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Homelessness NSW is facilitating the application process for high need support packages through the High Needs panel.

The High Needs panel includes representatives from The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Health, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Aboriginal representatives and a person with lived expertise. The role of panel members is the prioritisation and allocation of funding.

The panel reviews referrals to ensure:

• Referrals evidence the existence of complex needs that can only be met by through a high needs support package
• There is equitable distribution of packages across the state
• Identified groups are prioritised, including people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, people over 55yrs (or 45yrs if a person identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander), females and females under 24yrs, persons who identify as LQBTIQ+

The panel meet every month and will operate a rolling process of referrals.

Please note, where an individual has a VI-SPDAT score of 15 + this indicates the existence of multiple and complex factors that suggest an individual may benefit from a high needs package. The VI-SPAT score is not a sole deciding factor, referrals can be considered where an individual has a smaller number of acute needs that seriously impact their housing stability.

Individuals who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander will be prioritised for high needs packages and will receive a third of the overall total of packages allocated.

Round 9: July 2021

• 25 June: High Needs Package referrals close
• 1 July: High Needs Panel meeting

Round 10: August 2021

• 30 July: High Needs Package referrals close
• 5 August: High Needs Panel meeting

Round 11: September 2021

• 27 August: High Needs Package referrals close
• 2 September: High Needs Panel meeting

Homelessness NSW aims to provide acknowledgment that a referral has been received 5 days prior to every panel meeting. Referring agencies are provided details of decisions within 5 working days of a panel meeting taking place.

If it becomes evident that a current support package is not meeting the needs of an individual and additional support is required, it may be appropriate to consider making a referral.

It is essential that all individuals referred to the panel have provided informed consent and that a VI-SPDAT has been completed. Referrals will be accepted from Community Housing Providers funded for the Together Home program or contracted support services.  

The referral process is designed to capture all the key information that is required by the panel to assist decision making and should include:

• A copy of the Client engagement and nomination form used to refer the individual to the Together Home program
• The High Needs Package referral form, with all sections completed
• A High Needs Package budget template
• Any other supporting documentation

All of the forms and templates are below in our ‘Resources’ Section. You can also view our sample case study, which gives you an example of a clients journey through the high needs package process.

Homelessness NSW will contact you within 5 days of the panel meeting.

If a Package is not approved:

• You will be provided with the reason/s for the panel’s decision and will be provided with a recommendation about how the individual’s needs may be met through other services
• Please note that this does not prevent you making a further referral for the same individual if their needs change and additional resources are required.

If a Package is approved:

• You will be provided with details of what has been approved
• The panel may provide provisional approval for certain expenditure and provide a recommendation/s regarding what action/ information is required before funding can be approved.

All funding allocated to a High Needs Package is managed via the existing contract management arrangements in place between the Community Housing Provider and DCJ.

• All High Needs Packages are reviewed at 6 and 12 month intervals. The purpose of the review is for the panel to understand how the package is meeting the individuals needs and to identify whether any systemic barriers have been encountered
• Homelessness NSW will contact you before the review to request relevant information
• Where an allocated package has not exceeded the total funding available to an individual, further funding may be available – subject to the panel’s assessment of an individuals need during the review process.

To view an overview and how packages have been allocated click here.