Entity Permanency Support Program

Entity Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an integrated accommodation and support program that aims to prepare and support Young People to transition from out of home care to independent living.

Entity works cooperatively with New South Wales Department of Community of Justice to support young people to grow and thrive. Entity works collaboratively with schools, hospitals, counselling, and mental health services to meet the needs of the young people in the program. Entity strives to uphold the rights of young people and to provide support and opportunities to enhance their living and social skills and increase their ability to participate in their communities.

Watch our video about Entity Out of Home Care

Program components

Case Management
Advocacy
Assistance with finance management – budget support
Referrals to other community supports
Guidance in understanding and connecting with positive peer and other relationships
Livings skills and personal development
Education and employment support
Aftercare

Stability and structure

Entity’s goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that meets the emotional, developmental, physical and social needs of young people in our care. We aim to work cooperatively with the young person and where possible their family to plan for the young person’s future. In doing so, we assist the young person to avoid the displacement that occurs through short term, unplanned, or unstable living arrangements.

The Entity Supported Independent Living program provides up to 24 months of supported independent accommodation and works with young people in moving towards their goals and future independence.

Our accommodation

The Entity program has a four bedroom residential property where young people develop the skills to manage and sustain an independent tenancy. The majority of young people within the Entity program are accommodated in single houses with leases managed by St George Community Housing.

Eligibility

Is aged 15 – 17
Is under the care of the NSW Minister of Community and Justice
Has low to medium support needs
Is leaving Out of Home Care to live independently or has left an Out of Home Care placement but still requires support to successfully transition to independence
Has been assessed as having the capacity to live independently after a period of support
Has a working Leaving Care Plan document or a finalised and approved plan
Has a Cultural Care Plan (if applicable)
Has an active NSW Housing Pathways application (if of age)
Is willing to abide by the rules and responsibilities of the household, including those of a Residential Tenancy Agreement
Is receiving a stable income
Has the goal to become more independent through educational and/or employment
Is willing to participate in the case management process

frequently asked

What is the referral process?

Entity’s Manager and Caseworker will assess the Young Person for the program.
A background check is done based on the information provided in the initial referral.
A meeting is held with the young person, a support worker (Usually the current CW), and Entity to talk about the program, get some more information and discuss whether Entity is a suitable placement for the young person.
If the young person is not suitable, we will notify Child and Family District Unit outlining for the decline in referral. All young people have the right to make another referral after a period of three months.

I am experiencing difficulty paying rent, what can I do?

If you are having difficulties in making rental payments, contact your Entity Caseworker as soon as possible. In this instance we can assist you in making a payment plan which will prevent action being taken against you for rental arrears; this can lead to termination of tenancy.

What are Entity’s staffing hours?

Entity is staffed;

9.00am to 11.00pm Monday – Friday

10am to 7.00pm Saturday

For emergencies call 0413 139 605

“Without you guys, I may have never fully recovered from my experience in hospital and may not be alive today to share my story and help others who have been in similar situations.

No matter how big or small you think you may have contributed, know that you guys have changed my life for the better and I will be forever grateful for that”

Vincent

“Options case management support has been pivotal in helping me achieve my goals, providing me with the means to obtain an amazing job as a mentor that I balance with university work. By referring me to programs that can lead me down the right path, Options has given me the chance to make an impact on the world and achieve goals that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise”

Sarah

“My Caseworker offered me a variety of supports from finance to general advice. I always felt satisfied with the solutions we came up with”

Mirabella

refer someone in need

Entity referrals must come from the Metro Central, Child and Family District Unit Intake team. If you are a community service provider that is not in our District, Sydney, South-Eastern Sydney, Northern Sydney, you must contact your local Child and Family District Unit to initiate a referral to Entity. for more information contact us entity@caretakers.org.au

PHONE 02 9554 5017