Community Access and Support Service

Community Access and Support Service (CASS) is a support service for people with an acquired brain injury and their families which aims to assist consumers to develop a fulfilling, self directed and independent lifestyle and; to live as valued members of the community.

Services Provided

Case Management and Case Co-ordination

Direct support to individuals and/or  groups to:

• provide advocacy, support/skill development such as memory training, using public transport,  and getting involved in recreational activities
• increase functional capacity in assessed areas of activities of daily living such as household chores, living within a budget and cooking
• support people with an acquired brain injury with health and housing issues and dealing with financial bodies

Community Education which : -

• aims to build a better understanding of and broader support for people with an acquired brain injury on the Central Coast
• targets high risk groups in the community to support a long term reduction in the incidence of acquired brain injury on the Central Coast
• CASS can facilitate education programs at schools for students, welfare agencies for staff who work with people with an ABI and educational institutions for welfare students

 Eligibility and Referral Guidelines

• Aged between 16 and 65

Referrals

Referrals can be made by family, a friend, health services (with the consent of the individual) or by self referral

Eligibility for Individuals

Referrals will be considered for people who:

• live on the Central Coast
• sustained a brain injury as a result of an accident or illness after the age of 10
• are experiencing difficulties as a result of a brain injury
• are medically stable

CASS will only consider referrals for people with drug and alcohol dependency if they are taking steps to address these issues.

Fees

• Cost varies depending on the individuals financial circumstances. People are not denied services due to inability to pay for them

• Individuals with a CTP claim may have their treatment costs paid by an insurer

Your Rights and Responsibilities

As a person involved with Community Access and Support Service, I have the right to:

1. be treated with dignity and respect
2. be viewed as an individual
3. voice any opinions, ideas and questions about the Service
4. choose what activities I would like to be involved in
5. be informed of changes in the Service
6. explore all options available to me
7. have real choices in all areas of my life
8. be told about the possible consequences of decisions or choices I make
9. be safe whilst engaging in activities
10. participate in the development and evaluation of the Service
11. make a complaint if I am not happy with the Service.

As a person involved with Community Access and Support Service I have a responsibility to:

1. treat service staff with respect
2. let my Case Worker  know if you have to cancel an appointment
3. be on time for appointments and activities
4. not be affected by illegal drugs or alcohol when someone is coming to work with me or if I have an appointment. The staff person will leave if this happens.
5. tell my case worker if I am not happy with the Service
6. not harm or attempt to harm a staff person or person who uses the service, either verbally or physically.

Rights and responsibilities of Staff at Community Access and Support Service:

1. the right to be treated with dignity and respect
2. the responsibility not be affected by illegal drugs or alcohol
3. the responsibility not to harm  a staff person or person who uses the Service, verbally or physically
4. the right to work in a safe environment
5. the responsibility to be on time for appointments and activities
6. to observe the policies and procedures of the Central Coast Disability Network and the Community Access and Support Service

Privacy and Confidentiality

To make sure your privacy is respected, Community Access and Support Service (CASS) will only keep information required to make an accurate assessment of your needs. This information is kept in a file that is stored in a locked cupboard in the office.

I understand that I have the right to look at my file.  I can make an appointment to come to the office to look at it and add information if I wish.  I understand that the CASS Service Co-ordinator or the case worker will see anything I add.

If people ask Community Access and Support Service things about me, my permission is needed before CASS can pass on any information. CASS will explain clearly to me who wants the information and why they require it.  I can have a support person or advocate present for this discussion.

More Information

If you or someone you know has an acquired brain injury and would like to know more about the Service, please contact us on :

Phone:     (02) 4324 2355

Email communityaccess@bigpond.com 

Back