Assistance for refugees with special needs
Wednesday 8 October 2008
Refugees who have been victims of violence and torture will be among those who receive additional support with the rollout of the Complex Case Support (CCS) program, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said today.
The program, which began nationally on October 1, will assist recently arrived refugees and other humanitarian entrants in difficult and unique circumstances where their needs cannot be adequately addressed by existing services. The service will assist particularly vulnerable people to help build a life in Australia.
‘The CCS is an holistic case management approach to assist clients in crisis. Clients may need assistance with crisis intervention, and to be linked to specialist services including respite care and mental health treatment along with drug, alcohol and family counseling. The program will also include social services for children and youth,’ Mr Ferguson said.
In 2007-08, Australia granted 13 014 visas under its refugee and humanitarian program.
‘A small number of these people experience extreme difficulties soon after arriving in Australia, often as a result of pre-migration experiences such as torture and trauma or crisis events after arrival. These difficulties can present significant barriers to their successful settlement,’ the parliamentary secretary said.
‘Many of these people need resource intensive intervention and the CCS program is designed to provide additional support services and specialised case management where the needs of people are beyond the scope of current services.’
A panel of service providers, known as the humanitarian services panel, has been established to deliver specialised and intensive case management services on a needs basis to refugees in crisis.
‘Members of the panel are experienced in delivering services to refugees. The role of CCS service providers is vital in helping this particularly vulnerable group of people settle successfully into the Australian community,’ Mr Ferguson said.
CCS services have been implemented through a staged roll-out that began in August. The service will complement and build the capacity of the existing suite of settlement services.
Further information on the CCS program can be found at
www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/delivering-assistance/government-programs/settlement-programs/ccs.htm
Media Contact: Sarah Gestier-Garstang - 0432 283 020
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08059.htm
Last update: 08 October 2008 at 09:23 AEST