QUICK REFERENCE: What’s The Buzz Newsletter | Telephone Information, Support & Referral |
Cerebral Palsy Support Network Members Trust Fund | Support groups | On-line services | Information sessions | Cerebral Palsy Brokerage Program |
Details for all programs and groups listed below are advertised in the bi monthly “What’s the Buzz” CPSN newsletter. Become a member of the CPSN to receive all the information.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ NEWSLETTER
A bi-monthly newsletter containing information about various issues relating to cerebral palsy. This is a great resource to help keep you in touch with what services are available, what’s happening in the community, and with the CPSN. This is available to all members either in hard copy or electronically Membership to the CPSN ensures you will receive each edition of “What’s the Buzz”.
Current edition of 'What's The Buzz’
Previous editions of 'What's The Buzz’
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TELEPHONE INFORMATION, SUPPORT & REFERRAL
Our friendly, informed and supportive staff are available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. We are available to take your calls - whether to answer difficult questions or just to have a friendly chat so please do not hesitate to contact Vicki Cavalieros: Member Services Coordinator - Ph: (03) 9484 5326 or TOLL FREE: 1300 277 600 (1300 CPSN 00).
CEREBRAL PALSY SUPPORT NETWORK MEMBERS TRUST FUND
CPSN is
able to offer its members the opportunity to apply for grants of up to
$500. The purpose of the grants are to directly support an individual
with cerebral palsy. Members are encouraged to apply for something that
would enhance their life. The CPSN would like their members to be
creative with this funding. Requests could include for example, drama
lessons, sporting equipment, musical instruments- the possibilities are
endless.
The CPSN would like to extend the opportunities to our members to
benefit from these grants. To encourage sponsorship and further grant
opportunities, successful grant recipients must be willing to have their
story used in promotional material, sponsorship proposals etc.
Click here to download more information about the Members Trust Fund (PDF file).
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SUPPORT GROUPS
CP support groups aim to provide families with opportunities for face to face contact with other families who have a child with Cerebral Palsy and to access information on available disability supports and services available within the community.
Groups meet monthly and include a pre selected topic of discussion which relates to day to day issues encountered when caring for a child with Cerebral Palsy. Information each topic will be available. Groups will be conducted in a supported and relaxed environment.
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ON-LINE SERVICES
The CPSN hosts a website with information about cerebral palsy and the services the CPSN provides its members. It also has links to other disability related services.
You can also subscribe to our email database to receive regular, relevant information about CP. This is a free service available to all. Just submit your email address at the top of this page.
eConnect is another way that you can contact us online. Just go to the make an inquiry link found at the top of the page or on the home page and complete the relevant fields. One of our friendly staff will be in contact with you to discuss your needs.
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INFORMATION SESSIONS
CPSN Information Sessions provide a vital insight and information to parents, carers and interested persons with specific Cerebral Palsy related information which impacts on their lives. Information sessions will be conducted bi-monthly and will include the provision of guest speakers.
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CEREBRAL PALSY BROKERAGE PROGRAM
“Creating opportunities for the lifestyle you want”
Do you have an ISP or other available funding?
Are you a direct payments user?
Would you like to be able to employ the carer you want?
If you’ve answered “Yes” to any of these questions then the Cerebral Palsy Brokerage Program is for you.
What is the Cerebral Palsy Brokerage Program?
The Cerebral Palsy Brokerage Program (CPBP) is a service that allows YOU to employ a CARER OF YOUR CHOICE and leave the administration responsibilities to US.
It is a partnership between 4 key partners (Funding Agency – Individual with CP – Employee – CPSN).
The CP Brokerage Program provides you with a way of paying for your support services. The program enables individuals with Cerebral Palsy to manage the hours allocated through the funding body.
Who can access the CP Brokerage Program?
This program is available to people:
- Who have Cerebral Palsy or a closely related disability
- who have available funding
- who have the skills and confidence to recruit and manage their own carers
- who have an eligibility assessment by CPSN
- where CP Brokerage Program is a suitable option
- whose support needs are expected to be reasonably stable
- who are willing to comply with the requirements of the CP Brokerage Program
The CPSN Brokerage Coordinator will assess your suitability to use this program, followed by a home visit to meet you and/or your family. During this visit the Coordinator will discuss with you, workplace safety, employment and induction of staff, administrative requirements, training and all other requirements of the CP Brokerage Program.
What are the programs benefits?
The CP Brokerage Program is tailored to meet the needs of individuals with CP and can be used for personal care, respite care, recreation and access to the community.
It allows you to employ your own carer to meet your specific needs. The program is responsive to cultural backgrounds by allowing for culturally relevant supports.
Many people have told us that in the past they have been reluctant to use services because they are uncomfortable with unfamiliar people in their home. This option gives you an opportunity to choose the person who provides you with support.
Where do carers come from?
The principal behind the Cerebral Palsy Brokerage Program is that YOU employ a carer of YOUR choice from YOUR own networks. We can provide you with information to assist you in the sourcing and recruitment of potential carers if required.
Some of the ways our CP Brokerage Program users have found employees have been-
- Advertising though a university or tafe college for students completing health and disability
related courses.
- Placing an ad in your local newspaper
- Putting up a notice in your local supermarket or shopping centre notice board
- Letting all your friends, associates and your networks know that you are offering work.
- Approaching your child’s school, sporting club, social club etc
- Advertising online through employment agencies such as InfoXchange
- Approaching Job Networks.
- Other word of mouth.
Fees and charges
Our rates are in line on the Department of Human Services unit cost which is incremented each financial year. The CPSN fee to administer the CP Brokerage program is 18% of the unit cost. The CPSN fee for all Brokerage Program users who access funds held by Senior Masters Office (Supreme Court) is 30% of the employee pay rate.
Where applicable the CPSN make available the difference between the real cost of delivering the service including wages, tax, superannuation, workcover and insurance) and the amount charged by CPSN. This amount can be accumulated and used by the family when required.
The CP Brokerage Program provides information on conditions and pay rates to make it easy for individuals with CP/families to schedule care and balance cost. This gives the individual/ family the opportunity to utilize their money for extra care!
As a not for profit organisation, the Cerebral Palsy Support Network ensures that all profits and other benefits are returned to the CPSN members.
How do I access this program?
Call us at the CPSN to discuss your specific circumstances and needs.
You don’t have to be a member to call us and there is no obligation.
Rest assured that your enquiry will be treated as confidential.
Contact us
P: 1300 277 600 (1300 CPSN 00)
W: www.cpsn.info
E: cpbrokerageprog@cpsn.info
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