In 2001, Willow Court closed. This was the first step towards integrating people with a disability back into the community.
An independent audit of the nine remaining Department-run group homes following a number of serious incidents found significant systemic problems and recommended structural changes. The Government has accepted that advice.
Under the Living Independently initiative, management of Department-run disability group homes will be transferred to community sector organisations over the next three years.
This will enable Disability Services to concentrate on its policy, planning, funding and purchasing responsibilities, establish and monitor service standards and ensure high quality services for clients.
Living Independently will be backed by a package to support staff during the transfer process. Nursing and non-nursing staff will be offered training and professional development, and helped to identify career opportunities with community sector providers or in alternative State Service positions.
Community sector managed group homes
Already 93% of disability group homes are managed by community sector organisations.
Community participation for group home residents is the key aim of the Living Independently initiative, which seeks to maximise opportunities for improved quality of life through access to social involvement and active participation in everyday activities.
Stronger Government Support
Living Independently will provide additional support direct to clients and to the community organisations looking after them. This will deliver major improvements in the range, scope and quality of services to support group home residents.
Cooperative Approach
To ensure Living Independently achieves the best results for Tasmanians with a disability, the Government will establish the Living Independently Reference Group. The Reference Group will be closely involved in developing advice to Government about the transfer process.
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