Caring, professional support and referral services for women

Contents

2 Who are we

8 Our Vision, Our Mission, Our Values

9 Herstory

10 Management Committee

12 Message From The Chair

14 Manager’s Report

16 Achievements

18 Community Support

23 Prevention Activities

28 Partnerships

31 Galbaan House - Residential Team Report

35 SHSP - Specialist Housing Support Program

40 Transitional Housing Team Report

44 Liberty Cottage - Outreach Team Report

48 Community Partnerships Against Domestic And Family Violence CPADFV

52 Client Feedback

Who are we

PMHDomestic and Family Violence Specialist Service was formed in 1980 as the Hastings Women and Children’s Refuge Inc. to provide crisis accommodation and support to women and their children or single women escaping domestic violence or in crisis. The service was funded by the then Department of Community Services, Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) in 1986/87. The service is a non-profit organisation managed by a community based management committee.

The Service provides many services through its four main service delivery streams; the Refuge crisis accommodation – Galbaan House, Liberty Cottage Outreach Centre, SHSP/Transitional Housing Program and CPADFV Project. Support services include:

• Emergency supported accommodation• Brokerage• Referral to other relevant community organisations• Information and advocacy• Case Management Planning for women and children• Case coordination• Outreach and Transitional Support Programs including tenancy support• Specialist Housing Support Project colocated with Housing NSW• DFV Support Rooms in Taree, Port Macquarie and Kempsey Police Stations• Education Programs and Support Groups

The Project, Community Partnerships Against Domestic & Family Violence (CPADFV) receives funding through Family & Community Services, to deliver an Integrated Case Management Project in Taree, Port Macquarie and Kempsey and outlying communities. It is currently funded until end June 2016.

The Service targets early intervention/prevention, crisis support and post crisis transition to safe and stable outcomes for women and children effected by domestic and family violence. Its strong partnerships and highly skilled staff support and refer women who have a range of needs including:• domestic and family violence• health and mental health• judicial• housing instability and homelessness• substance abuse and addiction• parenting and family issues• financial management

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Our vision, our mission, our values

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OUR VISION

To reduce the impact of domestic and family violence on the lives of women and children, and to support women and children who have been affected by violence to live their lives to their fullest potential.

OUR MISSION

PMH Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service, is a specialist service committed to providing best practice support services, for women and their children affected by domestic and family violence or homelessness. We seek to provide opportunities for women and children to find sustained safety and to grow through their own life choices.

OUR VALUES

PMH Domestic Violence Specialist Service is operated by women for women and children. We are underpinned by the following values in our dealings with clients, partners and ourselves:

• The commitment to the fundamental human right of all women and children to live free from violence

• The empowerment of women to make choices about their lives

• The right for all women and children to be valued as individuals

• Respect for diversity

• Service excellence, by providing a Service which is, and services that are, responsive, non-discriminatory and accountable

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Herstory

Port Macquarie Hastings D&FV Specialist Service was founded in 1980 by a group of local women committed

to providing a safe place for women and children effected by domestic violence in the Port Macquarie Hastings community.

The following provides a brief overview of the herstory and struggle by these women to secure funding and emergency accommodation:

1980 Hastings Council allow the temporary occupation of a Council property at 45 Savoy St, Port Macquarie for a temporary Refuge

1983 Relocated from Savoy St to another Council property in 23 Murray St, Port Macquarie (Killara House)

1984 Council requested the property at 23 Murray St be vacated by September 1984

1984 Department of Housing purchase a property in Port Macquarie for Hastings Women and Children’s Refuge

1985 Department of Community Services agree to provide funding under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) to provide support to women and children escaping domestic violence

1988 Department of Housing approved funds (under CAP) for the purchase of land and design and construction of a new Refuge

1988 Block of land purchased through Murray Turnham Real Estate (1266sqm)

1990 A design for the new Refuge is accepted by Management Committee

1994 Letter sent from the Committee to Department of Housing requesting the property purchased in 1984 soon to be vacated (relocation to new purpose built Refuge) be provided back to the Refuge as medium term accommodation for the client group.

1994 Relocate to new purpose built Refuge

2007 Innovation & Investment Funding Project

2009 Funded under Integrated Domestic & Family Violence Services Program to deliver new Project – Community Partnerships Against Domestic and Family Violence (CPADFV)

2009 Opening of our Outreach Centre – “Liberty Cottage”

2014 Won the tender in the Going Home Staying Home (GHSH) Reform process to continue service delivery under SHS for an additional 3 year period until end June 2017.

2014 Received an additional 2 years funding for CPADFV Program until end June 2016.

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Management committee

Community Based Management Committee 2013/14

Lesley Tierney CHAIR

Nellie Scott SECRETARY

Sharon Sykes COMMITTEE

Marg Morgan VICE CHAIR

Elizabeth Davidson COMMITTEE

Lindy Peck TREASURER

Caron Dyball COMMITTEE

Message from the chair

The Annual Report outlines the activities and achievements of the PMH Domestic and

Family Violence Specialist Service for 2013/14.Included in the report is our purpose and goals, an overview of the services we offer and acknowledgement of the community support we received during the year.

2013/14 has been a very difficult year, the service The “Going Home Staying Home” (GHSH) reforms and subsequent tender process created great uncertainty for all involved.

On behalf of the Committee I wish to commend all our staff for their commitment and dedication. They continued to maintain and provide an excellent standard of service delivery to our users, while having no certainty of their ongoing job security during the months that the tender process was being determined.

The positive result of our tender now means that we can continue to provide services to the women and children in our community.

Our Community Partnerships Against Domestic and Family Violence (CPADFV) was also refunded after months of uncertainty.

We have reviewed and updated our Constitution this year and changed our name to better reflect the holistic services we now provide.

I would personally like to thank the Committee for their support and commitment given to the management of the Service over this difficult period and look forward to continuing to meet the needs of women and children in the coming year.

I wish the new committee every success for the coming year

Lesley TierneyCHAIR

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We have reviewed and updated our Constitution this year and changed

our name to better reflect the holistic services we now provide

We have met some remarkable women and children throughout the year and been blessed to have shared a very small

part of their journey. Thank you for your

bravery and the trust you placed in us.

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Manager’s report

The preceding 12 months has undoudtedly been an incredible

challenge. The sector as we have known it no longer exists. The community partners with whom we worked closely to build an integrated service system are no longer part of that service system.

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The Going Home Staying Home Reforms for Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) have resulted in 69 separate not for profit organisations being the preferred providers for the 144 SHS service packages. The total service packages prior to the reforms was in excess of 300.

As one of the successful not for profit organisations we now find ourselves navigating the bitter sweet fallout of the reforms. Many are understandably angry and feeling immense loss, whilst others take tentative steps into unknown territory. Our sights however remain firmly set on the challenges at hand and our mission of providing best practice support services, for women and their children affected by domestic and family violence and/or homelessness.

We have seen a number of staffing changes throughout the year, including the loss of Kerri Tighe to her tropical retreat in northern Queensland. Marette Smith joined us in January to very capably fill the void, with Kirsty Keough also coming on board. We were delighted to see the return of Jenna Bamborough-Lahey from maternity leave, with Kirsty and Jenna sharing the newly created role of D&FV Housing Coordinator. This role incorporates the facilitation of our new initiative, the Specialist Housing Support Project (SHSP) or “Housing Booth” as it has become fondly known, and the coordination of our Transitional Housing Program. I encourage you to read more about the innovative work Jenna and Kirsty are doing further in our report. The SHSP is co-located with Housing NSW and has become the envy of many others in our region. My thanks to Barbara, Belinda, Ian and all of the Housing NSW staff who have warmly welcomed the initiative and worked with us to make it the success that it is.

Our Community Partnerships Against Domestic and Family Violence Project (CPADFV) received news that it had also been refunded for an additional 2 year period this year, taking the funding to end June 2016. News of our refunding meant we could strengthen our support team in Taree with the welcome addition of Jodie Abbott to our Taree Project Room.

As is evidenced in our data reports we have seen a significant increase in the number of single women and CALD women supported in 2013/14. Only 27% of the women supported through our crisis accommodation in 2012/13 were single compared with 51% in this reporting period. The increase in single women resulted in a decrease of children from 88 in 2012/13 to 41 in 2013/14. These statistics could be as a result of the financial barriers to achieving independent accommodation on a single income and may result in us negotiating an increased mix of 1 bedroom properties from our social housing partners.

Our community has again shown us incredible support throughout the year through an array of contributions including financial donations, goods and personal assistance in the form of lawn mowing, hairdressing and sewing. Without the generosity of our community we could not accomplish the long list of achievements you will read about in our report. My thanks to all who have given so selflessly to make our community and the lives of the women and children we support richer for your care.

We have met some remarkable women and children throughout the year and been blessed to have shared a very small part of their journey. Thank you for your bravery and the trust you placed in us.

My thanks to our Management Committee for your support and guidance during a tumultuous time and to all of our team who faced much uncertainty and stress throughout the year yet maintained their commitment to client support and positive outcomes.

Sector and service changes are coming thick and fast at present and we envisage it will take approximately 12 months for the dust to settle and new systems to be in place. I look forward to sharing our achievements with you in 2015.

Cheers

Gemma Morley

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PORT MACQUARIE HASTINGS YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2014

Our very own Ahlia was named the Young Citizen of the Year in 2014. Her commitment to young people and more broadly her community is an absolute credit to her and a title befitting such an incredible young woman. We are all extremely proud of you Ahlia.

GHSH REFORMS - SHS TENDER AWARDED UNTIL END JUNE 2017Our Organisation was identified as the “Preferred Provider” for the Port Macquarie Hastings Homelessness Support Service for Women SHS tender package. A total of 7 other Organisations were offered the same tender package, including St Vincent de Paul, Samaritans, DV NSW to name a few.

A credit to all of our team who have worked to grow an innovative, responsive and accountable service we can all be proud of.

CONTINUED FUNDING FOR CPADFV UNTIL END JUNE 2016We were advised in June 2014 that we would receive an additional 2 years funding for our CPADFV Project. The Project was the only domestic and family violence service to receive an award in the 2012 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards. The integrated service delivery model covers from Taree to Kempsey making a real difference in women’s lives. Congratulations to Kylie and the CPADFV team.

STATE ACCREDITATION FOR OUR INSIGHT PROGRAM - CPADFV Through the CPADFV Project Coordinator’s hard work and high professional standards our Insight Men’s Behaviour Change Program (MBCP) was one of only 6 MBCP across the state to achieve accreditation through the Attorney General’s Minimum Standards.

INNOVATION SUBMISSION – SPECIALIST HOUSING SUPPORT PROJECT (SHSP)Our Organisation was successful in our submission under the GHSH Innovation Funding. We developed a new Project for people who were homeless or at risk of homelessness that we co-located with Housing NSW and staffed with a number of SHS partners including Youth Housing Support, McCosker House and New Horizons. I encourage you to read more on this exciting project further in our report.

CLUBGRANTS - $5K – NEW BEGINNINGS Our submission through ClubGrants was successful, with funding of $5,000 received to establish our “New Beginnings” Project to assist women relocating to new accommodation with items such as white goods and furniture as required.

Achievements Achievements cont.

17Port News 9 MAY 2014Port News

16 MAY 2014

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Our Organisation receives incredible support from our community through a wide array of donations, from practical assistance, financial donations, furniture and clothing, toys and gifts, vouchers for haircuts… the list is endless. This support results in an increased capacity for our Organisation to deliver services and supports that directly impact women and children in our community. To all who have supported us throughout the year, thank you for making a difference.

FINANCIAL DONATIONS

• Inner Wheel Rotary

• Catholic Women’s League

• Uniting Church Parklands Village

• Camden Haven Quilters

• Essential Energy Social Club

• Yoga Shala

• Kendall Op Shop

• Tacking Point Tavern and Tacking Point Tavern Social Golf Club

• Womans Cent

HASTINGS BUSINESS WOMEN’S NETWORK – NEW KITCHEN

As detailed last year the Hastings Business Women’s Network is a wonderful supporter of our Organisation, having donated many thousands of dollars and gifts over the years. The HBWN generously fundraised $6,500 last year to enable us to renovate our kitchen at Galbaan House. Details of this were contained in our Annual Report however the renovations were still underway at time of print. It is with much pleasure that we now share the transformation made possible by the support of this group of incredible women, and the following generous businesses:

• Kristy Roberts – Pycon

• Matt Dowse – JR Richards

• Gary - PMH Plumbing

• Brett – Brett Hoy Electrical

• Kevin – Hastings Kitchens

• Peter – Tiles with Style

• Brendon – Tilemasters

• Mark – Reece Plumbing

• Rob – Shiron Omega

The HBWN raised an additional $5,000 in 2014 to assist to renovate the second bathroom at Galbaan House. We look forward to sharing this with you in our Annual Report next year.

BLING

Another generous supporter of our Organisation is the Bling Committee. The Bling committee comprises a group of talented women who arrange a very successful fundraiser annually with a view to supporting women in our local community. The Bling committee have renovated a bathroom, replaced the flooring and in 2014 provided an additional $5,000 to add to the HBWN donation to enable us to renovate the final bathroom at Galbaan House. Our thanks to this inspiring group of local women for your ongoing support.

THE GODMOTHERS – QUILTS

Our partnership with “The Godmothers” has spanned over a decade! This beautiful group of ladies come together to create quilts made with love for the women and children accessing our service. To see a child lying on the lounge at Galbaan House with their new special quilt wrapped around them is a truly special thing. Thank you ladies, your commitment and care for others is an inspiration.

Community support cont.Community support

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JOHN URQUHART (TACKING POINT LIONS CLUB) - LAWNS/GARDENS

To the Tacking Point Lions Club, and more specifically to John Urquhart (and his helper Ross when John and Theresa are holidaying in some fabulous destination), we feel very blessed to have the support of such caring, generous people. John gives so freely of his time to ensure our lawns and gardens are well cared for at Galbaan House. Thank you for showing your support to our Organisation and the women and children impacted by domestic and family violence and homelessness we are very grateful.

AUDREY – THE GOODIES FAIRY

Audrey really is a fairy! She appears at the door of Galbaan House bearing arms full of cuddly toys and other treats she’s picked up to share with the women and children in our crisis accommodation. Audrey also nurtures the team with boxes of chocolates and her beautiful caring nature. Thank you Audrey we love seeing your smiling face.

KELLY SPEECHLEY – ATALIE WIGS AND HAIRDRESSING

Kelly very generously approached us in 2013 offering her services as a hairdresser to clients of our service. Kelly has put a smile on many women’s faces through her expertise and caring nature. The spring in the step and hair flicks on return from seeing her demonstrate the impact some “look good, feel good” therapy can have. Thanks Kelly!

AND

The Hope Shop

Catherine and Brett Gilbert

The Rotary Club of Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie Private Hospital Staff

CWA – Port Macquarie, Bonny Hills

Port Macquarie Golf Ladies

all the others who have supported us throughout the year.

Community support cont.

PMH Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Service work to inform and

educate our local community about awareness of the impact of domestic and family violence and homelessness on women and children. Our staff are active members of major local awareness campaigns and events such as 16 Days of Activism – White Ribbon Coastal Walk, Youth Homelessness Matters, Naidoc Celebrations, Child Protection Week, Community Connect and more, as detailed below.

PROJECT: White Ribbon Coastal Walk

Outcome: Approximately 450 people participated in our fifth White Ribbon Coastal Walk. Organisers were again overwhelmed by the mix of men, women and children who turned up to participate and raise awareness of domestic violence in our community. Our local mayor Peter Besseling and local Federal MP David Gillespie were strong supporters of the event.

White Ribbon Day - Kempsey

White Ribbon Day was celebrated in Kempsey with a BBQ sausage sizzle in Kempsey Mall attended by CPADFV, KFSS, Police, KWCR and others. Over 500 ‘oaths’ were made, and an article featured in the Macleay Argus. White Ribbons and wristbands were sold with proceeds going to the DVMC to cover costs.

Prevention activities

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PROJECT: NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC – Port Macquarie

NAIDOC week is held across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme this year being Serving Country Centenary and Beyond, acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have fought in defence of country. Naidoc Family Fun Day was held on the 10th July in Port Macquarie with approximately 300 people celebrating traditional dance, music and food engaging the community as a whole.

Our service held a stall providing information, brochures, free drink bottles, hand knitted rugs, coasters and of course bubbles for the children.

NAIDOC – Kempsey

Speak Out for Kids was supported by the Domestic Violence Monitoring Committee (DVMC) at the Family Fun Day to celebrate NAIDOC Week. DVMC shirts were distributed and could be seen everywhere. The stall attracted a number of people interested in finding out about the available services and taking information.

Community Health Information Day – Closing the Gap

Our Outreach program were partners in a local initiative adopted from Maitland LGA that demonstrated that a health care response to the detrimental aspects of a social environment can pay dividends on a communities health status.

The project , held at Christmas Cove Caravan Park, Laurieton on 2 occasions throughout the year combined community capacity building and partnerships with a range of service providers including Drug and Alcohol, Women’s Health, Centrelink, General Practitioners, Mental Health Nurse, Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service, Mid North Coast Community Legal Service and Charities such as St Vincent de Paul food program.

Our organisation provided fresh fruit, bedding and clothing to residents on both occasions.

PROJECT: International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day – Port Macquarie Hastings

The Hastings Business Women’s Network held a cocktail event at the CWA to celebrate International Women’s Day with all funds raised being donated to the Refuge to fund the renovation of our bathroom. Several staff and management members attended the well supported event.

International Women’s Day - Kempsey

Held for the second year at the Kempsey Pensioners League Hall, the International Women’s Day was a great success. Six women received a “Women of the Macleay Award”. This year there was a special mention of a young Woman of the Macleay recognizing an exceptional young woman in the community. There was an international flavor in 2014 with food going beyond the humble sausage sandwich to include Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines

PROJECT: Teddy Bears Picnic

A community awareness day was organised by the Hastings Child Protection Network in Port Macquarie. The Teddy’s Bears Picnic is an annual event that seeks to increase the awareness of child protection issues and services available to support families. Numerous young families participated in activities including face painting, free giveaways and information stalls.

PROJECT: Youth Homelessness Matters Week (YHMD)

YHMD is held in April each year during youth week, with events held across Australia to raise community awareness about youth homelessness. Port Macquarie Hastings YHMD included a number of events such as, ‘7 days of couch surfing’, a Q&A style forum and a public sleepout. The aims of YHMD 2014 were to:

• Raise awareness of the presence of youth homelessness in the Hastings area• Break stereotypes of homelessness• Celebrate the resilience of young people• Provide opportunity for community donations and support

PROJECT: Community Connect Day

Community Connect Day – Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie services once again came together to provide support and information sharing to those either experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. A range of support services were offered on the day including lunch, care packs, haircuts, blankets, clothing, toiletries, birth certificates, music and entertainment.

Community Connect Day - Taree

CPADFV staff held a stall with Taree Women and Children’s Refuge at the PCYC for Community Connect Day. Several hundred community members attended with information packs provided to approximately 20 individuals impacted by domestic and family violence personally or for someone they knew. Staff collaborated to mingle with participants to highlight services available, provide food parcels, toiletry packs and games and fun activities for the children.

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PROJECT: Domestic Violence Support Group

4 programs of 8 sessions were facilitated at our service this year.

The session contents aim to enhance understanding of the physical and emotional effects of domestic violence on women and children, build self esteem and explore legal avenues to promote safety.

Referrals were made by Galbaan House, Liberty Cottage, CPADFV, Brighter Futures, McCosker House, FaCS, Flintoff Lawyers, Solicitors, Centrelink Social Worker, New Horizons, Interrelate and Self-referral.

Over the year 80 women were referred to the support group. Of these women 63 were women with children and 17 women were single. 37 women were in current domestic violent relationships and 43 women were not. 29 women attended the 4 programs held over the year.

Participant feedback often provides unexpected comments when sessions explore and support women through highly sensitive and personal experiences, for example, “I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much.” Women often speak to a sense of reduced isolation and feelings of connectedness to other group members, for many, simply knowing they aren’t alone is the greatest benefit in attending.

PROJECT: Women Can Support Group - Kempsey

The Women Can, Kids Can programs are offered in Kempsey by Speak Out 4 Kids, a project jointly managed by KWR and KFSS. A member of our team completed facilitator training and co-facilitated Women Can.

Women Can is an eight-week program that covers the cycle of violence and the effects of violence on women and children and how to move towards choosing more positive pathways, build positive relationships, alleviate stress and learn relaxation techniques and develop self esteem & assertiveness.

PROJECT: Insight and (Ex)Partner Contact Program

The highly accountable Insight Program achieved registration through the Attorney General’s as a best practice model for Men’s Behavior Change Programs. A total of only 6 Programs have achieved registration across the state of NSW. The concurrent (ex)partner support program, was also delivered ensuring opportunities for support were available for family members impacted by Insight participants use of violence and abuse in their relationships. For many of these women it was the first time they had contact with a support service.

Programs were delivered with the endorsement the Port Macquarie-Hastings Domestic Violence Monitoring Committees.

PROJECT: LOVE BiTES

LOVE BiTES, the award winning domestic violence and sexual assault early intervention/prevention program, was delivered to 248 high school students over 7 sessions. See more on this in the CPADFV report.

Additional Interagencies and Committees our team is actively involved in:• Hastings Homelessness Network• Hastings Youth Workers Network• Youth Homelessness Matters Day Committee• Youth Network – Kempsey• Housing Forum – Kempsey• Housing Forum Taree• MNC Homelessness and Housing Working Party• Tenancy Support Service – Port Macquarie and Kempsey• Hastings Community Network• Community Garden Committee• Bearlay Aboriginal Interagency• Port Macquarie Hastings Domestic Violence Committee• Kempsey Domestic Violence Monitoring Committee• Manning Valley Domestic Violence Committee• CPADFV Steering Committee• Child Protection Interagency• Regional and State DV NSW Conferences• Kempsey LoVE BiTES Committee• Taree LoVE BiTES Committee• Gloucester DV Committee• Community Health Day Laurieton

Presentations to:• Lifeline telephone Counsellors• McCosker House Emergency Accommodation staff• Community Health Laurieton• Cert 4 ATSI students Taree – FDV Forum• Sunrise Rotary Club• TAFE NSW, Port Macquarie Campus – Community Services students• CWA – Bonny Hills• Mission Australia• View Club – Laurieton• Zonta Port Macquarie• Kempsey Business Women’s Network

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LOVE BiTES Hunter New England Area

Health Service, Buckett’s Way Neighbourhood Services Group, Community Services, NSW Police

Force, NSW Department of Education, Manning Family Relationships Service,

Mission Australia – Youth Pathways, Homebase Youth Services and

Biripi Aboriginal Medical Service, Solstice House

TAREE

The team at the D&FV Specialist Service is committed to developing and maintaining strong networks with

other service providers and agencies within our local community.

Our service relies on assistance from community partners to offer our clients effective solutions and options tailored to their individual needs. We strive to achieve collaborative external partnerships and networks thus promoting improved responses to domestic violence for clients.

The outcomes produced through co-operative networking provide a realistic measure of the capacity of staff to build effective relationships with external service providers. The following provides an overview of the achievements made this year through our active interagency involvement and valuable partnerships.

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Partnerships

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LOVE BiTES - Area Health Service, NSW Police Force,

Family & Community Services, Interrelate, Christo Youth Services, and NSW Department of Education, Centrelink, Youth

Housing Support

NAIDOC Bearlay Aboriginal Interagency, Birpai Local Aboriginal Lands Council,

Fair Trading, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Housing NSW.

WHITE RIBBON COASTAL WALK 16 Days of Activism, Birpai LALC, TAFE NSW, Port Macquarie Hastings Domestic Violence Committee, NSW Police Force, Area Health Service,

SNAP Port Macquarie and many other wonderful volunteers.

TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Hastings Child Protection Interagency, Area Health, Family & Community Services,

Uniting Care Burnside, St Joseph’s Family Services, Interrelate Centacare Family Referral Service

YOUTH HOMELESSNESS MATTERS Community Housing Ltd, Hastings Homelessness Network,

Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Neighbourhood Centre - TAS

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT GROUP Fiona from Flintoff Lawyers Denis from The Yoga Shala

INSIGHT CPADFV, Community Corrections, Domestic and Family Violence

Specialist Service, independent psychologist Bern Coady and Port Macquarie-Hastings Domestic Violence

Committee.

PORT MACQUARIE

LOVE BiTES Kempsey Shire

Council, Kempsey Family Support

Service, Kempsey Family Support Service, Yes to Respect MBCN, Area Health Service, NSW Police Force,

Kempsey Women’s Refuge, YP Space, Durri Aboriginal Medical Service,

PCYC, Staying Home, Leaving Violence and NSW Department

of Education, Community Services.

KE

MPSEY

Presenting Unit

51%49%

Single Women - 26

Women with Children - 25

3130

RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT

Galbaan House is a 5 bedroom purpose built facility. Our crisis accommodation is for an 8 week period in which the Residential Support Team work with women to identify their goals, promote safety and advocate for women and their children to access appropriate services and secure more permanent accommodation.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES - SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS 2013/14

A number of clients supported through early intervention case management supports often transition into post crisis support. For the purposes of the table, clients have been recorded in the area that best reflects their entry point to receiving support.

Residential Program

Marette Smith & Ahlia Westaway-Griffiths

Housing Outcomes

23%

25%14%

22%

6% 10%

Secured Private Rental

Secured Social/Transi�onalHousing

Returned Home Safely

Stay with Friends/Family

Remained at Galbaan House

Other

Presenting Issues

90%

10%

Domes�c Violence

Homeless

Case Management

92%

8%

Case Managed

Other

Cultural Diversity

21%

20%59%

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island

Culturally & Linguis�callyDiverse

Other

3332

SHSP Clients

26%

32%

42%

Single Males - 32

Single Females - 40

Families - 52

Cultural Diversity

37%

5%

58%

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island

Culturally & Linguis�callyDiverse

Other

Gender

39%

61%Male - 16

Female - 25

Demographic

41%

37%

22%

0-5 Years - 17

6-12 Years - 15

13+ Years - 9

3534

TOTAL CHILDREN Specialist Housing Support Project (SHSP)

The idea of a Specialist Housing Support Project (SHSP) was first considered in early 2013 and became a reality when our application for funds under the GHSH Innovation Fund was successful, commencing in September 2013. SHSP is an innovative early intervention and prevention homelessness strategy.

The Project has several key partners being Housing NSW, New Horizons, McCosker House, and Community Housing Ltd - YHS. The Program is co- located with Housing NSW 4 mornings per week. SHSP workers refer clients to the most appropriate service for case management and assist its partners to support the successful case management of the client so that they can achieve their goals and limit or reduce the longer term and intergenerational impact of homelessness on people who live in the Port Macquarie Hastings district.

In seeing the whole person, the SHSP staff work to assist the client to secure and maintain affordable housing, create and strengthen linkages with partners that support the client with improved; financial security, educational outcomes, employment outcomes or goals, health outcomes, mental health outcomes, and a reduction in self harm related behaviours including drug and alcohol abuse and other addictions.

The Steering Committee comprises of management level representatives from partner agencies who meet at regular intervals to support the operation of the Project. The Committee includes representatives from D&FVSS, Housing NSW, New Horizons, Community Housing Ltd - YHS, McCosker House and Centrelink.

Jenna Bamborough-Lahey & Kirsty Keough

Outcomes

1%

35%

15%16%2%

11%

19%

1%

Sustained Tenancy - 1

Secured Private Rental - 30

Secured Social Housing - 13

Entered SHS - 14

Entered Rehab - 2

Relocated to Family/Friends - 9

Secured Caravan Park/MotelAccommoda�on - 16

Overnight EmergencyAccommoda�on - 1

Cultural Identity

27%

2%

71%

Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander-33

CALD - 3

Australian - 88

3736

Highlights

OUTCOMES

Outcomes concentrate on, and reflect the rapid rehousing model - clients securing and maintaining new tenancies and entering SHS services to reduce homelessness.

As SHSP is a case coordination model not all clients who were initially serviced reported back to staff to advise of their outcome. Outcomes reflect all clients who were contactable following their initial intake.

BROKERAGE

Brokerage within the SHSP budget assisted many clients to secure and maintain new tenancies, relocate to family/friends or Rehabilitation Services and assist with relocation.

All names have been changed to keep SHSP client information confidential.

CASE STUDY ONE

Natalie was referred to SHSP as one of our first clients, she had fled a Domestic Violence relationship with her 10 year old son and was residing at Galbaan House. Natalie was very proactive in searching for properties and was having knock back after knock back and was becoming depressed with the outcomes. She was engaging in her support services being drug and alcohol counselling and TAFE. Natalie had a previous debt from her past rental and was trying to pay back what she could on a Newstart Centrelink payment. Assistance from SHSP included liaising with Real Estates, assisting her with applications and reviewing her previous Real Estate debt. A portion of her previous debt was approved to be paid by SHSP as after talking with Real Estates her debt was negatively impacting her current applications. Once her debt was paid Natalie was approved for a tenancy with a local Real Estate Agent. With the assistance of SHSP a Tenancy Guarantee, Start Safely and Rentstart Bond Loan were all approved through Housing NSW. Natalie has since gained part time work and 10 months later is still happily residing with her son in the same tenancy.

CASE STUDY TWO

Stephanie was referred to SHSP after presenting to Housing NSW as risk of homelessness. Stephanie was currently staying in hospital accommodation whilst receiving cancer treatment, however her treatment was to soon end and she could no longer reside there. Stephanie had no friends or family in the area and has an intellectual disability. SHSP contacted her current accommodation to discuss the possibility of extending her stay, approval was arranged and SHSP funded the gap in accommodation prices for the following weeks. Stephanie was referred by SHSP to McCosker House for temporary accommodation. She was soon relocated to McCosker House. Within a few weeks Stephanie was offered a transitional property though PMHD&FVSS as part of SHSP. Stephanie accepted this offer and was relocated to a 1 bedroom property with the assistance of a tenancy support worker from PMHD&FVSS. Stephanie set goals with her worker and soon found herself approved for a tenancy through a local Real Estate Agency. Assistance with household goods and a referral to Hope Shop transitioned Stephanie comfortably into her new long term tenancy.

38

CASE STUDY THREE

Jane and Kim were referred to SHSP after receiving temporary accommodation from Housing NSW. Jane and Kim have 4 children aged 9 years to 8 weeks and were homeless after being evicted from their tenancy after 3 years due to renovations taking place. Kim works part time and Jane receives partnered parent payment. They were also contributing to their temporary accommodation with Housing NSW and this was financially draining as they needed 2 rooms for a large family. SHSP liaised with a local Real Estate Agent where an application was being processed for a tenancy. It was agreed that they would give the family a 3 month tenancy due to their homelessness. Unfortunately the owner of the property decided that he no longer wanted to rent the property out, Kim and Jane were back to starting over again. SHSP contacted Centrelink as it was found that the family was not receiving the correct payments. Centrelink escalated the report and back pay of the new baby was paid within 2 days and appropriate payments started. A Food for Life referral was completed with Kim and Jane for an emergency food parcel while waiting on Centrelink payments. Kim and Jane collected enough food to feed the family for the days to come. SHSP brokerage covered the cost of a tarp for covering all the families’ possessions that were stored outside Kim’s parents’ house. A referral was made to McCosker house for short term accommodation and the family was relocated quickly. They are currently receiving support services from McCosker House with case plan goals and looking for long term housing. Support will soon start with Brighter Futures Early Intervention Program.

10 months later is still happily residing with her son in the same tenancy

41

In 2013-14, the transitional housing program grew from

12 properties to a total of 16 properties. D&FVSS have maintained partnerships with Community Housing, MA Housing, Centacare Housing and have welcomed a new partnership with Housing NSW, under a program called A Place To Call Home.

These properties allow for women and children to gain a rental history, regain independence, confidence and allow them to recover from trauma. These properties are classed as medium term accommodation and women are provided with opportunity to engage with a support worker to reach as many goals as they identify through this period.

Transitional Housing

40

Average length of stay in Transitional Housing

0

122

162

0

2012-2013

2013-2014

Number of clients accomodated in Transitional Housing

2012-2013

Women Children 2013-2014

Women Children

2539

2534

Cultural Diversity

Outcomes

24%

64%

4%4%, 4%

Aboriginal - 6

Australian - 16

Fijian - 1

Filipino - 1

Thai - 1

44%

20%

28%

8%Currently residing inTransitonal Housing - 11

Secured private rental - 5

Secured social housing - 7

Relocated tofamily/friends - 2

Highlights

All names have been changed to keep Transitional client information confidential.

CASE STUDY ONE

Lucy and her two children visited the SHSP room after living in a friend’s garage for some time after her partner had passed away. Lucy is from a non-English speaking background, had trouble communicating and was incredibly shy, finding it difficult to ask for help. Through SHSP, Lucy agreed to move into a motel, all the while continuing to call into SHSP regularly to keep contact. Lucy called in one day to state that due to school holidays the rent had increased at the motel and she feared she could no longer afford it. Lucy agreed to view Galbaan House after initially being too frightened about the prospect of residing there. Lucy moved in, expressed how comfortable she felt, and worked tirelessly with staff to find a property, unfortunately to no avail. Lucy is now in a Transitional Housing property, gaining her first rental reference and often expressing her delight to be settled with her children.

CASE STUDY TWO

Georgie was referred for Transitional Housing by CPADFV who had been working with her for some time. Georgie was struggling to pay rent in her current private rental after her violent partner had left, and was quickly falling into arrears. Georgie also had to travel a great distance regularly after her son had been placed with his father for full time care in the Family Law Court. Georgie was able to vacate her tenancy with no penalty, address her debts with the help of some brokerage, continue to visit her son and have him come and stay with her and is now getting ready to commence full time employment all within her first three months of living in the transitional property.

CASE STUDY THREE

Ella was referred to SHSP after being declined by HNSW for any further Temporary Assistance due to having her dog with her. Ella and her teenage son were sleeping in the car to ensure the dog stayed with the family. Ella worked with staff to secure a safe temporary home for her pet, entered Galbaan House with her son and worked to address her TICA debts with the assistance of brokerage. Ella entered into a Transitional Housing property soon after and continues to work on securing permanent employment.

42

Lucy is now in a Transitional Housing property, gaining her first rental reference

and often expressing her delight to be settled with

her children.

Women and Families Supported

Single Women Women with Children

45

129

45

Outreach program

44

The Outreach Program of PMH D&FV Specialist Service operates from Liberty Cottage in Gordon St,

Port Macquarie. Liberty Cottage supports women and children impacted by domestic & family violence and homelessness where crisis accommodation is not required.

The Outreach Team provides case management services, immediate crisis brokerage support, risk assessment and safety planning as well as post crisis linkages to ongoing support. Support Workers are available to meet the dominant needs of our client base – an understanding ear to hear and validate women’s experience. The majority of women present with domestic violence being the most pressing issue for them at the time.

In response to community need, over the past 12 months Outreach Support Workers have continued to provide much needed support into outlying areas. Wauchope Neighbourhood and Information Centre and Laurieton Library provide space for workers to regularly meet with women.

Cultural Diversity

Aboriginal13%

Australian80%

CALD7%

Housing Outcomes

Secured Private Rental

9%

Secured Social Housing

2%

Sustained Tenancy/Housing

Safely37%

Sustained Tenancy/Housing

22%

Entered SHS3%

Relocated to Friends/Family

9%

Sustained Tenancy with Friends/Family

7%

Short Term Support Outcome Unknown

2%Home

Owner/Mortgage9%

46 47

Highlights

All names have been changed to keep Outreach client information confidential.

MS N

Ms N and her daughter entered Galbaan House and were supported with immigration issues. Ms N successfully secured a property through our Transitional Program, and obtained a rental history that led to Ms N and her daughter securing a permanent residence through our social housing partner Community Housing Ltd. Ms N has completed a computer course at TAFE and is looking forward to further studies, entering the workforce and obtaining her driver’s licence. Ms N kindly stated in her evaluation, “I love you ladies, we are just so very happy now, thank you all”.

MS K

We were able to assist Ms K and her son to obtain safe and secure accommodation through our Transitional Program where Ms K stated “ The accommodation helped me to feel safe while I negotiated my way through the labyrinth of processes I needed to engage in to get my life back on track, putting an AVO in place, instigating family law as well as saving for a car and to get a bond together”. “I take good care of myself and my son and we have an unimaginably beautiful life. We have a wonderful home and there is lots of love here”. Ms K expressed her gratitude to the Outreach team for the exceptional support of the staff in those early days.

Number of women per area and support type

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

Kempsey 1285 Port Macquarie 1329 Taree 1331

556 571381

75 71

87

484

248 672 Referral only

Number of women and children supported

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

Women contacted throughspecialist DFV support rooms

3945

3082

2013/14

2012/13

49

Community Partnerships Against Domestic and Family Violence

48

Community Partnerships Against Domestic and Family Violence (CPADFV) covers a large regional area defined by the NSW Police Local Area Commands of Mid North Coast and Manning Great Lakes. The combined Commands extend from Nambucca in the North to Gloucester in the South and include segments of six Local Government Areas.

CPADFV seeks to promote safety for families experiencing domestic and family violence through a range of responses matching client need and validated risk assessment outcomes. Contact usually leads to referral, case coordination and comprehensive case management services. CPADFV utilises flexible brokerage funding to meet a variety of needs including security upgrades, homelessness prevention, prioritised access to professional support and transport.

The four primary facets of CPADFV service model comprise:1. direct services to families experiencing domestic and family violence;2. early intervention/prevention programs for young people;3. registered domestic violence behaviour change program for men who use violence in their relationships.4. integration through formal and informal partnership with external agencies and services;

1. PROJECT ROOMS

CPADFV operates three specialist domestic and family violence support rooms, co-located with NSW Police Force in Kempsey, Port Macquarie and Taree Police Stations. Through our formal partnerships, Police provide weekly or bi-weekly referral lists to on-site specialist support workers showing victim contact details relating to Police call-outs or other involvement in response to domestic and family violence. Significant changes to the way information was shared in our Taree site impacted on CPADFVs achievement this year. Referrals from other services and self-referral are also accepted.

CPADFV support workers contact women referred to offer a suite of support options including risk assessment and safety planning, case coordination and holistic case management. Support commonly includes liaising with Police to provide relevant documentation, support making statements or discussing concerns with Police, information about A(D)VOs, brokerage and ensuring assisted referral to prevent re-traumatisation through repeating their experience numerous times. Assisted referral commonly includes legal, housing, health, financial assistance, education and ongoing psychological support.

Kylie Dowse PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR

Bec Ligt SW TAREE & PORT MACQUARIE

Jodie Abbott SW TAREE

Amanda Maxwell SW PORT MACQUARIE

Narelle Moulton SW KEMPSEY

5150

2. LOVE BITES EARLY INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION PROGRAM

CPADFV coordinated assistance from partner agencies to deliver the LOVE BiTES Program to 248 Port Macquarie-Hastings high school students this year, where robust discussion about domestic violence and sexual assault was encouraged. Local coordination committees in Kempsey and Taree have evolved to coordinate the program in their respective areas, with resource and facilitation support from CPADFV.

Pictured below are students from Camden Haven High School participating in art and music workshops. These workshops encourage students to create messages to build community awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault and reinforce program learnings. Student artwork and songs were utilised in multiple community education activities.

3. REGISTERED INSIGHT PROGRAM

The registered Insight men’s behaviour change program continued in Port Macquarie and achieved membership of the newly funded ‘Yes To Respect’ Men’s Behaviour Change Network. Compliance with the rigorous NSW Minimum Standards continues to shape our collective work with men who use violence in their relationships, and is evidenced by the low number of programs able to satisfy the Standards. Currently, 6 organisations in NSW offer registered programs, one of those did not operate in 2013/14 due to funding constraints.

Insight sessions explore themes of power and control imbalances in participants’ relationships, effects of the use of violence on self, partner or former partners and children, and communication skills. The program offers an anger awareness tool, however emphasises for participants that domestic violence is not the result of unmanaged anger as intimate partners are specifically targeted. Sessions are typically powerful, with each participant supported to move through taking responsibility for their use of violence.

Vigilant focus on program accountability to non-offending family members is paramount with partners and former partners of Insight participants reporting overall reduction in the use of all forms of violence and abuse during the life of the program. Drawing from national and international innovative practices designed to promote safety, workers engaged with women who had often never had contact with a support service prior to program delivery.

4. INTEGRATION THROUGH PARTNERSHIP

CPADFV currently has 74 formal and informal partnerships with 51 unique partner agencies. All facets of CPADFV are conducted in partnership with at least one other agency or service with the majority supported by multiple agencies and services. In Kempsey, CPADFV completed training then supported ‘Speak Out 4 Kids’ to facilitate ‘Women Can’ and ‘Kids Can’ groups.

5. HIGHLIGHTS FROM AROUND THE SUPPORT ROOMS

“Working closely with a mum of 3 who had a long history of domestic violence and assisting her to relocate safely to begin a new life free from violence. Support translated to building confidence to reporting breaches of the ADVO leading to the offender’s arrest and incarceration.”

“Working alongside the Police Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers to reduce community barriers to seeking Police assistance. We were invited to attend and speak to forums and groups designed specifically for the Aboriginal community and were warmly welcomed.”

“International Women’s Day celebrations were held at the Kempsey Pensioners League Hall where 6 women received the ‘Women of the Macleay’ award in recognition of their commitment and contribution to the community, with a special mention this year for a ‘Young Woman of the Macleay’. The introduction of an international flavour with food going beyond the humble sausage sandwich to include Middle Eastern and Asian food was fabulous.”

“Flexible use of brokerage funds allowed our service to fill the gaps to ensure we could respond to a whole array of client needs. I think this made a real difference to the way we supported women, and they certainly had better outcomes.”

52

Client feedback

Most rewarding

aspect was

‘reaching a point of

feeling empowered

as opposed to being

a victim.

It is a great child

friendly facility.

The children love

how many things

they can do.

When I was open and honest, support and guidance were

offered which made me feel less alone.

We are safe and warm

while we look for a house.

I got help with everything I needed help

with.

Most rewarding aspect “taking control of my life and achieving things”, “forming new relationships and accepting help from others”.

Helpful for international

people with barrier

of language, that you

can help on my behalf,

your service has been

excellent for me and my baby.

Love the great

work you lovely

ladies do daily.

Thank you kindly.

Understanding,

guidance,

encouragement,

positive direction

and the offer of

ongoing support is

what I received from

the service.

“Such a well organised service with a kind,

caring and supportive team who all band

together to help anyway they can. I would not

have been able to do this without them all.”

Providing opportunities for women and children to find safety and to grow through their own life choices

PO Box 431Port Macquarie, NSW 2444.Telephone (02) 6583 2155Fax (02) 6584 1269Email: dfuss@midcoast.com.au

FUNDED BY NSW DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES