Lead Tenant Program Information www.westcarewecare.org.au 34 Devonshire Road Sunshine, 3020 PH: (03) 9312 3544 FAX: (03) 9312 1131
Table of Contents Introduction to Westcare...3 Description of the Lead Tenant model...4 Lead Tenant structure...6 Roles and responsibilities of Lead Tenant...7 Role of the Case Manager...8 Role of the Young Person...9 Supervision and support...9 Why do young people come into care...10 Understanding behaviour...10 Target group...11 Motivation to become a Lead Tenant...11 Rewards of being a Lead Tenant...12 Support and training...12 Insurance...12 Assessment process...13 Choose with care...14 Working with Children s Check instructions...15 National Police Check instructions...16 Application to become a Lead Tenant...17 2
Introduction to Westcare The Salvation Army Westcare offers programs for babies, children and young people who are not currently able to reside with their families, and young people considered being at highest risk in the community. The services provided include a continuum of out of home care for those no longer able to live with their families (Home Based and Residential Care), intensive, flexible outreach support through youth work & case management, education programs for those excluded from the mainstream education system and transitional housing support. Westcare works in close partnership with many other agencies. Formal, ongoing partnerships involving co-location of services have been entered into with the Royal Children s Hospital, Department of Human Services Alcohol and Other Drug Services, Berry Street Take Two, Kensington Community High School, Western Early School Leavers Program, Anglicare and Australian Childhood Foundation. Access too many Westcare programs is via Child Protection Department of Human Services referral only. With the exception of TSAY, Westcare programs offer services to children and young people aged up to 18 years. Young people (from the age of sixteen to twenty may self-refer or be referred by another agency to Westcare s Transitional Supported Accommodation for Youth (TSAY) program. The Salvation Army & Westcare are strongly highly committed to the development of quality systems, including the inclusion of staff, volunteers, clients and their families in the development, planning and review across the organisation. Westcare are subject also to external as well as internal reviews against quality frameworks including CSO Standards, HASS Standards and the AQTF Framework. 3
Description of the Lead Tenant model The Westcare Lead Tenant Program will provide supported accommodation case management, mentoring, community integration and support to young people to prepare them for interdependent living in the community. Housing will be provided by Department of Human services, with two young people and two lead tenants in each house. The program will provide a holistic and diverse range of supports and services to young people, which are tailored to meet the individual developmental needs of the young person to support them moving more safely towards adulthood and interdependent living. Involving Salvation Army Corps and community. The Westcare Lead Tenant Program will work as a part of an established continuum of services, including out of home care services, youth housing and leaving care work already done within Westcare. The program will provide a safe nurturing and learning environment where a young person will be supported to acquire the skills and confidence necessary to transition to interdependent living. Aims: To provide safe, flexible, nurturing, shared and informed transitional community support and accommodation options for young people on statutory orders to move more safely towards adulthood and community (interdependent) living. Long term stable living Encourage and support young people to understand and build positive relationships with people who are important to them. Respect, encourage and support young people s cultural journey. To support young people to identify, establish and maintain networks and support systems to assist them in their transition toward interdependent living including engagement in local community activities, employment, education, health and wellbeing These aims will be integrated into practice by: Providing safe & respectful living environments for young people and lead tenants. Respecting and involving young people (and where appropriate their families) in choices and decision-making. 4
Recruitment, training, resourcing & supporting volunteer lead tenants within current volunteer guidelines. Working collaboratively with the continuum of Westcare services and all key stakeholders to maximise opportunities for young people in the program. Working with other regional/state-wide lead tenant programs to maximise learning and outcomes for staff, volunteers and young people. Maintain and build on existing partnerships and housing access systems entry points etc. Developing partnerships with local Salvation Army Corps to more successfully integrate young people into their communities. (Part of broader Westcare Leaving Care Pilot) 5
Other Lead Tenants structure Westcare s Lead Tenant Program model will have two volunteers with two young people per house over three properties in the western part of the DHS North West Region. It is expected that one lead tenant will be in the house at night at all times between the hours of 10pm and 6am. Regular time off for the Lead Tenant to be away from the household will be negotiated. Following recruitment and training, Lead Tenants who are deemed suitable will be required to enter into a contractual Lead Tenant Agreement with Westcare. A standard contract will be completed between Lead Tenant & The Salvation Army Westcare Program Manager outlining all conditions, roles, responsibilities and accountabilities. This contract will include terms of the role, including rent and living expenses agreements. Please see attachment of the Lead Tenant contract. Westcare provides each house with money per month in vouchers or payments to be used to fund house meetings and activities with the lead tenants and the young people in the house on a weekly basis. Westcare s Lead Tenant Program will pay for electricity, gas & water. Please see contract for further information. This contract will also contain information on any individually negotiations between specific Lead Tenants and TSA Westcare DHS will provide maintenance on all Lead Tenant properties Lead tenants will have locks on their doors; however they will be expected to share communal fridges etc. All Lead Tenants will be required to have a current Police and Working with Children Check Note: TSA Westcare will pay for Police checks for Lead Tenants, in line with policy on Volunteers. Lead Tenants would need to organise their own Working with Children check. This check is free for volunteers. Volunteers with partners may be considered as Lead Tenants, subject to the recruitment and selection process as indicated above. 6
Volunteers in a relationship with a partner may both individually apply to be Lead Tenants in a single property, as subject to the criteria above. They may not however, be guaranteed that a vacancy for two lead tenants in a single property is available at their point of interest or application. Due to physical space constraints, Lead Tenants with the custody of children would not be able to be Lead Tenants. Overnight guest stays will need to be negotiated with the Lead Tenant program in advance to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the young people in placement at each home, as per the Lead Tenant agreement. On-call support will be available to Lead Tenants 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, to provide phone support, advice and assistance. Roles and Responsibilities of the Lead Tenant To be a positive role model to young people living in the house, demonstrating appropriate lifestyle, engagement in education or employment, self care, communication and behaviour To establish positive and meaningful relationships with the young people in the household, taking opportunities to develop the young person s social and recreational skills. To work as a part of the Lead Tenant Program team, liaising regularly with Lead Tenant Case Managers and the Program Manager about issues in the house To participate in discussions, house meetings and (minimum weekly) meals or activities with the young people residing in the home To participate in regular supervision with the Program Manager as per the Supervision of Volunteers and Students Policy and Procedure at Westcare To assist and encourage young people to develop household routines and manage their own day to day needs To contact the on call worker in the case of an emergency or if the household members are at a risk to themselves or others To act in the best interests of the resident and young people at all times 7
To maintain the confidentiality of the young people To ensure that the policies and procedures of The Salvation Army Westcare are adhered to To undertake basic housekeeping duties to ensure a good standard is maintained in the household To demonstrate and model good social and interpersonal skills, including humour, patience, consistency, honesty and respect. Lead Tenant s work closely with the Lead Tenant staff team to develop a network of support around the young person. There is regular contact between the Lead Tenant case managers. Regular contact between the lead tenant and the caseworker allows for placements to be monitored, Lead Tenants are supported, issue to be raised and dealt with, and needs identified and supported. Accountability is also assured as a result of this process. Role of the Case Manager Provide support services to the young people residing in Lead Tenant Placements Develop partnership opportunities within the community to assist in enhancing the support components for the Lead Tenant Program; eg Salvation Army Corps. Participate in a responsive On Call service for the Lead Tenant Program. Liaise with relevant professionals regarding the care needs of young people in Lead Tenant placements Develop appropriate plans in line with others- including but not limited to DHS, other professionals and family- to ensure the wellbeing of young people in Lead Tenant placement Liaise with Lead Tenant in relation to the progress and wellbeing of young people in placement Participate in supervision with the Program Manager in line with Agency policy and procedures 8
Role of the Young Person To participate in house meetings, discussions and planning as required To respect all members of the household and adhere to house rules and agreements To participate in the smooth operation of the household, including cleaning, budgeting, shopping, washing and cooking To pay agreed rental to The Salvation Army Westcare and to complete a rental agreement Not to bring any illegal substances, alcohol or dangerous weapons on the Westcare properties Not to have any overnight visitors without prior approval from the Lead Tenant Program Manager To take care of the house, furnishings, garden and local community and not to inflict wilful damage on them To attend a regular day program To stay at the house a minimum of 5 nights per week unless prior agreement and approval has been negotiated with the Lead Tenant Case Manager When away from the house overnight, to advise the Lead Tenant of where you are staying Supervision and Support The Program Manager will supervise lead Tenants formally on a fortnightly basis and on an informal basis as required in line with The Salvation Army Westcare Supervision of students and volunteers policy and procedure (see Attachment). Regular opportunities will be provided for the Lead Tenants to meet as a group for informal support and training. Westcare is a nationally accredited training site of The Salvation Army Education & Training Services Registered Training Organisation and offers a broad range of training to staff. Regular opportunities will be provided for reflective practice within the broader team. 9
Why do young people come into care The reasons young people come into care might include: Voluntary Placement -Family illness -Family crisis/stress -Family rejection -Relationship conflict -Want to remain in their own community Statutory Placement -Child abuse and neglect -Sexual abuse -Physical and/or emotional abuse -Abandonment -Death of parent/s -Mental health/substance abuse issues Understanding behaviour The behaviours young people might display could include: Acting out/testing boundaries Inappropriate affectionate behaviour Short attention span Poor peer relationships Sexualised behaviour Temper tantrums Swearing Fighting Stealing or other criminal behaviour Enthusiastic and energetic Sad, unhappy Distressed Relaxed / lazy Withdrawn It is helpful to remember that: All behaviour is communication A young person s behaviour is a reflection of their life experiences All young people are different and therefore it is important not to presume how they may or may not behave Caregivers need to be flexible and sensitive in managing a young person s behaviour. It is often necessary to look beyond the behaviour. 10
Regardless of their behaviour, young people usually respond well to: Consistency Boundaries Routine Being listened to Caring Target group Young people, Male and female aged 16 18 years; Will usually be on a protective order & transitioning from home based or residential care to living in the community; Young people who have been assessed as requiring ongoing support and as having the developmental capacity to learn the required independent living skills; Referral to the Lead Tenant Program assumes young people have been consulted and agree with the referral and are prepared to work within the agreement. Depending on individual needs young people could stay for between six months and two years. Motivation to become a Lead Tenant There are many reasons for wanting to become a Lead Tenant, which may include: Previous experience working with children and young people Religious beliefs/world views Passionate about being a mentor Wanting to make a contribution to the community Whatever your reason for wanting to become a Lead Tenant here are some things to consider first: Do I have the time, energy and commitment to provide a mentoring role to young people What rewards might there be for me in being a Lead Tenant? Why do I want to become a Lead Tenant? Are all my family members agreed upon this? Can I accept the backgrounds and family lifestyles of children and young people coming into care? 11
Am I comfortable with and supportive of, a young person having access with his/her family? Can I understand the importance of confidentiality? Will I be able to work as part of a team with agency staff? Can I understand young people s behaviour and respond to their needs appropriately? Do I have a clear understanding of my own strengths and limitations? Am I able to ask for support when I need it? And remember, you have volunteered to become a Lead Tenant, while the young people you will be mentoring have not asked to be in care, so don t expect gratitude, understanding instead the reasons why you have chosen to volunteer. Rewards of being a Lead Tenant Giving young people a sense of family stability, belonging, self worth, independence, positive role models, ability to form relationships, discovering their talents and skills. Changes in attitudes of family and/or friends Providing a valuable community services Self-growth. Support and training Westcare provides training opportunities for all staff and volunteers, as a Lead Tenant we encourage that involvement in these training programs is completed. Lead Tenants are also encouraged to identify their own training needs, with the Recruitment and Training Coordinator being available to assist in resourcing specific training. Insurance The Salvation Army has Public Liability Insurance to cover Public Access to Lead Tenant houses. Lead Tenants would need to take out their own contents insurance to cover their property and any damage to lead tenant cars which is not covered by The Salvation Army policy. 12
Assessment process After a potential Lead Tenant has contacted the Lead Tenant program and received and read the Information Pack provided, you will then need to complete the Registration of Interest for Lead Tenant form included in the Information Pack and return it to the address on the bottom of the form, if you wish to continue. Once the program receives the Registration of Interest for Lead Tenant form, you will be contacted by the program and commence the assessment process. There are 3 steps to becoming a Lead Tenant. 1: Information Exchange Session. During this session we get the chance to exchange information and discuss the information previously sent out to you. You will also be given an assessment flow chart, medical forms; police check forms, Working With Children application forms, an application form and information on writing your self-assessment. 2: Completing your background checks, application forms and selfassessment. Once you have completed your background checks (Police and Working With Children), have had your medical assessment completed by your GP and have completed your self-assessment, contact the agency to lodge all of these forms. 3: Interviews and assessment. The agency will make contact with you to organise to meet, at your convenience, to undertake a thorough assessment of your suitability to be a successful Lead Tenant. Throughout the assessment the following topics will be discussed.! Demonstrate Personal Readiness to Become a Lead Tenant. This focuses on your past and experiences, which have, lead you to the point of considering becoming a Lead Tenant.! Work Effectively as Part of a Team. This involves looking at your history and abilities in teamwork, dealing with conflict, networks of support and working as an agency team.! Promoting the Positive Development of Young People. This involves your experience of being parented, experience with young people, being a mentor and the role of a Lead Tenant.! Providing a Safe Environment that is Free of Abuse. This session explores the impact of abuse on children and young people, responding to children and young people who have been abused, child sexual assault, responding to a child who has been sexually assaulted, reducing the risk of abuse, confidentiality and next steps. Following the interviews and assessment the agency will complete an assessment report; once the report is completed you are given a copy to read to ensure the information recorded is correct. Once a Lead Tenant has been assessed there is a process of matching, both the lead tenants and the young people they will be residing with. You would be involved in this process. Lead Tenants would also have the opportunity to view the home they will be living in. 13
The Salvation Army Westcare Is a child and youth safe organisation who apply the principles of the Choose With Care Program An initiative of Child Wise Child Wise is a not-for-profit organisation working to prevent, protect and reduce the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in Australia and overseas. Child Wise represents ECPAT in Australia and is part of a global network of organisations and individuals working together for the elimination of child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. Their vision is a world where children live free from sexual abuse and exploitation All volunteer applicants have a thorough background check prior to being accredited as an active Lead Tenant, with reviews being conducted annually to retain accreditation This includes police record checks, 3 reference checks, medical reports, including any specialist medical reports and past/present employment background checks 14
Working With Children Check Application Instructions Complete application in BLACK INK You need to provide a 100 points of ID (see page 9 section 4 - Identification documents) and take the originals (not photocopies) with you when lodging the application form You need to supply a passport sized photo when lodging the application form (see page 8 section 5.2 for details) When completing section D Details of Child-Related Work - the code for Lead Tenant is 38 and place an X in the volunteer box When completing Section E Details of Organisation/s please complete as follows Name of primary organisation The Salvation Army Westcare Home Based Care Program Postal Address Suburb/Locality PO Box 225 Sunshine State Postcode Vic 3020 Employer/Volunteer organisation phone number (03) 9312 3544 DO NOT SIGN the application form, as it must be witnessed at an Australia Post outlet You need to lodge your application form at any Australia Post office and as a volunteer the application is free When your application is lodged and process by Australia Post they will attach a receipt to the last page of the application which is required by Westcare When you receive your notification of gaining a Working with Children check in the post you will need to inform Westcare, who will need a copy and to sight your card when received too. 15
National Police Record Check Application Complete application in BLACK INK You need to provide 100 points of ID (see page 8 Section G: Proof of Identity) Identification documents need to be certified by an authorised person (see page 3 Section F for details of who this can be) Once your documentation has been certified you need to post your application, with the certified documents and a cheque/postal order for $17.50 to Public Enquiry Services Victoria Police PO Box 418 MELBOURNE VIC, 8005 When the National Police Record check is received by the applicant, Westcare will need to sight this and take a photocopy. 16
Application to become a Lead Tenant Personal details: Last Name: First Name: Previous Names: Date of Birth: Country of Birth: Date of arrival in Australia, if applicable: Occupation: No. of employed hours a week: Home Address: Contact Telephone: Email Address: Do you speak a language other than English? (Mark one) Yes No If yes, please detail: 17
What previous experience do you have with young people? Do you have a current driver s license? (Mark one) Yes No Do you have a motor vehicle that is insured? (Mark one) Yes No Ability to drive is not essential. Referees I/ we provide the following names and addresses of three responsible persons to act as referees to my/our application. These persons: are currently in contact with me/us have known me/us and my/our family for at least two years have observed me/us interacting with children or young people on a regular basis are willing to provide a reference if required. Referee 1 Name: Number: Relationship: Referee 2 Name: Number: Relationship: Referee 3 Name: Number: Relationship: 18
Conditions of application I/we apply to be Lead Tenant(s) for The Salvation Army Westcare Please mark each box to indicate you have read and agreed and provided any attachments requested: I/we understand that I/we can withdraw the application at any stage. This will not prevent my/our re-application, but my/our reason(s) for withdrawal will be documented and discussed with me/us if I/we do re-apply. I/we understand that to be assessed as a Lead Tenant I/we need to undertake a National Police Record Check. I/we understand that International Police Record Checks # may need to be completed (if applicable) I/we understand that to be assessed as a Lead Tenant I/we need to undertake a Working With Children Application*. I/we have understood that I/we will need to complete a Self Assessment to provide The Salvation Army Westcare with details of my life history. I/we agree to take part in the process to assess Lead Tenants for approval, including information sharing with the assessing workers. I/we state that the information contained in this application, including all attachments, is correct to the best of my/our knowledge. Signed Name Date * The police record check and the Working with Children Check are a legal requirement in Victoria # If applicant(s) has/have lived outside of the Australia in the past five years, consideration must be given to requesting a criminal record check from the country in which they previously lived. In these circumstances the applicant(s) should contact the relevant embassy and request this information. 19