Family Options

What is Family Options?

Yooralla's Family Options program provides long-term support for children and young people with disabilities through family based placement. There are no prerequisites for being a Family Options carer. Carers can be single or in a couple, working or retired, with or without your own children. Carers are carefully selected and matched with the individual. They provide, full-time, part-time and respite care in the Family Options carer's own home. As comprehensive training is provided, experience is not essential. Carers are fully supported by a qualified Family Options worker, and have access to 24-hour on-call support in case of emergencies. Family Options carers receive generous tax-free reimbursements for their time and expenses. Additional funds are available for extra support services that include therapy, transport, equipment and building modifications where appropriate. Could you include a child or young person in your family?

Eligibility

The child or young person with a disability must be registered on the Department of Human Services Special Needs Register. Please contact your Regional Department of Human Services office.

Referral and application

Either you or someone on your behalf, such as a case manager or service provider can apply for funding. The amount of the funding granted depends on the family’s individual respite needs, other available options and the availability of funding at the time. Priority is given to individuals not currently receiving other respite funding or respite services, or whose primary care or accommodation is at risk. To open the Breakaway Flexible Respite application forms for the Eastern region please click here To open the Breakaway Flexible Respite application forms for the Southern region please click here.

Fees

There are no fees to access this service.

Contact Family Options

If you would like more information on Yooralla's Family Options program, please contact the service in your area:

Southern: 319 Neerim Road
Carnegie Victoria 3163; Tel: (03) 9568 5589; Fax: (03) 9568 5234; E-mail: familyoptions@yooralla.com.au

Eastern: 6 Ellingworth Parade
Box Hill Victoria 3128; Tel: (03) 9899 2766; Fax: ( 03) 9899 4589; E-mail: familyoptions@yooralla.com.au

North / Western / Hume / Loddon / Mallee: 293 High Street
Preston Victoria 3072; Tel: (03) 9496 0000; Fax: (03) 9496 0001; E-mail: familyoptions@yooralla.com.au

Gippsland: 24 Kay Street
Traralgon, Vic 3844; Tel: (03) 5174 1111; Fax: (03) 5174 0055