Expression of Interest for delivery of the Specialist Aftercare Program in Murrumbidgee, Far West and Western NSW – Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) only

⁠⁠⁠The Specialist Aftercare Program aims to help care leavers achieve better outcomes. Providers support care leavers by addressing their individual needs.

Care leavers are helped to access the supports and services needed to:

•  be safe
•  find a safe and affordable place to live
•  live a healthy life
•  learn, contribute and achieve
•  contribute to and benefit from our economy
•  participate and feel culturally and socially connected
•  contribute to decision making that affects them and to live a fulfilling life.

Scope

The program is designed to offer extra support to care leavers with moderate to high needs, going beyond what their out-of-home care (OOHC) agency typically provides. It includes essential guidance, resources, and support through aftercare casework, mentoring, group work, and cultural planning.

Some care leavers may need basic support, such as assistance in accessing entitlements. Others may require case management over an extended period with intensity that varies according to what is happening in their life at that time.

A common role of the Specialist Aftercare Provider is to facilitate access to support through referral and advocacy. Aftercare services take a holistic view of a care leaver’s needs and acknowledge care leavers may require support to access services or navigate systems. Rather than simply provide information about a service, it may be necessary to make a warm referral, advocate on behalf of the care leaver, provide ongoing encouragement, accompany them to appointments, and take steps to remove other barriers.

 Department of Communities and Justice is requesting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) for the delivery of the Specialist Aftercare Program in Murrumbidgee, Far West and Western NSW.

This EOI will inform a limited tender for this program.