HUMAN SERVICES
culturally appropriate service delivery

BAC Human Services, now in its fourth year of operation, manages government funded programs in the areas of aged and disability services, welfare and family services, substance misuse and youth services. The maintenance of language and traditions underpins the operations of this service.

aged care
A major achievement this year has been the development of a best practice model for the delivery of aged care services which are relevant and meaningful for Maningrida and homelands whilst complying with program guidelines.

BAC receives funding from both state and commonwealth departments to provide aged care. The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing provides 10 CACPs (Community Aged Care Packages) to primarily assist old people to live a healthy life out bush. The "bush" model of support is often more about resourcing family members to look after their elders. Services may include the provision of camping and hunting equipment, and assistance with travelling to and from their homelands. CACP clients received approximately 700 hours of transport assistance this year.

The N.T. Department of Health and Community Services provides for the care of a further 30 old people through the HACC (Home and Community Care) program. Most of these clients live in Maningrida or need to spend extended periods in the town for health reasons. These clients receive more mainstream help such as Meals on Wheels (meals are provided by the Good Food Kitchen), home help, laundry and social support. This year the Aged Care Workers delivered 7,227 meals to both CACP and HACC clients and provided 3,079 hours of domestic assistance and social support. BAC Human Services works closely with other community agencies and BAC departments to service the community's aged care needs.

FACS Community Worker Program
Funding by the N.T. Department of Health & Community Services supports the employment of two Aboriginal workers who assist families to raise their children in a safe and supportive environment. They work in partnership with visiting FACS social workers to identify children at risk and devise appropriate means of intervention and support. Bawinanga Human Services continues to be committed to strengthening the capacity of the Malabam Health Board. The strong partnership between the two groups this year has significantly progressed the Maningrida Substance Misuse and Youth Development programs.