SWONNELL HOUSE CHILDREN’S RESPITE SERVICE
Swonnell House Children’s respite facility provides short term care for children between the ages of 6 – 17 years, who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (including Asperger Syndrome). Swonnell House operates morning, evening and overnight on weekdays during term, 24 hours during weekends, school holidays and some public holidays. We are open year round, excluding Christmas Day.
The service enables carers to enjoy a well earned break from the demands of caring for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, while knowing the child is receiving high quality care from experienced staff within an enjoyable and supportive environment.
Respite children enjoy a variety of in house and community based activities, with staff using an Active Participation approach to encourage all children to participate to their full potential. SASI provide on-going support and training to our staff to ensure the quality of care provided is of the highest standard and that strategies utilised are current.
Generally the house is staffed at a ratio of 1 staff person to 2 children however there is some capacity to provide 1:1 support if required (funding for 1:1 may be negotiated with case managers).
Statewide Autistic Services gather detailed information on each child in order to maintain a management approach which is consistent with that taken by family, schools and other services. SASI also use positive behaviour strategies. Where necessary SASI will develop, or contribute to the development of a Behaviour Support Plan, and attend case meetings.
LANGWARRIN RESPITE
In early 2009 Statewide Autistic Service Inc purchased a house in Langwarrin for the purpose of increasing respite opportunities to children & adolescents.
The six bed facility became operational in September 2009 and despite not yet having secured on-going funding the service is providing care to emergency respite clients.
At present access to this facility is based upon the availability of individual funding via Disability Client Services case management or other such case management service as the facility is not ‘block’ funded.
Staff at Langwarrin offer support using Positive approaches and Active Participation.
For further information about this service please contact the Respite Manager.
