VICTORIA'S FIRST HOME TO HELP YOUNGER PEOPLE MOVE OUT OF AGED CARE

Victoria's first specialist home for young people with a disability will be built in Alphington, Community
Services Minister Gavin Jennings announced today.

 Mr Jennings said the Bracks Government was investing $2.2 million a year to run the 10-bed unit to give
younger people with a disability an alternative to living in residential aged care.

 "Until now, many younger people requiring intensive, long term support have had no choice but to live in
nursing homes," Mr Jennings said.

 "In many instances, aged care accommodation is inappropriate for a younger person who should be mixing with people their own age.

 "This innovative, purpose-built facility will provide 10 people, possibly with acquired brain injury or neurological conditions, a new home specifically designed for their needs."

 "For the first time it brings together the support needs of people with a disability with an equally important focus on individual rehabilitation and health care." 

 Mr Jennings announced today that the Villa Maria Society have contributed the land for the facility and will run the new facility to be built on the Austin Street, Alphington site.

 "An architect will now work with the future residents to design a home that suits their needs and is in keeping with the local neighbourhood," he said.

 "The new home will be designed to meet the high care needs of young people with a disability such as potential resident, 38 year old Christopher Nolan, who experienced an acquired brain injury 10 years ago."

 Mr Jennings said the Alphington home was being delivered as part of a $60.2 million my future, my choice partnership between the Victorian and Federal Governments.

 "This will benefit more than 200 Victorians by providing more accommodation and support options so people with disabilities can choose what works for them," he said.

"We are also considering two more similar services in other parts of Melbourne."

The Labor government  has released its pre election policy 'Addressing Disadvantage' http://www.vic.alp.org.au/alp/pdf/policies/Addressing_Disadvantage_Investing%20_in_a_Fairer_Victoria.pdf

 In this policy, it announced  "Labor will provide an additional $12.3 million to support young people with Acquired Brain Injury".

3. Labor will provide an additional $12.3 million to support young people with Acquired Brain Injury. Labor recognises that people with an Acquired Brain Injury often require long-term specialist services, including rehabilitation, not available elsewhere in the disability system. Labor will invest in additional services to build on the services already provided under the Bracks Labor Government. This will include expanding our Slow to Recover program to reduce waiting lists, and  increasing assessments,  case management and support for around 300 Victorians with Acquired Brain Injury with each year.

This includes additional funding for the Slow to Recover Program (STR) which assists young people with catastrophic brain injury. These services are for rehabilitation and long term support and have been in operation since 1996. About 30- 40% of YPINH under 50 have ABI - not all have STR funding.

Currently the $5.5 m ABI:STR program supports about 150 young people and about another 56 are on the waiting list. There is tremendous pressure on the program which in unique in Australia and has demonstrated to be a very beneficial program. So this increase is much needed.

 This is a long awaited and significant announcement and offers hope for young people who can't speak for themselves and for their families.

 We encourage you to write this week to the Premier, Steve Bracks, steve.bracks@parliament.vic.gov.au and  to your local Labor member www.vic.alp.org.au to applaud this initiative, particularly in respect to the Slow to Recover Program.