Culturally Responsive, Family-centred AOD Model of Care

⁠⁠⁠NWMPHN is seeking to commission a culturally responsive, family-centred AOD model of care which supports young people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds to access appropriate services. This will include implementation of the model of service developed.

It is well documented that young people from CALD backgrounds experience significant challenges to accessing culturally appropriate Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) treatment services, mental health services and other supports. The evidence indicates increasing harms associated with substance misuse are being experienced across diverse communities, though there continues to be a range of barriers impacting access to support and ongoing care. These include:
* the capacity of the mainstream AOD sector to provide culturally responsive services.
* the capacity of culturally diverse communities to understand the role of AOD treatment.
* the stigma and fear within communities which inhibit help seeking behaviour.

It is unlikely that any one service can provide the multidisciplinary suite of services required to meet the needs of this approach. It is therefore recommended that a partnership be developed to provide an integrated response that increases community understanding of the issues and improves access to culturally safe service provision. Mental health and other relevant health services and supports may also be integrated into the service to respond to the complex needs of culturally diverse people.

Culturally Responsive, Family-centred AOD Model of Care

The aim of this activity is to commission a single service response that supports CALD young people to address the harms associated with AOD use.

It should seek to increase access to treatment services, whilst building the cultural responsiveness of partner organisations. It is fundamental that the service is underpinned by culturally responsive family-centred practice, with a diverse workforce that is integrated and represented across multiple levels of the lead agency. This is essential to contribute unique perspectives based on different ethnicities, cultures and backgrounds.

The providers will be expected to deliver a comprehensive and evidence informed treatment service which focuses on the following outcomes:
* Improved access to AOD treatment for CALD young people and their families
* Increased community awareness and understanding of available information, treatment and support options
* Increased capacity of AOD and family services to work in a culturally responsive way through the delivery of tailored programs
* Increased understanding of AOD issues in ethno-specific organisations and local communities
* Enhanced coordination of primary health care responses in the after hours period though linkages with general practice and community-based services

Tenders close at 3pm AEST on 14 May 2019 and submissions must be fully received by this time.