland to improve the accountability and transparency of service providers using these practi ces for clients who demonstrate challenging behaviour. As a signifi cant provider of disability services in Queensland, Life Without Barriers embraced the opportuniti es within the legislati on to improve the safeguards in relati on to restricti ve practi ces. The Queensland team undertook comprehensive assessments, developed Positi ve Behaviour Support Plans and obtained approval for all clients subject to restricti ve practi ces, six months before the legal deadline.

180 Queensland support staff received advanced training in Positi ve Behaviour Support to ensure all staff had the skills and knowledge to implement plans eff ecti vely.

Queensland Floods and Cyclone YasiDuring the natural disasters that devastated Queensland earlier this year, Life Without Barriers employees went above and beyond to ensure that clients, staff and carers who were directly impacted were supported and assisted through the recovery process. A group of committ ed Life Without Barriers staff registered with the evacuati on centres and the recovery centre, volunteering their assistance throughout the natural disaster.


Our Achievements in

South Australia

Quality Accreditati on External ReviewIn May 2011, Life Without Barriers South Australia successfully completed a Quality Accreditati on External Review relati ng to the Quality Improvement Council internati onal standards for Health and Community Services. Subject to fi nalisati on of supplementary recommendati ons, the 3 year certi fi cati on will be issued in October 2012.

In providing their review, the independent assessors congratulated Life Without Barriers management and staff on the commitment they demonstrated to implement system improvement initi ati ves. Client feedback showed a high regard for our employees, contractors and carers and relevance of the services and programs being provided.

Port Augusta Whyalla Intermediate Care Service The Port Augusta Whyalla Intermediate Care Service (PAWICS) commenced operati on in April 2011 with SA Health and Life Without Barriers partnering to deliver high quality, short-term intensive support services to people with a mental health issue. The partnership, operati ng within a recovery framework, brings the skills and experti se of both agencies together.

The service is focused on managing mental health in a community setti ng and will operate out of Whyalla, serving the communiti es of Whyalla and Port Augusta. Since establishing this service we have supported nine people in need.

Client Marc Berry with Danielle Langelaar, Life Without Barriers South Australian employee and winner

of th

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Community Educati on ProgramThe Life Without Barriers Community Educati on Program has been one of the focus areas for the South Australian Community Peer Worker team in 2010-2011. This program uti lises the knowledge, insight and lived experience of mental illness to educate the community. The aim of the program is to reduce the sti gma of mental illness in the wider community and to improve the quality of life for people living with a mental illness.

The Community Educati on Program engages Peer Workers, who bring lived experience of mental illness. Peer Workers meet with community groups including schools, colleges and universiti es, to insti l hope that recovery is possible, promote recovery-based principles and share strategies for living well with a mental illness.

Specialised ProgramsIn 2010-2011, work was undertaken to tailor programs and provide specialised support opportuniti es for children and young people in out-of-home care in South Australia.

Over 90 children and young people in care were involved in various acti viti es including summer camps, outdoor adventure acti viti es, volunteer conservati on, mentoring programs and hospitality courses for young people who are transiti oning out of care.

Forty fi ve young people were involved with our innovati ve Living Arts program, a fl exible and creati ve therapeuti c service involving regular, purposeful music, art or therapy sessions that cater to the specifi c and immediate needs of the young person.


At Risk Youth Accommodati on ServiceIn late June 2010, Life Without Barriers was endorsed by the Department for Child Protecti on to provide an emergency placement service in Perth for up to six young people requiring food, laundry services and accommodati on for the night. The team supporti ng this service provides safety and security for young people identi fi ed as being at high risk of homelessness through this residenti al care service.

Broome/Kununurra Youth Justi ce Life Without Barriers is establishing host family opti ons for young people who require accommodati on and support because of off ending behaviours. When a responsible adult cannot be located at the ti me of arrest, the Department of Correcti ve Services refers young off enders to Life Without Barriers as a preferable alternati ve to incarcerati on. The young person is supported in a safe and caring environment, unti l contact has been made with their family and supports to assist the young person adhere to bail responsibiliti es have been put in place. This service is an extension of our youth justi ce program.

Rezwan M

adani, Life Without Barriers Support W

orker, Perth – winner of the Community Access and Engagement Award at the 2010 Disability Services A

chieve

ment A

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ds

Group Home Services in Broome Life Without Barriers is establishing three new group home services in Broome. Carers have been recruited to provide a therapeuti c environment for young children with a goal of preparing them for placement with carers in the community or to return to their families.

Goldfi elds RegionWith a new group home for young people in care opening in the Goldfi elds region, Life Without Barriers is committ ed to opening a regional service to support the Goldfi elds community, providing services to families from Esperance in the south to the Central Desert in the north.

Our Achievements in

Western Australia


Our Achievements in

Tasmania

New Services for People with DisabilityIn late 2010, Life Without Barriers was selected to provide two new day programs, enabling us to expand the geographical coverage of our services into Northern Tasmania. The new Alternati ves to Work program is designed to enhance parti cipants’ skill development, community engagement and social support networks. The focus of the Preparati on for Reti rement program is acti ve ageing through provision of targeted lifestyle acti viti es for people with a disability who have additi onal needs related to ageing. Life Without Barriers was asked to do this work on the basis of our person-centred service framework and we were delighted to welcome more than 90 clients and 30 employees to Life Without Barriers when the new services started in March 2011.

Out-of-Home CareA key focus during 2010-2011 has been carer development, training and support. We established a new carer training schedule and delivered fi ve entry level courses for potenti al carers. The success of our training resulted in an increase in the number of carers choosing to work with Life Without Barriers and enabled us to expand our work in this area. Eighty percent of carers have received the self-paced learning modules.

Stephen Clark, member of the Life Without Barriers band at the Rocherlea Day Centre, T

asman

ia

Life Without Barriers now supports 36 children and young people in all regions of Tasmania, and two staff joined the out-of-home care team in our new offi ce in Launceston. We now have Tasmanian carer representati on on the Nati onal Carer Consultati ve Group and a representati ve on the Peer Support Program keen to promote a supporti ve carer social network in Tasmania.

Liaison and Mediati on Services to Schools and Families of Students with Disabiliti esDuring 2010-2011, Life Without Barriers commenced operati ng the School and Family Disability Liaison and Mediati on Service funded by the Tasmanian Department of Educati on providing support to 40 young people with disability. The service aims to develop eff ecti ve and close working partnerships between schools and families of children with disabiliti es in the state school system. The service is issues-based and operates with a strong focus on identi fying workable soluti ons that deliver positi ve outcomes for families, students and schools as quickly as possible. The success of the liaison and mediati on service in its fi rst year of operati on has resulted in an increase in funding to enable us to bett er meet the needs of children and young people with a disability and their families.


2010 Disability Services Achievement AwardsThe 2010 Life Without Barriers Disability Services Achievement Awards took place on Friday 3 December at the Melbourne Conventi on and Exhibiti on Centre.

The awards recognise and honour the achievements of people with a disability who access our services, and the staff , contractors, volunteers and community partners who support them from across Australia and New Zealand.

The event was att ended by award winners, carers, support workers, and dignitaries including the Honourable Bill Shorten MP.

Group Homes in Metro North Life Without Barriers established an interim residenti al service for people with dual disabiliti es. These people have unti l now spent up to 20 years in an insti tuti onalised psychiatric setti ng.

This long-term process started last year with in-reach support provided in the hospital, and the accessing of local acti viti es. Three of the clients have moved into the community, are re-learning domesti c skills and enjoying living in “their home”. Constructi on has commenced for the long-term house and all clients will make the transiti on in early 2012.

Support to Refugees and Asylum SeekersThe Community Detenti on program in Victoria provided by Life Without Barriers began in March 2011 with its fi rst intake of Afghani young

Nigel Malone, Life W

ithout Barriers Disability Support W

orker, Cranbourne, Victoria – winner of the Person Centred Planning Award at the 2010 Disability Service

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unaccompanied minors. This residenti al program provides support to unaccompanied minors whilst they are awaiti ng visa applicati on decisions. Our Cultural Support Workers provide practi cal and mentoring support that includes cultural and religious respect and an introducti on to Australian community, our culture and laws. All children att end the local school and can become involved in community-based acti viti es.

We have six houses across the metropolitan region and one house in regional Victoria. The aim of the program is to reduce harm and increase resilience and positi ve outcomes for those unaccompanied minors awaiti ng their visa outcomes.

Families Growing Communiti esLife Without Barriers’ Families Growing Communiti es initi ati ve was launched in October 2010. The program focuses on the establishment of a sustainable, locally driven and owned approach to supporti ng people who currently have a high level of vulnerability and dependence on welfare support.

Jointly funded by the Department for Planning and Community Development and Department of Human Services, this initi ati ve is the fi rst stage in the development of a self-sustaining community enterprise that, in the longer term, provides families in Cranbourne and surrounding areas with opportuniti es for independence, encouragement of positi ve growth and recogniti on of their collecti ve skills.

Our Achievements in

Victoria


Our Achievements in

NorthernTerritory

Youth Justi ce Support Person Register In November 2010, Life Without Barriers offi cially launched the Youth Justi ce Support Person Register across the Northern Territory. Life Without Barriers was asked to provide a register of Support Persons available to assist minors in police interviews when no other adult is available. The register is a requirement under the Youth Justi ce Act and is monitored by the Youth Justi ce Advisory Committ ee. The register operates in the greater Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs regions and has provided over 80 call-out support sessions to young people between January – June 2011.

Foster Care Services in KatherineIn January 2011, Life Without Barriers offi cially opened the Katherine offi ce with the Children’s Commissioner, Dr Howard Bath and the now Chief Executi ve of the Department of Children and Families, Clare Gardiner-Barnes in att endance.

An inquiry into the Northern Territory child protecti on system last year revealed that one of the main issues of concern was the lack of carers in the region and the number of children having to be placed in care in Darwin. The Katherine offi ce provides support services to children, young people and families in need and works with the community to identi fy carers in the region.

Jess, winner of the Courage and Commitment Award at the 2010 Disability Services A

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Excellence in CareAlternati ve Family Foster Carers, Raymond Foster and Jonathon and Christi ne Pilbrow were recognised at the 2011 Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards for excellence in their role as foster carers, in parti cular, working in partnerships to create a safe, supporti ve and loving home for children.

Presented by the Department of Children and Families, the awards celebrate the dedicati on, commitment, and achievements of all Northern Territory volunteer foster and kinship carers and honour those who have made extraordinary contributi ons to the children and young people in their care.


New Trustee The New Zealand Trust was formed in January 2009 to provide strategic directi on and support to Life Without Barriers’ New Zealand operati ons. This year Life Without Barriers New Zealand welcomed two new New Zealand Trustees, Ms Ophir Cassidy and Mr Jim Crowe.

Ophir is a practi sing lawyer in South Auckland, specialising in the needs of young people. She has recently been appointed as a Children’s Advocate by the New Zealand Court.

Jim has been an advocate in the area of mental health for over 27 years. His involvement with Schizophrenia Fellowship (NZ), including four years as President, led him to be elected to the Board of the World Fellowship for Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders.

Both Ophir and Jim have a lot to off er the Trustin their skills, knowledge and commitment.

Life Without Barriers supports children, young people, adults and fam

ilies in New Zealand through disability and family support and out-of-home care service

s

Multi systemic Therapy Life Without Barriers commenced as a Multi systemic Therapy (MST) network partner in October 2009 providing training, consultati on and quality assurance to MST provider agencies in New Zealand. MST is an intensive family and community-based treatment targeti ng young people who have serious behavioural problems including violence, alcohol and drug abuse and/or off ending and who are at imminent risk of out-of-home placement.

Currently Life Without Barriers works with fi ve agencies (both government and non-government) in New Zealand that between them have eight teams.

During 2010-2011, 351 families received MST treatment, with 89% of those completi ng the treatment. Of those that completed treatment 89% were sti ll at home at the end of treatment, 80% were in school or vocati onal training and 68% were not arrested during treatment – these outcomes are outstanding given the high risk nature of this client group.

Services in New Zealand Life Without Barriers provides out-of-home care to children and young people in New Zealand and is developing services to support people with a disability.

Our Achievements in

New Zealand


The Life Without Barriers Reconciliati on Acti on Plan (RAP) demonstrates our clear organisati onal commitment to achieve eff ecti ve and responsible engagement and work practi ces with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisati ons and communiti es. Launched in 2009, the Reconciliati on Acti on Plan is a three year plan that is reviewed and refreshed annually.

Life Without Barriers is now more than two years into the plan and over this ti me we have made a signifi cant diff erence to the lives of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communiti es across Australia.

In the fi rst twelve months of the RAP we focused on building systems to ensure our success, acknowledging Traditi onal Owners and increasing our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce.

During 2010-2011, RAP initi ati ves extended this work, with a focus to:

• conti nue to develop relati onships

• ensure the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is strong within our organisati on

• build the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communiti es

• support our workforce

• ensure our clients are connected to culture

The following examples illustrate key initi ati ves implemented in line with our RAP to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisati ons and communiti es.

Life Without Barriers’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander TeamLife Without Barriers established an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team in Sydney to deliver culturally sensiti ve care. The creati on of the unit, consisti ng of sixteen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identi fi ed positi ons, delivers specifi c services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care.

Our aim is to provide the foundati ons for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people to thrive and become successful and confi dent adults whilst upholding the links back to their family, community and country.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees build relati onships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, their birth family and carers to ensure the cultural identi ty and safety of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is maintained.

RAP Employment GoalsLife Without Barriers is committ ed to employing 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 2013. Through a targeted recruitment strategy, we now have 86 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees working across many sectors of our organisati on, demonstrati ng our strong progress towards this target. As part of this strategy, we are developing initi ati ves to support and develop our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce and ensure their voice is strong within the organisati on.

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS BELIEVES THAT RECONCILIATION MUST LIVE IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF ALL AUSTRALIANS. AS A NATION WE NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO CLOSE THE GAP IN LIFE EXPECTANCY BY IMPROVING THE CULTURAL, SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING OF ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES.

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS BELIEVES THAT RECONCILIATION MUST LIVE IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF ALL AUSTRALIANS. AS A NATION WE NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO CLOSE THE GAP IN LIFE EXPECTANCY BY IMPROVING THE CULTURAL, SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING OF ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES.

Reconciliati on


We are also working with GenerationOne, the sister organisation of the Australian Employment Covenant, on a research project to better understand the motivations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander career seekers.

Cultural Connections Life Without Barriers has developed a Cultural Connections program to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children receive specialist support specifically relating to their cultural needs.

This support is provided by appropriately trained Aboriginal workers and focuses on preserving an Aboriginal child’s cultural heritage and promoting their participation in the local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community.

The Cultural Connections program sees the development of evidence-based, individual cultural support plans for each child that meet all legislative requirements and industry standards.

The cultural support plans provide direction and assistance to the care team to ensure out-of-home care services are provided within the cultural respect framework. Key to the success of this process is contact with the child’s Aboriginal family.

Cultural Respect TrainingLife Without Barriers provides a range of services to Aboriginal peoples, families, and communities across Australia, and it is therefore important that our staff have a deeper level of cultural awareness to inform their interactions and to improve service delivery.

During 2010-2011, 238 employees participated in Cultural Respect training. Members of the Board and Executive Team also took part.

Combining theory with a focus on its relevance to practice issues facing employees in their day to day activities, the program facilitates development and expansion of knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal cultures, societies and issues.

Cultural Audit of PoliciesIn 2010 Life Without Barriers carried out a cultural audit of our policies and procedures to ensure our operations are culturally appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Dr Tracey Westerman of Indigenous Psychological Services was engaged to complete this process.

As part of her review, Dr Westerman also developed a set of Guiding Cultural Principles which will underpin the entire operation of Life Without Barriers. Our RAP will focus on the implementation of these principles.

National Cultural Respect Steering CommitteeThe National Cultural Respect Steering Committee was established in 2009 and is crucial to our success in developing and implementing the RAP. The committee has representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous personnel from across the organisation, and continues to adopt innovative approaches that ensure the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is heard throughout Life Without Barriers.


PRODUCED IN 2008, LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS’ FIVE YEAR ACCESSIBILITY ACTION PLAN ENSURES THAT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CAN ACCESS SUPPORT, INFORMATION, EMPLOYMENT OR ANY OTHER OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE OFFER. THE ACTION PLAN’S FIVE KEY TARGET AREAS GUIDE LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS TO CREATE AN ACCESSIBLE, SUPPORTIVE AND RESPONSIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR CLIENTS, EMPLOYEES AND OUR STAKEHOLDERS, AND PROMOTE GREATER INCLUSION AND WORKFORCE DIVERSITY.

PRODUCED IN 2008, LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS’ FIVE YEAR ACCESSIBILITY ACTION PLAN ENSURES THAT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CAN ACCESS SUPPORT, INFORMATION, EMPLOYMENT OR ANY OTHER OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE OFFER. THE ACTION PLAN’S FIVE KEY TARGET AREAS GUIDE LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS TO CREATE AN ACCESSIBLE, SUPPORTIVE AND RESPONSIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR CLIENTS, EMPLOYEES AND OUR STAKEHOLDERS, AND PROMOTE GREATER INCLUSION AND WORKFORCE DIVERSITY.

Accessibility

2010-2011 marked the half way point for implementi ng Life Without Barriers’ 2008-2013 Accessibility Acti on Plan strategies. Over the past 12 months we have conti nued to enhance accessibility in Life Without Barriers against the Acti on Plan’s fi ve key targets. This progress was detailed in our second Annual Review Report, which also addressed the next phase of our accessibility journey.

Target 1 – Accessibility AwarenessWe developed and delivered the Accessibility Training Package to 158 staff and stakeholders, educati ng them on accessibility awareness. We also ensured regular news updates and achievements from the Accessibility Acti on Plan Reference Group were shared with the organisati on through our fortnightly bulleti n, quarterly newslett er and on our intranet.

Target 2 – Physical AccessibilityAn audit checklist into the practi se of acquiring new building leases led to some expired leases not being renewed due to inaccessible features. Some Life

Without Barriers offi ces improved accessibility by constructi ng ramps, widening doorways and providing accessible toilets and faciliti es. These upgrades were refl ected in our 2010 audit, with 46% of Life Without Barriers offi ces scoring the highest accessibility rati ngs possible.

Target 3 – Informati on AccessibilityIn line with Life Without Barriers accessibility standards, work has begun on a new Sharepoint intranet that complies with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to level AA standard. We have engaged HiSoft ware, specialists in accessible web content, to conduct a full audit of the new intranet and have purchased soft ware called Compliance Sheriff to ensure ongoing maintenance of accessibility across the intranet which is set for deployment in September 2011. We included the Nati onal Relay Service informati on on all key publicati ons and employed Auslan interpreters at Life Without Barriers events, staff inducti ons and public forums.

Target 4 – Client Parti cipati on and EngagementWe developed a range of new promoti onal images that focus on the acti ve and strengths-based portrayal of people with disability. We now have representati on of clients with disabiliti es on the Nati onal Disability Consultati on Group, have commenced operati on of our Nati onal Client Informati on Feedback Service Hotline and are developing a new Client Engagement and Parti cipati on Framework which will form the basis of further strategies around client engagement.

Target 5 – Accessible EmploymentWe have established a memorandum of understanding with the Nati onal Disability Recruitment Coordinator Service to commit to increasing employment of people with a disability in Life Without Barriers. We also introduced the Reasonable Adjustment Guidelines to assist our managers in implementi ng any possible adjustments required in the workplace for people with a disability.

Over the past

12 months

we conti nued

to enhance

accessibility


LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS HAS DEVELOPED A FOUR YEAR RESEARCH STRATEGY TO IMPROVE THE SUPPORT WE PROVIDE TO VULNERABLE PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES. WE USE RESEARCH TO DEVELOP, REVIEW AND IMPROVE OPERATIONS AND SERVICES. OUR RESEARCH PROJECTS INFORM OUR INTERACTIONS WITH CLIENTS AND COMMUNITIES AND OUR PLANNING FOR FUTURE SERVICE DELIVERY.

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS HAS DEVELOPED A FOUR YEAR RESEARCH STRATEGY TO IMPROVE THE SUPPORT WE PROVIDE TO VULNERABLE PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES. WE USE RESEARCH TO DEVELOP, REVIEW AND IMPROVE OPERATIONS AND SERVICES. OUR RESEARCH PROJECTS INFORM OUR INTERACTIONS WITH CLIENTS AND COMMUNITIES AND OUR PLANNING FOR FUTURE SERVICE DELIVERY.

Research and Evaluati on

We also use research to develop our knowledge, support our advocacy and challenge systemic disadvantage. Our research acti viti es build an evidence-base of best practi ce community service delivery and programs. We use this to inform our policy submissions, advocacy and parti cipati on in social policy debates.

Life Without Barriers uses a variety of research methods and works in partnership with universiti es, academics, Government and other not-for-profi t organisati ons to opti mise our research strategy and the knowledge and enrichment that it drives.

We are involved in a broad range of research acti viti es which help to break down the challenges faced by the people and communiti es that we work with to deliver innovati ve, person-centred, results-driven care and support.

During 2010-2011 Life Without Barriers undertook partnership research projects with Griffi th University to examine the factors that support placement stability for children and young people in out-of-home care and the Research Insti tute for Social Inclusion and Wellbeing at the University of Newcastle to examine the use of evidence-based practi ce. We also worked with Edmund Rice Educati on Australia’s nati onal initi ati ve Youth + on a research project to examine new ways to support the educati onal needs of children and young people in out-of-home care.


Carol Peltola Children’s Research FundThe Life Without Barriers Carol Peltola Children’s Research Fund was established in 2010 to further the work of the late Carol Peltola, a long-time Life Without Barriers Board member. Carol was a pioneer in evidence-based child protection practice, and devoted more than 30 years to improving child safety in Australia. Carol held the view that the experiences of children can and should influence the practice of child and family services, a view that drives the work of the research fund.

In May 2009, the Life Without Barriers Carol Peltola Children’s Research Chair was established at Griffith University. The Chair is funded through a collaboration of Griffith University and Life Without Barriers, with the support of individual, corporate, government and not-for-profit donors committed to improving services to vulnerable children in Australia. The Chair is undertaking research that aims to build knowledge and evidence about service delivery to vulnerable children and families from the child’s perspective. This research will give a voice to children in care and their families and pave the way for improvements and enhancements in child care services across Australia.

Professor Clare Tilbury was appointed in February 2011 as the inaugural Life Without Barriers Carol Peltola Children’s Research Fund Chair, based at Griffith University. Professor Tilbury has provided expert advice to Life Without Barriers on a range of issues, including an evaluation of an education program, and a review of literature of placement stability. We are delighted with the appointment of Professor Tilbury as the inaugural Chair.

Kylie Gw

ynne, Life Without Barriers Execut ve and Clare Tilbury, inaugural Carol Pelto

la Childre

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Fund

Cha

irLife Without Barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Fund Life Without Barriers recently established the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Fund. The fund was initiated following a donation from an individual who was motivated to provide practical assistance to improve life opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

The Fund provides one-off grants to support programs or services that provide practical and tangible benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

The fund has supported practical projects around Australia including the purchase of bedding for 450 Aboriginal children and young people, maintenance of 100 homes for Aboriginal families, the purchase of books and educational resources to support literacy needs and funded camp trailers to enable Aboriginal children to connect with their culture.

This Fund will continue to deliver programs and initiatives that can make a significant impact to the health and wellbeing of children in these communities and their social and cultural network.


LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS PROVIDES SPECIALISED SUPPORT AND TRAINING TO OUR CARERS SO THAT THEY CAN BEST MEET THE NEEDS OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEIR CARE.THE FOLLOWING INITIATIVES HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED TO ENSURE OUR CARERS ARE A STRONG PART OF THE LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS CARE TEAM.

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS PROVIDES SPECIALISED SUPPORT AND TRAINING TO OUR CARERS SO THAT THEY CAN BEST MEET THE NEEDS OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEIR CARE.THE FOLLOWING INITIATIVES HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED TO ENSURE OUR CARERS ARE A STRONG PART OF THE LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS CARE TEAM.

Supporti ng Our Carers

2011 Nati onal Carer ConferenceLife Without Barriers holds a biannual Nati onal Carer Conference to develop skills and provide support and recogniti on to our carers.

The 2nd Nati onal Carer Conference was held in April 2011 in Brisbane. This conference brought together 300 carers from across Australia and New Zealand for an intensive learning and development experience where carers parti cipated in eight workshops and four panel discussions. Over the three days of the event, carers shared their stories, heard from experts in the fi eld, and workshopped strategies to support the diff erent needs of the people in our care.

The Director-General of Queensland’s Department of Communiti es, Linda Apelt, opened the conference and paid tribute to the positi ve work of our carers. The conference keynote address was delivered by Professor Matt hew Sanders, an expert in positi ve parenti ng. Professor Sanders reminded us what an important, challenging and rewarding job parenti ng is and the importance of viewing the parental role as a lifelong journey, conti nually learning and evolving.

The conference also provided an opportunity to celebrate the signifi cant role carers play in the lives of children and young people.

We would like to thank our major sponsors Fleet Partners and New Hope Coal, and our event

sponsors Toyota, Westpac, EPAC Salary Soluti ons, Cutcher and Neale, James Estate Wineries, Print Nati onal, Peoplefusion and Corporate Insurance Brokers for their assistance in making the 2011 Nati onal Carer Conference a success.

Carer Learning and Development ProgramLife Without Barriers is focused on providing carers with comprehensive learning and development opportuniti es. The Life Without Barriers Carer Learning and Development program provides a range of training packages to enable carers to acquire new skills and knowledge.

The program aims to build the capacity of our carers to ensure they communicate eff ecti vely, understand and support the developmental needs of children and young people, promote and develop a child’s identi ty and provide a safe and stable care environment.

Keynote speaker at the 2011 Nat onal Carer Conference Matt hew Sanders, Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Queensland


Fifty learning and development modules across five stages are available to carers, beginning prior to approval and placement, continuing through their first year as carers and throughout subsequent years. While some modules are compulsory for all carers, elective modules are also available, enabling carers to specialise as they gain more experience in the role.

The modules are structured to allow carers to complete the material in formal training environments, small group tutorial settings or independently in a supported self-directed format. The primary delivery method is self paced with individual coaching. This method has been chosen to allow us to reach carers in rural and remote locations, across Australia and New Zealand.

During 2010-2011, 71% of carers were engaged in the carer learning and development program. We have received positive feedback from carers who have completed modules. Carers found the training to be highly beneficial, enabling them to better support the children and young people in their care.

Carer Peer Support Program Life Without Barriers is running a Carer Peer Support Program to link experienced carers with new carers to build a strong support system.

The program enables carers to build their confidence through sharing knowledge and experiences.

The aim of the program is to better prepare new carers for their role so they are able to successfully navigate the complex system of foster care.

The Carer Peer Support Program was piloted in nine areas nationally. The pilot is being reviewed and evaluated in consultation with the National Carer Consultancy Group with the intention of further expanding the program.

National Carer Consultation GroupLife Without Barriers recognises the importance of carers and employees working in partnership to promote and standardise best practice.

The National Carer Consultation Group is the key means for Life Without Barriers’ carers to provide feedback and advice on how we can best support them.

The group meets quarterly with senior management and has been integral to the development of carer-related initiatives.

Model of CareWe believe well supported carers are able to better assist children and young people. Therefore, Life Without Barriers applies a wraparound model of care that provides a high level of support to both carers and the children and young people in their care.

Our carers are an integral part of a larger care team that includes a Supporter of Carers, a Case Manager and a range of professionals depending on the child’s needs. Input is provided at a national and regional level to ensure carers are recruited,

trained and supported in line with our policies and procedures.

Each carer is allocated a Supporter of Carers (SOC) who supports and assists carers in their role through providing opportunities to debrief directly with the SOC or through support groups, organising respite, and supporting carers to undertake our learning and development package.

2010 National Foster Carer Survey As part of Life Without Barriers’ commitment to service improvements to our carers, in November 2010 we produced the Foster Carers’ Feedback Report.

Collated from the 2010 National Annual Foster Carer Survey, the report is a summary of the gathered information about how carers view our induction, learning and development, support and retention services.

Capturing the report information involved the distribution of 1300 surveys to our carers across Australia and New Zealand, encouraging the provision of feedback on a diverse range of Life Without Barriers initiatives including the biennial National Carer Conference, Carer Loyalty Program and the quarterly Carer Newsletter.

Key findings of the report suggested a continued increase in carer involvement in group forums and events and learning and development activities.

The report provides valuable information to Life Without Barriers, which contributes to the future development of new services and the review and enhancement of existing services.


LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS IS COMMITTED TO DELIVERING POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR THE PEOPLE WE SUPPORT. OUR AIM IS TO BUILD THE CAPACITY OF THE PEOPLE IN OUR CARE TO EMPOWER THEM TO REALISE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. WE FOCUS ON WORKING WITH OUR CLIENTS TO HELP GROW THEIR RESILIENCE, INDEPENDENCE AND SELF SUFFICIENCY THROUGH THE DELIVERY OF BETTER OUTCOMES ACROSS A RANGE OF LIFE AREAS.

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS IS COMMITTED TO DELIVERING POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR THE PEOPLE WE SUPPORT. OUR AIM IS TO BUILD THE CAPACITY OF THE PEOPLE IN OUR CARE TO EMPOWER THEM TO REALISE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. WE FOCUS ON WORKING WITH OUR CLIENTS TO HELP GROW THEIR RESILIENCE, INDEPENDENCE AND SELF SUFFICIENCY THROUGH THE DELIVERY OF BETTER OUTCOMES ACROSS A RANGE OF LIFE AREAS.

Enhancing Client

Outcomes

To achieve positi ve client outcomes Life Without Barriers has implemented a range of initi ati ves to ensure our practi ce is developed around a model of conti nuous improvement. This commitment is supported by investi ng in people and infrastructure to provide a solid foundati on for our programs and acti viti es.

The following projects and developments highlight our achievements in this area.

Nati onal Service Delivery Model Structure Project In the second half of 2010, Life Without Barriers restructured out-of-home care services to align the organisati on with a Nati onal Service Delivery Model and strengthen services for the children in our care.

Focused on improving service delivery, the project directed additi onal resources across the country to support practi ce and broadened the specialised educati on, living skills and Aboriginal cultural programs in place for children and young people.

As part of the project, a review of state, area and regional structures was undertaken and teams were further enhanced with additi onal resources in the areas of practi ce, quality and specialised programs.

Client Informati on, Recording and Tracking SystemFrom April to August 2011, Life Without Barriers deployed the Client Informati on, Recording and Tracking System (CIRTS) across Australia, capturing essenti al client informati on in our mental health, disability and out-of-home care service sectors.

As a comprehensive electronic data storage system, CIRTS supports Life Without Barriers to generate accurate client reports for service tenders, improved auditi ng processes and a best practi ce approach for our clients.

The development of CIRTS involved mapping operati onal forms and funding body requirements and brought together the Program Classifi cati on System as a basis for its implementati on, underpinned by the “One Organisati on, One Purpose, One System” approach .

As the largest ICT project undertaken by Life Without Barriers, the benefi ts of CIRTS extend into service delivery, enabling our operati onal staff to be more informed, access informati on immediately and eff ecti vely respond to the support requirements of clients.

Communiti es of Practi ceLife Without Barriers is focused on the delivery of quality services to the clients we support. We encourage the interacti on of staff , and the exchange of informati on and ideas to ensure that we are constantly developing our knowledge, systems, skills and approaches to quality service delivery.

Communiti es of Practi ce bring together functi onal specialists and members of the management team to innovate and improve how we achieve outcomes for children, young people, families and communiti es.

Each Community of Practi ce is made up of 8-12 staff members who specialise in the relevant area. Members work together on initi ati ves, ideas and projects and their input and creati vity is


encouraged. They also provide feedback and take suggesti ons from local managers and other employees.

Life Without Barriers has established nine Communiti es of Practi ce across the breadth of our business.

2010 Life Without Barriers Disability Services Achievement AwardsThe 2010 Life Without Barriers Disability Services Achievement Awards took place in December at the Melbourne Conventi on and Exhibiti on Centre.

The awards are held annually to coincide with the Internati onal Day for People with a Disability. The awards recognise and honour the achievements of people with a disability who access our services, and the staff , contractors, volunteers and community partners who support them from across Australia and New Zealand.

This year, our theme was ‘inclusion’, celebrati ng the important role of people with disabiliti es and the building of resilient and inclusive communiti es.

The 2010 Disability Services Achievement Award winners were:

• Sarah Gapp, client – Determinati on and Persistence

• Abigail, client – Determinati on and Persistence

• Doron Ninedek, client – Determinati on and Persistence

• Shaun McKee, client – Community Builder

• Fairan Naurarura, client – Community Builder

• Jessica, client – Courage and Commitment

• Ricky Thompson, client – Courage and Commitment

• Elisabeth and Allan Good, carers – Community Access and Engagement

• Kerry Lampe, Disabiliti es Coordinator – Community Access and Engagement

• Rezwan Madani, Support Worker – Community Access and Engagement

• Danielle Langelaar, Administrati on Offi cer – Creati vity

• Robert Stehbens, carer – Creati vity

• Mary-Ellen Crimp, Coordinator of Accommodati on Services – Person Centred Planning

• Nigel Malone, Disability Support Worker – Person Centred Planning

• Carmen Mendoza, Nowra Day Programs Coordinator – Person Centred Planning

• The Hon Bill Shorten MP – Accessible Community

Winner of the Creat vity Award at the 2010 Disability Services Achievement Awards, Robert Stehbens, Life Without Barriers Carer, and a person he cares for

Edward Birt, Life Without Barriers Nat onal Disability Pract t oner, and Mary-Ellen Crimp, Life Without Barriers Coordinator of Accommodat on Services and winner of the Person Centred Planning Award at the 2010 Disability Services Achievement Awards

Shaun McKee, winner of the Community Builder Award at the 2010 Disability Services Achievement Awards


Working from an Evidence-Base The implementation of evidence-based programs is a specific interest of Life Without Barriers and will continue to be a strong focus. Our aim is to use evidence to ensure that services we deliver are based on measureable achievements.

During 2010-2011 we have assessed a range of evidence-based models to determine the programs that best fit our organisation and the children, young people, adults, families and communities we support.

We are working with academics from the Research Institute for Social Inclusion and Wellbeing at the University of Newcastle on a research project examining the use of evidence-based practice. The research will develop an understanding of the factors that support or impede evidence-based practice implementation.

Multisystemic TherapyMultisystemic Therapy (MST) is an intensive family and community-based treatment targeting young people who have serious behavioural problems including violence, alcohol and drug-abuse and/or offending and who are at imminent risk of out-of-home placement. The primary goal of MST is to empower parents with the skills and resources needed to independently address the difficulties that arise in raising teenagers. It also aims to

empower youth to manage their relationships with families, peers, school and neighbourhoods.

Life Without Barriers commenced as a Multisystemic Therapy (MST) network partner in October 2009. We provide training, consultation and quality assurance to MST teams in Australasia. Currently Life Without Barriers works with seven provider agencies (both government and non-government organisations) that between them have 12 teams. The most recent team began service delivery in January 2011 in Richmond, New Zealand and is servicing clients with alcohol and drug issues across the Wairarapa region.

In the past year the teams have provided treatment to 374 families of which 86% were closed successfully. 86% of the young people were still at home by the end of treatment; 69% were back in school or working and 70% had not reoffended during treatment.

One of Life Without Barriers’ MST provider agencies, the Western Australian Department of Health, recently received the 2011 Excellence in Prevention and Community Education Award at the National Alcohol and Drug Awards. This agency has two teams in Perth and is achieving outstanding results in reducing both externalising and internalising disorders in the clients they serve.

Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care Life Without Barriers has been working with government departments to assess the opportunities to become a provider of Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC). This program is a cost-effective alternative to group or residential care and detention for young people who have problems with anti-social and challenging behaviour. It is an intensive program which places children with highly trained foster carers for a period of up to nine months while specialised staff work together with the child, foster family and biological family.

This MTFC program deals with the issues that result in anti-social behaviours and focuses on returning the child home after an intensive therapeutic stay in a foster placement. The evidence of positive outcomes from this unique multi-treatment approach is compelling.

The model was first established over 25 years ago and is based on a decade of research in this field.


Life Without Barriers

is committ ed to

delivering positi ve

outcomes for the

people we support


LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS ENGAGES IN BEST PRACTICE ACROSS ALL AREAS OF ORGANISATIONAL GOVERNANCE, INCLUDING FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, RISK AND AUDIT, POLICY AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS ENGAGES IN BEST PRACTICE ACROSS ALL AREAS OF ORGANISATIONAL GOVERNANCE, INCLUDING FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, RISK AND AUDIT, POLICY AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

Governance

Business Planning The 2010-2011 Business Plan refl ected Life Without Barriers’ fi rst year journey on the 2010-2015 strategic plan. The business plan was successfully delivered and saw the implementati on of the Client Informati on, Reporti ng and Tracking System, the roll-out of the Nati onal Service Delivery Model across our out-of-home care services and the establishment of communiti es of practi ce to support collaborati ve and consistent service delivery.

Board Governance ReviewIn February 2011, the Board undertook a full governance review to ensure the Board and the organisati on’s governance systems were best positi oned to deliver on the Strategic Plan. This involved a survey of all Board members and a 360 degree assessment of the Chairperson, the CEO and Board members. A review of the processes to induct, inform and report to the Board and Board Sub-Committ ees was also undertaken in line with the Strategic Plan.

CEO Succession PlanningIn March this year, the Board approved a succession plan to support a smooth CEO transiti on from Ray Dunn to Deputy CEO Claire Robbs.

The Board is committ ed to investi ng in our people and to support the CEO transiti on, the Board endorsed Claire Robbs to commence a Global Executi ve MBA at Sydney University. Claire was awarded a non profi t scholarship to undertake these studies.

Ray and Claire advised the Board in July that the transiti on process had been very successful and Claire Robbs moved into the role of CEO full ti me from July 2011.

Ray Dunn will conti nue to contribute to Life Without Barriers for a further period of ti me in an advisory capacity as our founding CEO.

Board Sub-Committ eesLife Without Barriers Board Sub-Committ ees strengthen the overall governance of the organisati on, and assist with managing key organisati onal projects in a diverse and complex organisati on. Several initi ati ves were implemented through the Board Sub-Committ ees in the 2010-2011 fi nancial year.

Policy and Procedure Sub-Committ ee • Establishment of an organisati on-wide online policy centre

• Engagement of Dr Tracey Westerman to complete a cultural audit of all Life Without Barriers policies• Development of a related parti es transacti ons policy

Finance and Audit Sub-Committ ee• Implementati on of an electronic procurement system• Greater focus on leveraging organisati on-wide procurement contracts• Establishment of a cost effi ciency project across Life Without Barriers

Risk Sub-Committ ee• Establishment of a new legal and risk team• Implementati on of stronger project management governance systems • Establishment of a client death review panel• Establishment of a high-risk client register

Marketi ng and Communicati ons Sub-Committ ee• Development of a new intranet• Endorsement for the rebranding of Life Without Barriers• Endorsement of a greater focus on fundraising acti viti es


Life Without Barriers’ Senior Management Team


LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, ADULTS AND FAMILIES ENGAGED WITH OUR SERVICES, TO PARTICIPATE IN DECISIONS THAT AFFECT THEIR LIVES AND TO CONTRIBUTE TO BROADER DECISION-MAKING IN OUR ORGANISATION. IN 2010-2011 WE UNDERTOOK A RANGE OF PARTICIPATION INITIATIVES.

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, ADULTS AND FAMILIES ENGAGED WITH OUR SERVICES, TO PARTICIPATE IN DECISIONS THAT AFFECT THEIR LIVES AND TO CONTRIBUTE TO BROADER DECISION-MAKING IN OUR ORGANISATION. IN 2010-2011 WE UNDERTOOK A RANGE OF PARTICIPATION INITIATIVES.

ClientParti cipati on

Client Engagement and Parti cipati on Framework Life Without Barriers recognises our children, young people, adults and families as our most important stakeholders and the reason for everything we do.

We have developed a client engagement and parti cipati on framework that provides clear processes at both individual and systemic levels to ensure that clients across each of our service sectors are able to infl uence, design, contribute to, change and plan their services. This framework is supported by a dynamic, consultati ve, quality improvement culture where services evolve based on individual need.

Person-Centred PlanningLife Without Barriers is committ ed to providing clients with the opportunity to acti vely parti cipate in planning their own care and support. In 2009 we launched an Individual Planning Framework for our disability services to provide practi ce guidelines for person-centred approaches to individual planning. This year we conti nued to implement this framework with a focus to review and update systems and processes to ensure our practi ces meet the needs of our clients.

CREATE Life Without Barriers partnered with the CREATE Foundati on to develop a parti cipati on framework for children and young people in out-of-home care. This framework will bett er enable us to support young people to parti cipate in decisions that aff ect their lives, as well as in the decision making of the organisati on.

Mental Health Community Peer Support Worker Program Life Without Barriers delivers mental health services based on the principles of consumer collaborati on, social justi ce, conti nuity of care, and providing care in the least restricti ve manner. The community peer worker program supports our belief in the value of the lived experience. It also promotes our responsibility to work at reducing the sti gma of mental illness in the community and advocati ng for the needs of consumers.

The goal of the program is to ensure the consumer voice is valued throughout all levels of Life Without Barriers’ mental health services. We employ the community peer worker program across our mental health services from program evaluati on to staff recruitment and community educati on.


Life Without Barriers

is committ ed to

providing opportuniti es

for our clients to

parti cipate in

decisions that

aff ect their lives


LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS CONTRIBUTED ARTICLES TO THREE EDITIONS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION, THE NSW DOCTOR. THE ARTICLES OUTLINED THE HEALTH NEEDS AND ADVOCATED FOR IMPROVED HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE, PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY AND ASYLUM SEEKERS.

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS CONTRIBUTED ARTICLES TO THREE EDITIONS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION, THE NSW DOCTOR. THE ARTICLES OUTLINED THE HEALTH NEEDS AND ADVOCATED FOR IMPROVED HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE, PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY AND ASYLUM SEEKERS.

Social Commentary

and Public Policy

In additi on to these publicati ons, Life Without Barriers has submitt ed various responses to Government inquiries including Victoria’s child protecti on system, the nati onal development of a consistent framework for homelessness services, the Commonwealth Producti vity Commission review of regulati on of the not-for-profi t sector, as well as the introducti on of a Nati onal Disability Insurance Scheme.

Our CEO, Claire Robbs also contributed to the Herald Sun’s coverage on the current landscape of foster care and the importance of authoriti es responding early to families in crisis.

Our involvement in a broad range of commentary acti vely helps to break down the challenges experienced by individuals and communiti es that we support, by raising the issues that contribute to systemic disadvantage.

Deloitt e Out-of-Home Care Forum In August 2010 and February 2011, Life Without Barriers and Deloitt e facilitated two discussion forums. The fi rst forum focused on not-for-profi t sector reform and the second on out-of-home care reform. Att endees included representati ves from government, the private sector, academics and social enterprise.

The challenges of out-of-home care policy and practi ce in Australia were debated with agreement that development of an out-of-home care policy agenda would focus att enti on on key issues and future resourcing. The forum provided a signifi cant opportunity to engage with key stakeholders to help prompt system reform that best supports our clients in out-of-home care. A joint Life Without Barriers/Deloitt e publicati on was produced following the forums.

Support for the Nati onal Disability Insurance Scheme Life Without Barriers supports the introducti on of the Nati onal Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to bett er cater to the needs of Australians with a disability and their families. Set to begin rollout in mid-2014, the Scheme will support the delivery of more transparent, fairer and comprehensive services to people with a disability, their families and carers.

As a signifi cant fi nancial contributor to raising awareness of the NDIS, Life Without Barriers parti cipated in monthly promoti onal acti viti es in the lead up to the Federal Government’s decision to introduce the Scheme. The Nati onal Sign Up Day, Campaign to Commuters, Disabili-TEA and a range of grass roots local government lobbying initi ati ves framed the Every Australian Counts Campaign and raised the profi le of the NDIS in the Australian community, galvanising the collecti ve support for the Scheme.


Life Without Barriers also undertook a national consultation process on behalf of the Brain Injury Association in relation to the Australian Government’s review of disability services and the introduction of the NDIS. The consultations were held with people affected by brain injury, their families and carers in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia. This process was a significant opportunity for those people with a disability to give their views on the best solution to improving care and support.

Disabili-TEA at the Life Without Barriers of ce in Rocherlea, Ta

sm

ania

Disabili-TEA at the Life Without Barriers Disability Day Program in Newcastle, N

ew So

uth W

ales


Our

Stakeholders

and Supporters

OUR GOVERNMENT, COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS PARTNERS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN SUPPORTING US TO PROVIDE PROGRAMS FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE WHO NEED CARE AND SUPPORT.

Nati onal GOVERNMENT

Department of Educati on, Employment and Workplace Relati ons

Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Aff airs

Department of Immigrati on and Citi zenship

RESEARCH PARTNERS

CREATE Foundati on

Griffi th University

Edmund Rice Educati on Australia

The University of Newcastle

The University of Sydney Business School

COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS

Aboriginal Employment Covenant

Australian Council of Social Services

Australian Network on Disability

Nati onal Disability Services

Reconciliati on Australia

Red Cross Australia

Secretariat of Nati onal Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC)

Vision Australia


QueenslandGOVERNMENT

Cairns Regional Council

Commonwealth CareLink Associati on

Department of Communiti es

Department of Educati on and Training

Department of Health

Kirwan Community Health Service

Legal Aid QLD

Mackay Community Health

Mackay Police

Queensland Civil and Administrati on Tribunal

South West Placement and Support Network

South West Regional Compact Committ ee

The Adult Guardian

The Public Trustee of QLD

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Agency QLD

ACT For Kids

Anglicare

Carers Queensland

CentaCare

Community Visitor Program

Endeavour

Foster Care Queensland

Ganyjuu

Gugingin Bilin

Indigenous Family and Child Support Services

Integrated Family and Youth Service

Kalwun Aboriginal Islander Child Care Agency

Karbul Indigenous Placement Agency

Kurbuingai Counselling Service

Kyabra Community Associati on Inc

Life Style Choices

Lifeline

Mackay & District Educati on Centre (MADEC)

Mercy Family Services

Mooloolaba Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporati on

Nati onal Disability Service – Queensland

Oz Care

PeakCare

Prescare

Reachout Community Services

Youth Informati on Referral Services (YIRS)


New South Wales

GOVERNMENT

Broken Hill City Council Disability Services

Coff s Harbour City Council

Department of Att orney General and Justi ce

Department of Educati on and Communiti es

Department of Family and Community Services

Great Lakes Council

Greater Taree City Council

Hunter New England Health

Legal Aid

North Coast Area Health Service

NSW Children’s Guardian

NSW Commission for Children and Young People

NSW Ombudsman


Aboriginal Child, Family and Community Care State Secretariat

Aboriginal Housing

Associati on of Children’s Welfare Agencies

Australian Society for Intellectual Disability NSW

Banana Coast Nursing

Break Thru People Soluti ons

Burnside Uniti ng Care

Care South

Centacare

Challenge Disability Services

Coastal Disability Services

Coff s Harbour Aboriginal Family and Well Being Centre

Coff s Harbour Aboriginal Social Events Committ ee

Coff s Harbour Local Aboriginal Lands Council

Connecti ng Carers NSW

Disability Advocacy NSW

Family Link

Foster Care Associati on NSW

Galambila Aboriginal Health Centre

Green Acres

Gumbaingirr Elders and Community

Headspace

Hunter Disability Network

Interrelate

Job Centre Australia

Manning Great Lakes Community

Manning Support Services

MensShed

Mission Australia

New South Wales Council of Social Services

Northcott Disability Services

Nova Employment Agency

Opti ons Project

Physical Disability Council of NSW

Police Citi zens Youth Club

Richmond Fellowship of NSW

Salvati on Army Algate House Disability Programs

TAFE

Yarrawarra Cultural Centre


South Australia

WesternAustralia

GOVERNMENT

Department for Families and Communiti es

Department of Health Country Health SA


Aboriginal Family Support Services (AFSS)

Aboriginal Prisoners and Off enders Support Services

Aboriginal Sobriety Group

Auti sm SA

Centacare Quality Assurance Team

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Children and Family Welfare Associati on of SA Inc

GOVERNMENT

Department for Child Protecti on

Department of Correcti ve Services

Disability Services Commission

Mental Health Commission

Commonwealth Care Link

Connecti ng Foster Carers SA

Finding Workable Soluti ons

Hearing Committ ee, Riverland

Kooniba Health Service, Ceduna

Mental Health Coaliti on SA

Nati onal Disability Services – South Australia

Nunku Warrin Yunti

Pika Wiya Health Service, Port Augusta

Relati onships Australia

SA Alternati ve Care Joint Partnerships group

South Australian Council of Social Services (SACOSS)

YMCA


Warmun Aboriginal Community

Australian Capital Territory

GOVERNMENT

Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services


Australian Childhood Foundati on

Marymead Child and Family Centre


VictoriaGOVERNMENT

Department of Educati on and Early Childhood Development

Department of Human Services

Transport Accident Commission


Austi n Health

Bendigo Health Care Group

Centacare

Nillumbik Community Health Services

TasmaniaGOVERNMENT

Department of Educati on

Department of Health and Human Services

Glenorchy City Council


Australasian Society for the Study of Intellectual Disability (ASSID)

Foster Carers Associati on of Tasmania

Northern Suburbs Community Centre

Plane Tree Studio

St Vincent Industries

The Understory Network


New Zealand

Northern Territory

GOVERNMENT

Department of Child Youth and Family

Ministry of Health

Ministry of Social Development

GOVERNMENT

Alice Springs Hospital

Darwin City Council

Department of Children and Families

Department of Health

Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

Northern Territory Youth Aff airs Network

Offi ce of the Public Guardian

Palmerston City Council

Royal Darwin Hospital

Youth Justi ce Advisory Committ ee


Aboriginal Employment Service

Amity

Bagot Aboriginal Community

BINDI

Bush Mob

Carers NT

Carpentaria Disability Services – Lifestyle Opti ons

Central Australian Supported Accommodati on

Community Benefi t Fund


Taikura Trust

The New Zealand Foster Care Federati on

Congress Health

Corrugated Iron

Danila Dilba

Darwin Community Arts Inc

Disability Advocacy Service

Foster Carers NT

Gap Youth Centre

Head Space Mental Health Services

HPA Incorporated

Katherine YMCA

Keep Moving

Larrakia Nati on

Life Be In It NT

Lions Club of Darwin

Melaleuca Refugee Centre

Mental Health Associati on Central Australia

Nightcliff e Inc

North Australian Aboriginal Justi ce Agency

Riding for the Disabled Associati on

Save the Children

Top End Mental Health Services (Tamarind)

Total Recreati on

Variety Club



Summary Financial

Statementsfor the year ended 30 June 2011

SUMMARY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011


LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS ABN: 15 101 252 171

Our Directors 61

Informati on on Directors 62

Auditor’s Independence Declarati on 65

Summary Statement of Comprehensive Income 66

Summary Statement of Financial Positi on 67

Summary Statement of Changes in Equity 68

Summary Statement of Cash Flows 69

Notes to the Summary Financial Statements 70

Discussion and Analysis of the Summary Financial Statements 75

Director’s Declarati on 77

Independent Audit Report 78

Our Directors 61

Informati on on Directors 62

Contents



Our Directors

The names of each person who has been a director during the year and to the date of this report are:

T Lawler

A Deegan

R Ferris

W Grant (resigned April 2011)

J Lowe

T McCosker

P Murphy OAM

S Gollan

S Gordon AM

Directors have been in offi ce since the start of the fi nancial year to the date of this report unless otherwise stated.



Informati on on Directors

Terry Lawler Director

Qualifi cati ons BCom, FCA, FAICD, FAIM

Experience Independent non-executi ve director and Chairperson since 2002. Extensive experience as a Chartered Accountant providing business, internal audit, operati onal and strategic advice. Chairman of Lawler Partners, Newcastle, Australia.

Special Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Member of theResponsibiliti es Finance & Audit Sub-Committ ee. Member of the Marketi ng & Communicati ons Sub-Committ ee. Member of the Remunerati on Sub-Committ ee. Member of the Life Without Barriers New Zealand Trust.

Anthony Deegan Director

Qualifi cati ons BCom, LLB

Experience Independent non-executi ve director since November 2004. Practi sing solicitor since 1978, providing commercial advice specialising in informati on communicati ons technology and intellectual property. Partner of Sparke Helmore, Newcastle, Australia.

Special Chairperson of the Risk Management Sub-Committ ee. Responsibiliti es Member of the Policy & Procedure Sub-Committ ee. Member of the Remunerati on Sub-Committ ee. Member of the Life Without Barriers New Zealand Trust.

Robert Ferris Director

Experience Independent non-executi ve director since July 2002. Extensive experience in business management and organisati onal operati ons.

Special Chairperson of the Remunerati on Sub-Committ ee.Responsibiliti es Member of the Life Without Barriers New Zealand Trust.




William Grant Director (resigned April 2011)

Qualifi cati ons CCM, FAICD

Experience Independent non-executi ve director since January 2003. Holds a number of Board and advisory positi ons relati ng to transport, mining, the arts, property development, venue management, local government and project management.

Special Member of the Risk Management Sub-Committ ee.Responsibiliti es Member of the Policy & Procedure Sub-Committ ee.

Jan Lowe Director

Qualifi cati ons BA, DipEd, FUNISA

Experience Independent non-executi ve director since April 2004. Extensive management experience in government, non-government and private sector. Director, Regional Programs, Department of Trade and Economic Development, SA, Australia. Chair of the Board of the Community Business Bureau.

Special Chairperson of the Life Without Barriers New Zealand Responsibiliti es Trust. Chairperson of the Policy & Procedure Sub-Committ ee. Member of the Remunerati on Sub-Committ ee.

Tracey McCosker Director

Qualifi cati ons BCom, CPA, DiplHlthEc, MBA, AAICD

Experience Independent non-executi ve director since July 2002. Extensive senior management experience in the public health sector. Director of Clinical Services at Hunter New England Health, NSW, Australia.

Special Chairperson of the Finance & Audit Sub-Committ ee.Responsibiliti es Member of the Risk Management Sub-Committ ee. Member of the Life Without Barriers New Zealand Trust.




Paul Murphy OAM Director

Qualifi cati ons ANIA, MAICD, JP

Experience Independent non-executi ve director since July 2002. Extensive experience with commercial business operati ons management and as a director. Managing Director of Churchill’s Furnishings Pty Ltd, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Special Chairperson of the Marketi ng & Communicati ons Responsibiliti es Sub-Committ ee.

Sharon Gollan Director

Qualifi cati ons MSW, BA (AbAff Admin)

Experience Independent non-executi ve director since March 2006. Academic, lecturer and researcher with extensive experience in the public sector focused on improving services to Aboriginal people.

Sue Gordon AM Director

Qualifi cati ons LLB

Experience Independent non-executi ve director since 2010. Extensive experience in improving the lives of Aboriginal people. Magistrate of the Children’s Court of Western Australia for over 20 years.

Special Chairperson of the Sister Kate’s Children 1934 to 1953 Responsibiliti es Aboriginal Corporati on since 2001.


Auditor’s Independence

Declarati on


AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION UNDER SECTION 307C OF THE CORPORATIONS ACT 2001TO THE DIRECTORS OF LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS

I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, during the year ended 30 June 2011 there have been:

(i) no contraventi ons of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Corporati ons Act 2001 in relati on to the audit; and

(ii) no contraventi ons of any applicable code of professional conduct in relati on to the audit.

Cutcher & NealeChartered Accountants

Mark O’ConnorPartner

26 August 2011NEWCASTLE




Summary Statement of

Comprehensive Income

Note 2011 2010 $’000 $’000

Revenue from grants - State/Federal government grants 238,725 199,774

- Other organisati ons 3,951 2,798

Other income 4,824 1,800

Total Revenue and other Income 2 247,501 204,371

Employee benefi ts expense 190,280 160,425

Program costs 5,852 5,050

Depreciati on and amorti sati on 2,585 1,058

Motor vehicle expenses 9,873 7,905

Property expenses 11,342 8,894

Travel and accommodati on 3,875 2,825

Offi ce expenses 9,512 7,284

Insurance 3,880 2,788

Recruitment and training 3,015 2,292

Other expenses 4,482 4,201

Total Expenditure 244,697 202,722

Surplus before income tax 2,804 1,649

Income tax expense - -

Surplus aft er income tax 2,804 1,649

Unrealised gains/(losses) on available for sale fi nancial assets 19 (30)

Movement in foreign currency revaluati on reserve (17) (11)

Other Comprehensive Income 2 (41)

Total Comprehensive Income 2,806 1,608



Summary Statement of Financial

Positi on Note 2011 2010 $’000 $’000

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents 32,901 39,328

Trade and other receivables 19,087 12,879

Other assets - current 617 544

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 52,606 52,751

NON-CURRENT ASSETS Property, plant and equipment 9,634 6,893

Intangible assets 4,349 3,811

Other fi nancial assets 1,982 461

Other assets - non current 38 158

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 16,004 11,322

TOTAL ASSETS 68,610 64,073

LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables 44,280 43,620

Short term interest bearing liabiliti es 55 -

Short term provisions 5,019 4,318

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 49,354 47,938

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Long term provisions 638 473

Long term interest bearing liabiliti es 151 -

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 789 473

TOTAL LIABILITIES 50,143 48,412

NET ASSETS 18,467 15,661

EQUITY Accumulated surplus 3 16,244 15,584

Special purpose funds - Carol Peltola Research Funds 4 165 118

Special purpose funds - LWB Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islands Children’s Foundati on 4 2,096 -

Reserves (39) (41)

TOTAL EQUITY 18,467 15,661



2010

Balance at the beginning of the year 14,053 14,053

Total surplus/(loss) for the period 1,649 1,649

CURRENT ASSETS (118) 118

Transfer to/(from) fair value reserve (11) (30) (41)

Balance as at 30 June 2010 15,584 118 (11) (30) 15,661

2011

Balance at the beginning of the year 15,584 118 (11) (30) 15,661

Total surplus/(loss) for the period 2,804 2,804

Transfer to/(from) special purpose funds (2,143) 47 2,096

Transfer to/(from) reserve (17) 19 2

Balance as at 30 June 2011 16,244 165 2,096 (28) (11) 18,467

Accumulated Funds $’000

Special Purpose Funds -

Carol Peltola Research

Funds $’000

Special Purpose Funds -

LWB Aboriginal

& Torres Strait Islands

Children’s Foundati on

$’000

Foreign Currency

Revaluati on Reserve

$’000

Fair Value Reserve

$’000Total

$’000

Summary Statement of

Changes in Equity



Summary Statement

of Cash Flows

2011 2010 $’000 $’000

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

CURRENT ASSETS

Receipt of grants 263,092 221,665

Payments to suppliers and employees (264,779) (207,621)

Interest received 2,285 1,909

Finance costs (11) -

Net cash provided from operati ng acti viti es 586 15,953

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 206 56

Purchase of property, plant and equipment (4,239) (4,681)

Proceeds from sale of intangible assets - -

Purchase of intangible assets (1,656) (3,953)

Proceeds from sale of other fi nancial assets 81 -

Purchase of other fi nancial assets (1,585) (490)

Net cash provided from investi ng acti viti es (7,193) (9,067)

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from borrowings 237 -

Repayment of borrowings (41) -

Net cash provided from fi nancing acti viti es 196 -

Net increase/(decrease) in cash held (6,410) 6,886

Cash at the beginning of the fi nancial year 39,330 32,455

Eff ect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (17) (11)

Cash at the end of the fi nancial year 32,901 39,330



Notes to the Summary Financial

StatementsNote 1 Summary of Signifi cant Accounti ng Policies

(a) Basis of preparati on The summary fi nancial statements have been prepared from the

audited fi nancial report of Life Without Barriers. The audited report for the year ended 30 June 2011 is available on request from Life Without Barriers.

The fi nancial statements, specifi c disclosures and other informati on included in the summary fi nancial statements are derived from, and are consistent with, the full fi nancial statements of Life Without Barriers. The summary fi nancial statements cannot be expected to provide as detailed an understanding of the fi nancial performance, fi nancial positi on and fi nancing and investi ng acti viti es of Life Without Barriers as the full fi nancial statements.

The accounti ng policies have been consistently applied to Life Without Barriers and are consistent with those of the fi nancial year in their enti rety.

The presentati on currency used in the fi nancial report is Australian dollars.

(b) Principles of consolidati on A controlled enti ty is any enti ty over which Life Without Barriers has

the power to govern the fi nancial and operati ng policies so as to obtain benefi ts from its acti viti es. In assessing the power to govern, the existence and eff ect of holdings of actual and potenti al voti ng rights are considered.

The fi nancial statements are for the consolidated group and its controlled enti ti es. This includes Life Without Barriers (a company limited by guarantee, incorporated and domiciled in Australia) and Life Without Barriers New Zealand Trust.

(c) Revenue Grants and donat ons Government funding which is conti ngent upon certain outcomes,

including the expenditure of certain amounts, is recognised as revenue only when those outcomes are achieved and only to the extent of the expenditure incurred. Funding received that has not achieved such outcomes is recognised as other payables. Funding which is not conti ngent upon certain outcomes is recognised as revenue over the periods to which it relates.




Statements Other contributi ons such as fundraising revenue, donati ons and

bequests not conti ngent on certain outcomes are recognised as revenue when the consolidated group obtains control of the contributi on or the right to receive the contributi on, it is probable that the economic benefi ts comprising the contributi on will fl ow to the consolidated group and the amount of the contributi on can be measured reliably.

Donated goods are accepted on the basis they will provide a future economic benefi t. Revenue is brought to account when the goods are received and is recorded at fair value, which is represented by either wholesale value or an independent valuati on.

(d) Fundraising acti viti es Charitable Fundraising Act 1991: this Act and supporti ng Charitable

Fundraising Regulati on prescribe the manner in which fundraising appeals are conducted, controlled and reported. The amounts shown in note 5 are in accordance with Authority Conditi on 7, which is issued to the company under secti on 19 of the Act.

Donat ons for Special Purposes: Any donati ons received where the use of those funds is restricted under the conditi ons of the contributi on to Special Purposes are allocated to the specifi c fund’s account and any surplus in relati on to these funds are transferred from Accumulated Funds to Special Purpose Funds at the end of each fi nancial year.

Cost of fundraising: costs used in note 5 include all direct fundraising costs in accordance with the Act. The inclusion of indirect costs is discreti onary. Exclusion of the indirect costs decreases the cost of fundraising and increases the rati os in note 5.

General fundraising: costs charged to general fundraising relate to processing unsolicited donati ons and the planning and development of future fundraising acti viti es. Once a decision is taken to proceed with a specifi c fundraising appeal, relevant costs are allocated to the specifi c appeal. Revenue from unsolicited donati ons is credited to general fundraising.

Various services are donated to the consolidated group. No assessment of the value of those services is included in these accounts.




StatementsNote 2Revenue and Other Income

2011 2010 $’000 $’000

Revenue from government grants and other grants

- State/Federal government grants 238,725 199,774

- Other organisati ons 3,951 2,798

Total revenue 242,676 202,572

Other income

Interest received on fi nancial assets not at fair value through profi t or loss 2,285 1,909

Dividends received 33 8

Gain/(loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment 174 (396)

Gain/(loss) on disposal of investment (1) -

Charitable income and fundraising 2,194 140

Rental income 69 23

Other 5 2

Insurance recoveries 65 114

Total other income 4,824 1,800

Total revenue and other income 247,501 204,371

Note 3Accumulated Funds

2011 2010 $’000 $’000

Balance at the beginning of the year 15,584 14,053

Total surplus (defi cit) for the period 2,804 1,649

Transfer to/(from) Special Purpose Funds (2,143) (118)

Balance at end of fi nancial year 16,244 15,584




StatementsNote 4Special Purpose Funds

LWB Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islands Carol Peltola Children’s Research Foundati on Funds Total $’000 $’000 $’000

2010

Balance at the beginning of the year - - -

Transfer to/(from) Special Purpose Funds - 118 118

Balance as at 30 June 2010 - 118 118

2011

Balance at the beginning of the year - 118 118

Transfer to/(from) Special Purpose Funds 2,096 47 2,143

Balance as at 30 June 2011 2,096 165 2,261

LWB Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islands Children’s Foundati onDuring the fi nancial year this special fund was established following donati ons of cash and property. The fund has been established with the specifi c aim of furtherance of the welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Any funds contributed to the company in relati on to this fund will be transferred from accumulated funds to Special Purpose Funds at the end of each year to ensure that the funds are used in accordance with the purpose of the fund. Any expenses incurred in respect of the fund will be deducted from the Special Purpose Fund. The $2,096,000 in the fund at 30 June is a combinati on of the donated amount plus interest earned.

Carol Peltola Research FundsDuring the fi nancial year the company has authorised the transfer of $30,000 to the fund whilst $17,000 has been received from external donors. Funds at the end of the fi nancial year are only to be used to further the fund’s objecti ves and any expenses related to the fund will be deducted from the Special Purpose Fund.




StatementsNote 5Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 Disclosures

2011 2010 $’000 $’000

Gross aggregate income received from fundraising:

Donati ons - Special Purpose Funds -

Carol Peltola Research Fund 17 88

Donati ons and gift s - monetary and non-monetary 99 25

Events and functi ons 42 27

Sale of goods 8 1

165 141

Direct expenditure associated with fundraising appeals 127 29

Net surplus/(defi cit) from fundraising appeals 38 112

The net surplus from fundraising appeals was applied in the following manner:

Donati ons - Special Purpose Funds - Carol Peltola Research Fund 17 88

Administrati on 13 15

Existi ng client programs 8 9

38 112

Comparison of monetary 2011 2011 2010 2010fi gures and percentages: % $’000 % $’000

Total cost of fundraising appeals/gross income from fundraising appeals 77% 127 / 165 21% 29 / 141



Discussion and Analysis

Revenue for the year increased by 21.1% to $247M. This increase is due to the conti nued expansion of services in Australia and New Zealand. Key points to note are:

a) Conti nued growth in service provision including:

i) New Zealand revenue increased by 61% compared to the previous year

ii) Queensland, residenti al care services were established in new areas being Rockhampton and Gladstone. Also, home and community services were established in North Queensland.

iii) Western Australia, signifi cant increase in out-of-home care and disability services occurred in the Kimberly region.

iv) Signifi cant growth occurred in the support to refugee and asylum seeker program in fi ve geographical areas, however, we would expect a reducti on in the program in the 2011/12 year.

b) Other income comprises:

i) Interest and dividend income

ii) Donati ons received that established the LWB Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islands Children’s Foundati on

The Nati onal Service Delivery Model Structure was fully implemented during the year. The aims of this new model are to:

1. Implement the recommendati ons that relate to state, area, and regional structures

2. Implement organisati onal structures in states, areas, and regions that enable the implementati on of the Nati onal Service Delivery Model in out-of-home care services

3. Achieve consistent and equitable regional and area structures across the organisati on

Operati ng expenses have increased in line with the increased levels of service delivery.



Discussion and Analysis

Assets have increased during the year with the increase being predominantly in non-current assets

a) Property, plant and equipment has grown consistently to meet the needs of the expanded delivery of services

b) Intangible assets represents the conti nued development of informati on technology systems and products

c) Other fi nancial assets represents the increased investments in equiti es and bonds in accordance with the approved investments policy

Liabiliti es have increased during the year with increases in trade and other payables consistent with the increase in services provided.

Short and long-term provisions have increased due to the increased levels of employees consistent with the business growth.

Short and long-term interest bearing liabiliti es represents a loan facility with Westpac that was established during the year.

Equity has increased during the year in line with the operati ng result.

There has been the establishment of a second special fund during the year, LWB Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islands Children’s Foundati on. This was established following donati ons received.

The statement of cash fl ows shows a net outf low during the year. Cash from operati ng acti viti es was a net in fl ow resulti ng from theincreased level of services.

Investi ng acti viti es have a net out fl ow following the increased investments in non-current assets as discussed above.

Financing acti viti es represent a loan facility that was established with Westpac during the year.



Directors’ Declarati on

The Directors of the consolidated group declare that the summary fi nancial statements for the year ended 30 June 2011:

(a) comply with accounti ng policies as described in note 1; and

(b) have been derived from and are consistent with the full fi nancial statements of Life Without Barriers

This declarati on is made in accordance with a resoluti on of the Board of Directors.

Director DirectorT Lawler T McCosker29 August 2011 29 August 2011

Directors’ declarati on pursuant to the Charitable Fundraising Act:

The directors of the enti ty declare that:

1. The full audited fi nancial statements give a true and fair view of all income and expenditure of the consolidated group with respect to fundraising appeals;

2. The full audited statement of fi nancial positi on gives a true and fair view of the state of aff airs with respect to fundraising appeals;

3. The provision of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 and the regulati ons under the Act, and the conditi ons att ached to the authority, have been complied with for the year ended 30 June 2011; and

4. The internal controls exercised by the enti ty are appropriate and eff ecti ve in accounti ng for all income received.

This declarati on is made in accordance with a resoluti on of the Board of Directors.

Director DirectorT Lawler T McCosker29 August 2011 29 August 2011



Independent Audit Report


INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS

Report on the Summary Financial StatementsThe summary fi nancial statements of Life Without Barriers comprises the summary statement of comprehensive income, summary statement of fi nancial positi on, summary statement of cash fl ows, summary statement of changes in equity, discussion and analysis of the fi nancial statements, and the Directors’ declarati on derived from the audited fi nancial statements of Life Without Barriers for the year ended 30 June 2011.

The summary fi nancial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Australian Accounti ng Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements. Reading the summary fi nancial statements, therefore, is not a substi tute for reading the audited fi nancial report of Life Without Barriers.

Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report The Directors are responsible for the preparati on of a summary of the audited fi nancial statements on the basis described in note 1.

Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the summary fi nancial statements based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Auditi ng Standard ASA 810: Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements.

Additi onal Scope Pursuant to the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991In additi on, our audit report has also been prepared for the Members of the company in accordance with Secti on 24(2) of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991. Accordingly we have performed additi onal work beyond that which is performed in our capacity as auditors pursuant to the Corporati ons Act 2001. These additi onal procedures included obtaining an understanding of the internal control structure for fundraising appeal acti viti es and examinati on, on a test basis, of evidence supporti ng compliance with the accounti ng and associated record keeping requirements for fundraising acti viti es pursuant to the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 and Regulati ons.



Independent Audit Report

It should be noted that the accounti ng records and data relied upon for reporti ng on fundraising appeal acti viti es are not conti nuously audited and do not necessarily refl ect aft er the event accounti ng adjustments and the normal year end fi nancial adjustments for such matt ers as accruals, prepayments, provisioning and valuati ons necessary for period end fi nancial statements preparati on.

The performance of our statutory audit included a review of internal controls for the purpose of determining the appropriate audit procedures to enable an opinion to be expressed on the fi nancial statements. This review is not a comprehensive review of all those systems or of the system taken as a whole and is not designed to uncover all weaknesses in those systems.

Our audit opinion pursuant to the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 has been formed on the above basis.

Auditor’s Opinion In our opinion, the summary fi nancial statements derived from the audited fi nancial statements of Life Without Barriers for the year ended 30 June 2011, are consistent, in all material respects with those audited fi nancial statements, on the basis described in note 1.

Cutcher & NealeChartered Accountants

Mark O’ConnorPartner

NEWCASTLE29 August 2011


Contacts

Tasmania27 Bristol RoadClaremont TAS 7011

Victoria1-3 Brindalee PlaceCranbourne East VIC 3977

Western AustraliaUnit 1, 23 Gibberd RoadBalcatt a WA 6021

State and Territory Offi ces

New South Wales and the Australian Capital TerritorySuite 1, Level 1, 81 Railway StreetRockdale NSW 2216

South Australia89-92 South TerraceAdelaide SA 5000

Northern TerritoryLevel 1, 36 Mitchell StreetDarwin NT 0800

Queensland10 Fitzgerald AvenueSpringwood QLD 4127

Phone 61-2 4033 4500Fax 61-2 4927 5113Email [email protected] (Australia)www.lwb.org.nz (New Zealand)

Australian Nati onal Offi ce352 King StreetNewcastle NSW 2300

New Zealand Nati onal Offi ce644 Great South Road PenroseAuckland 1061 NZ

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Documents

2011 Annual Report