Community Partners is responsible for the administration of the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program and the Community Support Program. These programs are operated by community organisations and provide services to individuals and families, including crisis accommodation and support services for homeless people or people at risk of homelessness, neighbourhood houses, family support programs, personal and financial counselling services, sexual assault services and domestic violence support services.
SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SAAP)
The Supported Accommodation Assistance Program provides support and temporary accommodation for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The State and Commonwealth governments jointly fund this program.
An overview of the assistance provided in Tasmania is available in the SAAP National Data Collection Annual Report 2001-02 Tasmania, which is available on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare web site, http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/hou/saapndcar01-02tas/index.html
Further information about SAAP is also available on the Department of Health and Human Services web site, http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/saap
COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAM
The Community Support Program includes a range of services that are provided by community organisations. They provide assistance to individuals and families through neighbourhood houses, counselling services, sexual assault services and domestic violence services.
Neighbourhood House Program
Neighbourhood houses are located in socially isolated and disadvantaged areas or neighbourhoods. Their aim is to build the capacity of communities to meet their own needs and provide a focal point for social networks and participation in the community. They offer advice and referral services, activities, programs and support to people in the community. There were 31 neighbourhood houses in Tasmania in 2002-03 and two more will be established in 2003-04.
Personal and Family Counselling Services
Personal and family counselling services assist families and individuals to resolve personal and interpersonal difficulties through the provision of counselling and other support services.
Financial Counselling Services
Financial counselling services assist individuals and families with their financial management through a debt resolution service. It includes assistance with budgeting, negotiations with creditors, and provision of information about alternatives to bankruptcy. Community education and an advocacy program is also provided.
Family Support Services
Family Support Services assist parents with dependent children in their parenting role. Services include support groups, parenting information, home visiting, support for families in need and referrals to relevant services.
Sexual assault support services
Sexual assault services provide counselling for people who have been sexually assaulted. They can also provide information and resource material on sexual assault, child sexual assault, legal and medical matters; information for students and professionals and training for other organisations, agencies and service providers.
Domestic violence support services
Domestic violence support services provide on-going support and counselling for women who have experienced or are experiencing abuse in their relationship. It includes telephone and personal counselling, support groups, community education and training.
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