Exciting announcement about new services in the Inner West
As of 1 July 2020 we will manage what was formerly known as Stretch-A-Family’s (SAF) Residential Care Services Program in the Inner West. This opportunity brings us closer to our vision to expand our services beyond the Northern Beaches and fill service gaps to ensure young people receive the support they need.
We are grateful to SAF's CEO and Board for selecting to transition the residential care services to us - ensuring continuity for the young people in their care. SAF selected The Burdekin Association because of similarities in philosophy and size which means the personalised care the young people received in the past is likely to continue. More on that below.
Successfully taking on the Inner West Residential Care Services means working collaboratively. SAF and The Burdekin Association share a commitment to quality care, innovative practices and specialised support services.
Out of Home Care Residential Care Services in the Inner West
11th May 2020 - SAF and TBA joined statement:
We are delighted to announce that the OOHC Inner West Residential Care Services will be run by The Burdekin Association. Read full statement.
Steve Kinmond, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies
SAF and TBA joined statement June 2020
About the Residential Care Service
The service currently offers four residential care programs: the On Track Program, Newington House, Stanmore House and Campsie House. These programs offer residential care and support for young people aged 12- 18 years of age.
Staff work with the young person and community services to assess if they can return to live with their family, live in foster care or continue to reside in residential care, and also to assess their living skills and support them to continue with school or employment. There is always a member of staff available and staff sleep over to support the young people during the night. All young people have their own bedroom and share common spaces such as the kitchen and lounge area.
Whilst in the residential programs, young people are supported to develop themselves towards living independently once they leave care.
Why The Burdekin Association?
SAF selected The Burdekin Association because of the similarities in philosophy and size of the two organisations which ensures the personalised care the young people received in the Inner West residences is likely to continue.
The Burdekin Association was considered to be a standout choice due to:
- Similar size organisation to SAF
- History of providing specialised support services to young people and expertise with Out of Home Care
- Strong reputation in the field
- Client centred approach to care
- Alignment to SAF’s services, vision and mission.
Most importantly, all the work that has been done for the children and young people currently in care in the Inner West will continue and be built on. Operating under the Burdekin model also means that we are able to offer new opportunities, for both children and young people currently in care and for the children and young people in need across the Inner West.
With this expansion of our services into the Inner West we ensure that the opportunities we created on the Northern Beaches of Sydney will now be extended to children and young people in the Inner West.
About the Department of Communities & Justice
The services are funded by the Department of Communities and Justice.
On 1 July 2019, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) brought together the former departments of Family and Community Services (FACS) and Justice.
Out-of-home care information for children and young people in care and for their parents, including types of care, rights, case planning, restoration and leaving care can be found here: https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/families/out-of-home-care.
For more information about the work of the Department visit: https://www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/
