Should we apply?
When children have high and complex needs, time, collaboration and a high level of expertise is needed, as the usual responses from agencies haven't worked. HCN funding is designed to support local agenices develop a plan to provide short-term, intensive interventions aimed at creating lasting change for the young person.
What do I need to do?
If you are a practitioner, before moving on to the step-by-step application process, you need to:
- Talk to your supervisor or practice leader.
- Talk to your colleagues in other agencies.
- Talk to your regional HCN Advisor.
- Ensure you have up-to-date information about what has been tried for the child / young person and what more is needed.
- Work with your colleagues in other agencies to complete the case presentation template for the Interagency Management Group.
Indicators of high and complex cases often include:
- the young person being at risk of self-harm or harm to others
- two or more government agencies are involved with the child / young person, but you're not making the progress you feel you should
- many interventions have already been tried and don't seem to be working.
Who can apply?
Agency workers need to agree to present the young person's case to the Interagency Management Group; it is this group who decide whether or not an application for HCN funding should be made.
A child or young person is eligible if:
- he or she is under 21 years of age
- two or more government agencies are working together
- the agencies agree there is a complexity of need or an intensity of service response that cannot be met by local services
- these needs are likely to take more than 12 months to address.
If you are a practitoner, you can always talk to your local HCN Advisor, or visit our case studies page for a clearer picture of the kinds of cases that receive HCN funding.
If you are a family member or caregiver of a child with high and complex needs, visit our area for Familes and Caregivers for more information.
