Eligibility and Enrolment for the Family Preservation and Restoration
Residential Program.
Eligibility Guidelines
Dunlea Centre’s residential program is aimed at future potential young people who:
• Are in Years 7 to 10 at school
• Reside in the Sydney Metropolitan area or the Illawarra Region
• Currently live in a family setting, including with long term carers
• Have sought support in family preservation and restoration through other non-residential programs or services and strategies
As Dunlea Centre’s program is voluntary, young people and their parents/carers need to be willing to attend counselling and work on improving any challenging behaviours and emotional difficulties which are impacting on family relationships.
Dunlea Centre will attempt to make all possible adjustments to the program to include eligible young people who have physical and intellectual disabilities. Dunlea Centre complies with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education.
Enrolment Process
• Contact Dunlea Centre here > to speak with a member of staff about the program and eligibility details
• Attend a family talk – a group presentation for families and young people where more information is provided. This will include a tour of a day space and adjoining residential area. A young person may then take an application pack if they are interested in enrolling
• Complete and return paperwork in the application pack (Dunlea Centre’s Administration Area can be contacted for assistance with questions)
• A series of family assessment meetings will be held at mutually agreeable times Parents/carers and the young person are required to attend. Other professionals who are involved with the family may also attend where appropriate
• If accepted into the program, an orientation meeting will be arranged to finalise enrolment. The young person will participate in educational testing as arranged with the Lead Teacher. Introductions will be made to the team who staff the relevant house, who will show the new family around the residential area and day space
• The young person will commence attendance shortly after
Dunlea Centre’s enrolment process aims to determine the best possible placement for each family. If it is clear that this placement may be unsuitable discussions around possible alternate services can occur.
Once enrolled at Dunlea Centre, regular reviews and meetings will take place to revise the family and young person’s progress towards achieving goals and make any relevant adjustments. When a young person is successfully nearing completion of the program (usually after 12 to 18 months) assistance will be provided to re-establish their permanent placement at home and transition to other education or employment.
For any queries regarding Eligibility and Enrolment please contact Dunlea Centre here > for assistance.
The full text of Dunlea Centre’s enrolment policy and procedures can be found at the bottom of the website page under Policies and Procedures – Initial Access, Assessment, Placement and Referral Policy and Procedure. A contact form is also available on this website page.