Answers to Questions

RETURNING HOME PROJECT

510 The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14 November 2006) (First Session).

1. In which month and year did the Returning Home project commence operation?

2. How many clients have been referred from Glenside to the Returning Home project in each month from its commencement until the present time?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy): The Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse has advised that the Department of Health has provided the following information:

1. In December 2004, assessment of Glenside’s rehabilitation and recovery service inpatients began to identify residents who would be suitable to receive a support package under the Returning Home program.

Three non-government organisations (Neami, Life Without Barriers and Richmond Fellowship) were contracted in July 2005. The project progressed with the transfer of care of patients from inpatient facilities to their own communities with high level packages of care provided in partnership between community mental health services and NGOs.

2. As at 30 April 2008, 54 Glenside patients had transferred to the community under the Returning Home program. The number of discharges per month is detailed below:

The rate per month varies according to the person’s readiness. Many of the people targeted by this program have been inpatients for many years and transition back to community living has been approached very gradually.