What is a Flexible Support Package (FSP)?
Flexible Support Packages provide equitable and holistic support to child and adult victim survivors of family violence. Targeting supports in safety, wellbeing, participation, and connections to community and culture. FSPs are intended to help victim survivors enhance safety, wellbeing and independence.
Who is eligible for FSP?
Packages can be distributed to those who have a case management or support plan, which identifies family violence and outlines how the clients support needs can be assisted with FSP. FSP is targeted to those who have experienced violence who:
- are escaping
- have recently experienced family violence
- who are planning to leave an abusive situation or have the person using violence removed from the home.
A risk assessment needs to have been completed and a case management plan in place to meet eligibility.
Do I need to be a Specialist Family Violence Case Manager to access a flexible support package for my client?
No, your client needs to be case managed, but it doesn’t need to be through a specialist service.
Guidelines
The Victorian Government has released Guidelines for the Flexible Support Package, you can find them here: https://providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/program-requirements-delivery-family-violence-flexible-support-packages
How do I access FSP for my client?
You will need to email or contact the Flexible Support Package Provider in your area:
Statewide
Thorne Harbour Health
(LGBTIQA+ community controlled organisation)
ph. 9865 6700
https://thorneharbour.org/
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In Touch Multicultural Service
ph. 1800 755 988
https://intouch.org.au/
Inner Gippsland (Baw Baw, Latrobe, South Gippsland, Bass Coast)
Quantum Support Services
FVadmin@quantum.org.au
ph. 1800 243 455
https://quantum.org.au/
Outer Gippsland (Wellington & East Gippsland)
Gippsland Lakes Complete Health
fsp@glch.org.au
ph. 5152 0052
https://glch.org.au/
South Division for Aboriginal Services
VACCA
ph. 5135 6055
https://www.vacca.org/page/contact/locations/morwell-office
What is the Personal Safety Initiative?
The Personal Safety Initiative (PSI) uses funding via the Flexible Support Package (FSP) Program to increase the safety of those who are experiencing family violence.
The purpose of PSI is to:
- utilise safety and security responses, including property modifications and technology to:
- enable victim survivors of family violence to remain safely in, or return safely to their own homes and communities, or relocate to a new home
- increase safety and feelings of safety for victim survivors
- deter breaches of Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs)
- facilitate the collection of admissible evidence where breaches occur to hold perpetrators accountable for their use of violence
Do I need to be a Specialist Family Violence Case Manager to access a flexible support package for my client?
No, your client needs to be case managed, but it doesn’t need to be through a specialist service.
Guidelines
The Victorian Government has released Guidelines for the Personal Safety Initiative, you can find them here. https://providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/personal-safety-initiative-operational-guidelines
How do I access PSI for my client?
Referrals to the PSI program need to go through your local Personal Safety Initiative Coordinator who can talk you through what is appropriate for your client. PSI will not be appropriate for every client.
Inner Gippsland (Baw Baw, Latrobe, South Gippsland, Bass Coast)
Quantum Support Services
ph. 1800 243 455
https://quantum.org.au/
Outer Gippsland (Wellington & East Gippsland)
Gippsland Lakes Complete Health
ph. 5152 0052
https://glch.org.au/
Centrelink’s Crisis Payment is for victims of family violence and is a one-off payment equal to a week’s payment at a person’s existing income support payment rate. The Crisis Payment does not include extra allowances or supplements.
The Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) Program is available for people 18+ who have recently experienced intimate partner violence, have a changed living situation and are experiencing financial stress.
Uniting Care Australia delivers this program.
Assistance can include up to $1500 in financial assistance, such as vouchers for essential items: goods and services, such as removalists, bonds or basics for a new home and wrap-around support including casework from the EVP provider.
Through this Red Cross Program, financial assistance and short-term casework is available to people:
- on temporary visas, or with uncertain visa status who are living in Australia and,
- experiencing family or domestic violence and,
- experiencing financial hardship
The program is not open to Australian citizens or permanent visa holders.
VOCAT provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes committed in Victoria. VOCAT assists victims to recover by providing financial assistance for expenses incurred, or reasonably likely to be incurred as a direct result of the crime.
For more urgent needs, an application for interim financial assistance (generally medical, counselling or funeral expenses) can be made prior to the final determination of an application for financial assistance.
The Family Violence Scheme supports people affected by family violence. The scheme allows people to apply to have their infringement fines withdrawn if family violence substantially contributed to the offence, or it is not safe for them to name the responsible person.
Find further information about the Family Violence Scheme – ph. 1300 019 983
The Statewide Children’s Resource Program is funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to assist, support and resource homelessness and other non government services to respond more effectively to the needs of children who have experienced homelessness and/or family violence.
In Gippsland contact Uniting – ph. 5144 7777
State School Relief provides support to any Victorian student attending a government school (primary, secondary or specialist) on the advice of the school. Schools are able to submit an application directly, via the SSR online portal, whenever they believe there is a need to support a student whose family/carers are facing difficulty in providing the appropriate uniform, footwear or educational items for attending school. Situations include, but are not limited to:
- unemployment
- health issues/illness
- financial difficulties
- independent living and/or homelessness
- natural disasters, house fires
- bereavement
- domestic violence
All applications are processed within 24 to 48 hours and you will receive confirmation of application/s by email. Orders will then be delivered within 4 working days.
NOTE – the School needs to submit the application on behalf of families.
Click here for more information
What is PRAP?
Private Rental Assistance Program (PRAP) is a preventative intervention that provides holistic support to households experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It should be delivered in a flexible manner, to provide support and practical assistance that is tailored to the needs of each household. PRAP includes three elements:
- private rental brokers
- private rental assistance brokerage
- PRAP Plus – support program
What are PRAP’s objectives?
PRAP is intended to prevent or end homelessness and housing crisis by:
- rapidly rehousing people capable of sustaining private rental after initial support
- supporting at risk households to sustain affordable and appropriate housing in the private rental market
- assisting people who currently live in crisis, transitional or social housing to become independent in the private rental market.
PRAP Guidelines
See here for the PRAP Guidelines
How do I access PRAP for my client?
Referrals to the PRAP need to go through your local PRAP provider who can talk you through eligibility and the application process.
Across all of Gippsland contact:
Quantum Support Services
ph. 1800 243 455
https://quantum.org.au/programs/private-rental-assistance-program/
The Housing Establishment Fund (HEF) is available to both Transitional Housing Management and Homelessness Support program agencies to assist eligible clients to access overnight accommodation or private rental accommodation.
The HEF is also used for other assistance relating to relocation and establishing housing.
For more information on eligibility and application process in Gippsland contact:
Inner Gippsland
Quantum Support Services
ph. 1800 243 455
https://quantum.org.au/
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Community Housing Limited
ph. 1300 245 568
https://chl.org.au/
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The Salvation Army
ph 5662 6400
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/locations/victoria/v153/leongatha-corps/
Outer Gippsland
Quantum Support Services
ph. 1800 243 455
https://quantum.org.au/
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Community Housing Limited
ph. 1300 245 568
https://chl.org.au/
Relief grants for paying overdue energy or water bills are available to low-income Victorians experiencing unexpected hardship.
What is the grant?
The grant provides help to pay a mains electricity, gas or water bill that is overdue due to a temporary financial crisis.
Who can apply for the grant?
An account holder who has one of the following eligible concession cards:
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Health Care Card
- Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
If you don’t have one of these cards but are part of a low-income household, you may also be able to apply. Your retailer will ask you some questions to check if you are eligible before issuing a form.
The grant is available to renters and homeowners.
The Victorian Government offers concessions to make essential services – rates, water, electricity and gas more affordable for low-income households and to help out with bills in times of hardship.
Concessions are also available on health, education, transport and other services for eligible people and families.
This guide outlines concessions that can help you pay your bills, who is eligible for concessions, how to apply for them and who to contact for more information. Download here.
What can I use a NILs loan for?
Borrow up to $2000 for essential goods and services including:
- household items like appliances, whitegoods & furniture
- car repairs and registration
- medical, dental, wellbeing and life event expenses
- technology like a phone or laptop
- education expenses like fees or uniforms
- employment expenses like licenses or equipment
Borrow up to $3,000 for:
- bond and rent in advance
- rates
- costs associated with a natural disaster
Click here for more information
NOTE: please first enquire about your clients eligibility for Flexible Support Packages (FSP) as the FSP funding does not need to be paid back.
The Financial Independence Hub supports people of all gender identities who:
- have experienced ANY kind of financial abuse
- are not in crisis right now
- are ready to consider your financial future
- are over 18 years old and live in Australia
You do not have to be a permanent resident or have a visa. We can organise an interpreter if you need one.
The Financial Indepence Hub (FIH) is FREE and completely confidential. It’s available to you regardless of who you bank with. You do not need to provide evidence or tell your story to access the service.
Your FIH coach will support you as long as you need it. Some people just need to talk things through. Some people need more support. Your FIH coach will listen to you and help you sort out how to move forward. We can also refer you to other services, attend appointments with you, help you work out a budget or negotiate debt. YOU decide how we can support you.
Being supported by an FIH coach may help you:
- feel more confident about dealing with money and making decisions
- be more in control of your finances
- find it easier to manage things independently
Click here for more information
Organisations referring into the Financial Independence Hub (FIH) Click here
Australia Post offers a free 12 months post redirection if you:
- have experienced family violence
- have experienced a natural disaster
- are in charge of a deceased estate.
Australia Post also offers a once off option of a 22 month free PO Box to those who have experienced family violence.
To find out how to apply: https://auspost.com.au/receiving/manage-your-mail/redirect-hold-mail/redirect-mail/free-mail-redirection-and-po-boxes
Women’s Housing Ltd can support with:
– rent in advance;
– rental arrears;
– discussing housing options; and
– advocating on your clients behalf.
In some situations Women’s Housing Ltd can assist with crisis accommodation and removal costs.
When do Women’s Housing Ltd assist with my clients rent in arrears?
If your client is in a private rental you must be 14 days behind in your rent.
If your client is in a private rooming house you must be 7 days in arrears.
Women’s Housing Ltd cannot assist if your client is in an Office of Housing, community housing or transitional housing property.
How can Women’s Housing Ltd help with my clients rent in advance?
Women’s Housing Ltd can assist with rent in advance if your client has:
– secured a new property;
– a lease agreement; and
– affordable rent (no more than 55% of household income).The property can be through a real estate agent or private landlord, it can be a private rooming house or a community housing property.
Women’s Housing Ltd cannot assist if your client is moving into an Office of Housing or transitional housing property.
How often can Women’s Housing Ltd help with funding?
Women’s Housing Ltd can provide assistance once every 12 months.
How long does the process take?
If Women’s Housing Ltd receives all the documentation the process will take about 7 days.
How much can Women’s Housing Ltd assist with?
There is no set amount. Each client is assessed on an individual basis. The amount of funding we can assist with may be up to 1 weeks rent.
Are all women eligible for funding?
No, only single women or women in same sex relationships are eligible.
For more information go to the Women’s Housing Ltd website: https://womenshousing.com.au/assistance/eligibility-for-funding/
The Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and recreation activities by reimbursing the cost of membership and registration fees, uniforms and equipment. Eligible children may be able to receive up to $200 each per round. Children must be aged 0 to 18 and named on a valid and issued Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and Medicare card to be eligible
To find out more, visit this website; https://www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers/
If your client is looking to rent privately in Victoria, they may be eligible for a RentAssist Bond Loan.
To determine your clients eligibility visit this website: https://www.housing.vic.gov.au/rentassist-bond-loan