Young people with high needs disabilities and their families will soon have greater access to flexible respite with the Newman Government announcing $22 million in available funding on International Day for People with Disability.
Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett said election commitment funding of $5.5 million each year for the next four years would be used to reduce the growing demand for respite support for young people with a disability aged between 16 and 25 years and their families.
“The Flexible Respite initiative will deliver up to an extra 15 hours a week of respite for about 240 people and their families each year for the next four years,” he said.
“We expect the majority of these young people will be new clients to Disability Services.
“These young people will also be able to participate in the Your Life Your Choice trial and have greater choice and control over the support they receive.”
The respite options will include recreational programs, own home respite, host family respite, day services and learning and life skills development.
Mr Bennett said Disability Services’ regional staff had already commenced discussions with young people and their families who have been identified and prioritised for this support.
“We have already started working through the types of supports and services that will meet the young person’s needs under this initiative,” he said.
“The young people will also benefit from greater access to their local community and have the opportunity to build relationships, networks and new skills.
“The Newman Government is committed to supporting young people with a disability and their parents, carers and families by strengthening essential frontline services and directing funding to where it is needed the most.”