Jacaranda Cottage is a refuge that was established in the Sutherland Shire in April 1992. It is a Supported Semi Independent accommodation for young women who are homeless or at risk between the ages of 16 and 20. Priority goes to young women from the Sutherland Shire. Residents usually come from situations of abuse, domestic violence and relationship and family breakdown.
Jacaranda cottage provides affordable accommodation on a medium term basis, 6-12 months for up to 3 young women at any time. It is staffed by a Coordinator and 4 other part time staff. There is at least one staff member on site from 4:30 pm- 11pm on week nights and from 10pm- 8am on weekends. The coordinator is in and out of the house all week. Jacaranda Cottage is a community care project of Kingsway Community Church and CareWorks NSW.
Our Mission statement: To facilitate holistic personal development that empowers young women to realise and reach their potential in life.
Our Strategy: Provide a Transitional Living Program that enables young women to become:
• Equipped: Develop interdependent living skills.
• Empowered: Participate in a personal development program working towards goals in the emotional, physical, social and spiritual areas of life.
Who is eligible?
Selection Criteria
• 16-20 years
• Female
• Single
• Priority given to women from the Sutherland Shire
• Must be employed or engaged in study or voluntary work
• Need to have an income to pay board of $80 per week (inc. food & electricity)
• Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
Referral and Assessment Procedure
STEP 1
Complete referral forms – both for client and supporting agency.
Fax, email or mail completed forms.
STEP 2
You will be contacted for an Assessment Interview if appropriate.
STEP 3
Assessment Interview takes place with the Coordinator and at least one other member of staff. During the interview the applicant is asked a series of questions, and the policies and procedures/rules of Jacaranda Cottage are explained. At the interview the applicant is asked to provide three referees to perform a background check.
STEP 4
Applicant invited to Dinner with current residents.
STEP 5
Discussion/decision made by Jacaranda team. If the applicant is inappropriate they are referred on to appropriate services
STEP 6
Applicant is offered a place at Jacaranda Cottage.
COST
$50 initial deposit plus 2 weeks rent upfront.
Board is $80 per week and includes rent, electricity, water and food.
Settling In
• A structured two week program to initiate and settle new residents covers issues such as setting up case management, arranging counselling if necessary, showing how rules and procedures work, how to use equipment etc.
• The first two weeks is a trial period for the new resident. She has a restricted curfew of 7pm week nights and 10pm weekends with no overnight stays, so as to settle in and get to know workers and other residents. During this period she is to decide if Jacaranda is the right place for her.
• At the end of the two week period the resident will meet with Coordinator to discuss her case plan. The restricted curfew is lifted from this time onwards.
Review process
• 1 Month- How well has the resident settled in? Any areas that need improvement? What is working? What isn’t working? Are there any areas where the staff needs to improve?
• 3 Months- Review and refocus
• 6 Months- What else needs to happen to move towards independence?
• 9 Months- Review and exit planning commences
At each review both residents and staff fill in an evaluation form which gives opportunity to offer both positive and negative feedback about the resident and about the program. At the completion of each review a decision is made as to whether the residents stay is approved, conditional or whether the resident has rendered the program useless and needs to move on.
“Beyond Jacaranda”- Exit Planning
Residents complete a Beyond Jacaranda case management section. This includes planning a farewell even and looking at what they need to be independent. Residents then have an opportunity to continue to access outreach programs. This could include a structured follow up program developed by the resident with her case manager and/or continuation of counselling/ support groups.
If you are a referring agency and think a client of your would suit the Jacaranda Transitional Living Program, please download a referral form. You can send the completed form back to us via fax, email or post. You can also download a copy of our residential agreement. This outlines the conditions of residency at Jacaranda Cottage.
If you would like to discuss the suitability of a client please do not hesitate to contact us on 9544 2051 or admin@jacaranda.org.au.
Download Referral Form
Download Residential Agreement
