PROGRAM
GENERAL INFORMATION PACK
Kamira was established in 1982 on the Central Coast of New South Wales. It was created in response to the
growing need for residential alcohol and other drug treatment for women with children, from across the entire state. With a management committee overseeing it has operated as a medium to long term therapeutic community and receives funding from: The NSW Health Department, Department of Community Services and the Department of Health and Ageing.Kamira recognizes that each individual is unique and not predisposed to one particular theory. Consequently all models of dependence are taken into account and the therapeutic approach taken is eclectic. Staff utilise a range of evidence based techniques as recommended by the NSW Health Drug and Alcohol Psychosocial Interventions Professional Practice Guidelines (2008)
It is believed that each individual has the ability to learn new constructive responses to life experiences.
The Residential Core Program is offered to alcohol and/or other drug dependent women with or without
children across NSW. It can accommodate 16 women and 6 children.The core program is divided into 4 stages and extends across a period of 6 – 12 months. Each stage incorporates new responsibilities and challenges, an expectation of an increase in behavioral development and self growth, and an increase in leave from the program.
A brief description of these stages follows below: STAGE 1:
• Initial four weeks
• Comprehensive assessment of client and childrens needs
• Appropriate referral to health care and other specialist treatment providers.
• Daily therapeutic group activities designed to ground the residents and introduce them to treatment topics such as relapse prevention, parent effectiveness training, conflict resolution, assertiveness skills.
• Other groups presented by exterior agencies such as nutrition, literacy, budgeting, first aid and yoga. • All clients are allocated a case manager who will provide them with regular counselling. In the first 4 weeks staff aim to have frequent counselling sessions but shorter in duration. This has been shown to be of greater assistance in initially grounding residents.
• All clients, their family and significant others are invited to participate in the family program.
• Introduction to the child care program where they will participate and travel with the child care worker and children to the various activities that constitute the child care program. eg. Play group, kiddies gym, art and craft, motor and dexterity skills development.
STAGE 2:
• Begins with a case review conducted with their case manager and one other staff member. This is designed to look at the clients progress in achieving their goals to date, perceived obstacles, what they have learnt and how this has been applied, and the establishment of goals for the following stage.
• Referrals, groups, counselling and participation in the child care program continue in line with the more grounded residents’ therapeutic need.
STAGE 3:
• Again begins with a case review. This stage further develops and builds upon the clients identified needs and goals for treatment.
• A group program is tailored to meet the specific needs of clients within this stage and as a result, it is often the stage where more complex self development occurs.
• An increase in leave and responsibilities may consequently provide opportunities for clients to utilise and practice their skills.
STAGE 4:
• Clients enter this stage after a comprehensive case review of their long term plans and achievements to date. • This stage aims to reintroduce the client into the community whilst receiving ongoing support from staff and peers. • The increases in length of leave are tailored to suit the needs of the client and their families.
Operating as a modified therapeutic community, the program functions holistically through the provision of many activities such as; facilitated therapeutic groups, individual counselling, yoga, relaxation, excursions and the child and family program. By remaining client centered, the length of the program changes to meet the clients therapeutic needs. However, the average length of stay is 6 – 12 months.
STAFF
The residential program is staffed by allied health workers with tertiary qualifications and appropriate professional experience.REFERRAL/ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Clients referred to Kamira are asked to partake in a phone assessment. Assessments are conducted Monday to Friday 9.30am -12.30pm and usually take 15 minutesThings to Consider……
• There are no medically trained staff
GENERAL
INFORMATION PACK
Are you (and/or your children) experiencing any complex mental health concerns?
• Kamira is a successful treatment option for women with minor mental health concerns such as mild anxiety
and depression.
• If you are on any medication for the like, a report from your prescribing health care professional
is requested. Please see appendix A.
Are you (and/or your children) experiencing any complicated physical health concerns?
• If you are currently experiencing a complicated health concern such as epilepsy, diabetes, chronic pain etc that requires medication, a report from your prescribing health professional is requested. Please see appendix A
Do you have any current involvement with DoCS?
• If you do, a report from your DoCS worker is requested. Please see appendix B.
Do you have any current/pending legal matters?
• If so we require a report from the appropriate person eg: Solicitor, probation and parole etc. Please see appendix C.
Have you undergone detoxification yet? What is your detox plan?
• Clients are expected to provide both a negative urinalysis sample and breathalyzer upon admission before they are accepted into the program.
Do you have children? Will they be residing at Kamira with you?
• If your children are not coming to Kamira, how will communication and visits be organised.
Are you aware of the associated costs of entering Kamira?
• All clients are expected to pay a weekly fee of 80% of their entitled benefit. A payment of two weeks and $100 bond is due upon admission.
Are you aware that Kamira is smoke free?
• Kamira provides 8 weeks supply of nicotine replacement therapy for all clients who enter the residential program.
How motivated are you to enter Kamira?
• A little bit of motivation to change can go a long way!
Please don’t hesitate to call us on
02 4392 1341 if you have any further questions
about the program.
In ensuring Kamira provides the best treatment option for yourself, a report from your health care professional is required. This report would need to address the following points:
• An assessment of your present mental/physical health.
• Details of all medication you are currently taking, including; name, dosage, frequency and
time of administration.
• A care plan that details;
- The stability of yourself on this medication
- The intended time for which it would be continued to be prescribed - Side effects that may be expected
- The regularity of reviews with your health care professional.
• The support or lack there of, for yourself entering medium to long term residential treatment.
Please complete this as soon as possible and forward to Kamira by fax or post. This information together with the information provided through your phone assessment, will attempt to ensure the treatment options offered to yourself will best suit your needs.
Kind regards,
ABN 26 936 062 807
PO Box 284, Wyong NSW 2259 | P: 02 4392 1341 | F: 02 4392 6644 E: [email protected] | www.kamira.com.au
Funded by NSW Health, The Department of Health and Ageing and The Department of Community Services
DATE:
Dear
In ensuring Kamira provides the best treatment option for yourself, a report from your DOCS Worker is required. This report would need to address the following points:
• Why DOCS became involved, eg violence, neglect, drug use etc. • Relevant information regarding the childs needs.
• Details of any court cases pending.
• Details of custody arrangements and access visits. • Any behavioural, emotional or psychological issues. • Any other relevant information.
• The support or lack there of, for yourself entering medium to long term residential treatment Please complete this as soon as possible and forward to Kamira by fax or post. This information
together with the information provided through your phone assessment, will attempt to ensure the treatment options offered to yourself will best suit your needs.
Kind regards,
In ensuring Kamira provides the best treatment option for yourself, a report from your Legal Representative/ Probation and Parole Worker is required. This report would need to address the following points:
• Details of current and past charges.
• Court cases pending; charge being heard, location and date. • Any current bail or bond conditions
• Nature and length of any sentence
• The name and number of Legal Rep/ P and P officer
• The support or lack there of, for yourself entering medium to long term treatment
Please complete this as soon as possible and forward to Kamira by fax or post. This information together with the information provided through your phone assessment, will attempt to ensure the treatment options offered to yourself will best suit your needs.
Kind regards,
