Community integrated living options for people with a disability

While large group homes have been discouraged and phased out more recently in Australia, the issues with aging carers (See Independent Living Training Centres) remain critical. Small group homes are often considered to perpetuate a philosophy and practice of dependence. Compass Home Solutions aims to develop options that are based on interdependence. Experience overseas has been that there are several models… but no ‘one size fits all’ model that can be adopted widely. Instead communities, services and families need to work closely to identify what works for the individual based on their capacity, needs, goals, financial situation and the community in which they live. (ie: is it a rural area, village, small town or city / what are the transport options / can they purchase a home and share or will they rent and share / what informal support networks exist locally and so on).

While Compass currently has no funding for this service, we believe that it is important to be available to be part of those important conversations that will affect the future security of the families and young people it supports. Compass staff are available to facilitate and participate in these conversations and are committed to assist the process of identifying Home Solutions that are sustainable and best practice.