An applicant will be selected for assessment when a suitable vacancy becomes available. Applicants will be assessed on the following basis:
That the applicant satisfies the Eligibility Criteria;
That B. Miles is appropriate for the applicant’s needs;
Compatibility with potential flatmate, if relevant;
That the applicant is willing to meet her obligations under the Residential Tenancy Agreement.
The assessment has 5 main aims, to:
- Determine the suitability of B. Miles for the applicant’s needs;
- Provide the opportunity for the applicant to make a decision as to whether B. Miles is suitable for her.
- Gather information about the applicant, e.g. identify her support needs.
- Provide information to the applicant about B. Miles;
- Determine if and how B. Miles can best meet the needs of the applicant;
Interpreters
When accepting referrals for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and/or women who are hearing impaired, B. Miles will arrange interpreter services if required.
Assessments
When a vacancy occurs, the most appropriate applicant is contacted for an assessment. The nature of the vacancy will determine which applicant is contacted. That is, if the vacancy is in a shared property we will select applicants that appear to be well matched with the existing tenant. If the vacancy is in a single occupancy property, we will assess applicants that specifically require this type of accommodation.
Where assessments are held
Assessments are held at the B. Miles office. They can be held in other locations if there are legitimate reasons for doing so, e.g. the applicant is in hospital and transport to the office cannot be arranged.
Who does the assessment and who else attends
The assessment is between the Coordinator, the applicant and the primary case manager/clinician/referrer whenever possible. The applicant is able to attend the assessment alone. Alternatively, the applicant is able to bring a support person. If the clinician is not present at the assessment, B. Miles will want to confirm information received during the assessment with an appropriate person, e.g. psychiatrist.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Information provided by an applicant and/or referrer will be kept confidential. Information about an applicant may be passed between B. Miles staff where it is required in the normal course of their duties. B. Miles will only provide an individual’s personal information to external organizations/individuals if:
- We assess that there is a child at risk of harm, then we are obligated to notify the Department of Community Services;
- We are served by the police with a search warrant;
- Information is disclosed to us by the applicant, the referrer and/or her clinical supports that indicates that the applicant is a threat to self or others;
- The courts subpoena the file notes as evidence in a legal matter.
- The applicant gives permission for information to be released to another agency/individual.