Women who are accepted into B. Miles Women’s Housing Scheme are those who meet all of the following criteria:
- Have been diagnosed and can provide evidence of having a major mental illness/disorder, including schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety disorder; eating disorders and personality disorders.
- Are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
- Are receiving regular clinical support or are willing to do so.
- Are available during B. Miles office hours (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm) for contact with support worker.
- Give consent for B. Miles staff to contact and liaise with their clinical support(s), as required.
- Have an identified support need that can be met within B. Miles resources, i.e. B. Miles support staff meet with each tenant, on an average, once a week.
- Are willing to have regular contact with their B. Miles support worker.
- Understand that B. Miles Women’s Housing Scheme is a medium term supported housing program (3 – 18 months) and does not provide long term housing.
- Are aged 18 years and over.
- Have completed a drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation program, if relevant
- If taking methadone:
- Have been on the methadone program, in NSW, for at least 3 months;
- Can provide evidence that they have been attending the methadone clinic regularly
- Have not been under the influence of alcohol and other drugs when they have presented at the methadone clinic
- Can provide evidence that their behaviour has been appropriate and stable while being on the program
- Does not have take away doses at any time while living at B. Miles
Factors that will be given consideration when assessing a referral
- Is the primary diagnosis mental illness?
- Can the applicant live in the community without supervision and high level support?
- Are there adequate and accessible resources available to assist B. Miles in supporting the applicant?
- Does the applicant want support from B. Miles and other relevant services?
- Does the applicant present a risk to others?
- Is B. Miles the most appropriate service for her?