A further 1,000 carers of young people with a severe or profound disability
will have access to respite support as part of a $6 million Federal Budget
2007-08 initiative.
The Minister for Community Services, Senator the
Hon. Nigel Scullion, announced the Australian Government would expand the
Respite Support for Carers of Young People with a Severe and Profound Disability
Program.
The expansion of this program will provide immediate and
short-term respite support to a further 1,000 carers in addition to the 5,000
carers already assisted by the program each year, Senator Scullion said.
The programme assists carers of people with a disability who are aged
under 30 years and carers who are experiencing significant stress in caring for
a person with a disability under 65 years of age.
These carers will be
able to access overnight or weekend respite care to significantly reduce the
stress of the carer.
From time to time, carers need to take a break from
their role and by providing respite support they are able to focus on their
needs.
Todays announcement will have a positive impact on the wellbeing
of families who have a younger family member with a severe or profound
disability, Senator Scullion said.
Respite Support for Carers of
Young People with Severe and Profound Disabilities - continuation and expansion
of funding
Source: Minister
for Community Services Respite support for carers
Why is this important?
- The Australian Government is continuing and expanding the Respite Support
for Carers of Young People with a Severe and Profound Disability Programme. This
will provide immediate and short-term respite support to a further 1,000 carers
in addition to the 5,000 carers previously assisted by the program each year.
The program is being continued and expanded to address unmet demand for respite
care.
Who will benefit?
- It will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of families who have a
younger family member with a severe and profound disability. In particular it
will benefit carers of people under 30 years and provide the opportunity to take
a break.
What funding is the Government committing to the
initiative?
- $6.0 million over four years.
What have we done in the past?
- The measure builds on the Expand Respite Support for Carers of Young People
measure which was first announced in the 1999-2000 Federal Budget.
- The measure complements the Australian Governments suite of respite
programs to support primary carers. These include the Mental Health Respite
Program, Home and Community Care and the National Respite for Carers
Program.
When will the initiative conclude?
- This is an ongoing measure.
Source: Minister
for Community Services Respite support for carers
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