Baptcare - Early Childhood Intervention Services - Flexible Support Packages

The Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS) Flexible Support Packages are an initiative that target children (birth to school age) who have a disability or a developmental delay. ECIS Flexible Support Packages provide discretionary funds, allowing service providers to deliver adaptable supports designed to meet the needs of each particular family.

Eligibility

ECIS FSP are designed to assist children with complex support needs, including autism, social, behavioral emotional and physical issues (this does not include high medical needs), additional to those already delivered by the ECIS service system.

In order to be eligible for ECIS FSP, the child must be eligible to receive ECIS and meet all of the following criteria:
• be aged between birth to six years and not attending school
• have a disability or developmental delay
• be assessed as requiring a range and level of coordinated supports not usually available through universal services.

Who can make an application?

Early Childhood Intervention Services, Community Service Organisations and parents may make an application for ECIS Flexible Support Packages.

Geographic distribution of packages

Baptcare is responsible for distributing the ECIS Flexible Support Packages across the North and West Metropolitan regions of the Department of Education & Early Childhood Development (DEECD).

How can ECIS Flexible Support Funds be used?
ECIS Flexible Support Packages are specifically designed to provide time-limited, individualised support to address a specific need(s) unable to be fully met by ECIS. Families with children eligible for ECIS may apply for an ECIS Flexible Support Package.
ECIS Flexible Support Packages are provided using a family-centered approach, which recognises that families have the skills, strength and ability to identify their own needs and work towards bringing positive change into their lives.
In partnership with service providers, ECIS Flexible Support Packages aim to help families access supports and services that:
• Promote optimal child development;
• Support the needs of children with a disability or developmental delay, and
• Ease some of the additional pressures on parents.

Discretionary funding sought through the ECIS Flexible Support Packages may be used to purchase a range of services including:

• Respite
• Aids and equipment
• Therapy
• Support for children to participate in Early Childhood Programs
• Additional assistance for children who require intensive supports to reach goals that have been identified in their Family Service Support Plan/ Care Plan.

Who makes the decision about the allocation of the ECIS Flexible Support Packages?

A Regional Selection Panel comprised of representatives from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Early Childhood Intervention Services, and Baptcare will convene monthly to determine the outcome of applications received for discretionary funding through the ECIS Flexible Support Package initiative.

No Family Service Support Plan?

Where there is no Family Service Coordinator or Case Manager, the development of a Family Service Plan or Care Plan will be negotiated on a case by case basis. Alternatively, the ECIS Intake Report completed when being placed on the ECIS Waiting List will be accepted.

For enquiries and application forms:

For information about the ECIS Flexible Support Packages please contact Karen Francis (ECIS Coordinator) or Naomi Scrivener (Team Leader, Disability Services), PH: 9373 3800 Email: kfrancis@baptcare.org.au

Guidelines
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/ecsmanagement/intervention/services/packages.htm

Application process for ECIS Flexible Support Packages (FSP):

All applications are required by the last day of each month.

The panel meets each month of the year except January.

Each ECIS application must include:

1. ECIS application form:

An application form can be obtained from Baptcare or via http://www.education.vic.gov.au/ecsmanagement/intervention/services/packages.htm

2. ECIS expenditure plan which includes:

• A link to specific goals as outlined in the Family Service Support Plan.
• Estimated costs and expected duration of supports.
• Information about the supplier or provider of the service requested and must include all financial information.
• Times of service required. i.e. childcare - 2 days per week for 26 weeks.
• 2 Quotes must be provided for items over $1,000.

3. Family Service Support Plan:

• A goal oriented plan developed between the Family Support Coordinator and the family to identify agreed priorities, responsibilities and timelines.
• The plan should reflect an individualised approach to service delivery.
• ECIS Inatke Report where FSSP is not availavle.

4. Supporting letters from Health Professionals or Family Support Workers.

Applications for the Northern & Western Region can be sent via mail to:

ECIS Coordinator
Baptcare Family Services
25 Norwood Crescent
Moonee Ponds Vic 3039.

Alternatively, applications can be e-mailed to: kfrancis@baptcare.org.au .
One original application is needed – no extra copies are necessary as these applications are scanned.
E-mailed applications must include the family’s signatures or permission granted from the family to sign documented clearly.
All applications must contain a Family Service & Support Plan that is no older than 6 months.

APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT CONTAIN THE NECESSARY INFORMATION WILL BE RETURNED.