Krystal Wani Area Coordinator SRSS and HSS SRSS OPM Changes – Continued Eligbility & Compliance with visa conditions Spectrum MRC’s

Continued Eligibility Section 5 in the OPM V.4 identifies how SRSS Band eligibility of clients is to be revised. There is a strong emphasis on client engagement with DIBP and Service Providers to ensure Continued Eligibility in the SRSS Programme. SRSS Recipients in Band 5 must actively contribute to ongoing Continued Eligibility Reviews with their DIBP Case Manager. This review will focus on the SRSS Recipients on-going vulnerabilities, progress towards status resolution and continued engagement with the Department. SRSS OPM V4, 5.2 SRSS Band Eligibility Revision Band 5: Service Provider must review the client’s Case Plan each time they are in contact with them (at least monthly) to ensure appropriate levels of support are in place. Band 6: SRSS eligibility is reviewed when the client is no longer in financial hardship and earning more than 89% of their Centrelink Allowance. DIBP may also request a Service Provider to conduct and eligibility review where they may receive an allegation or conflicting information.

Continued Eligibility What’s New! Continued Eligibility Review The Continued Eligibility Review (CER) was previously known as the Case Plan Review. The Case Plan Review has been discontinued. The CER is primarily for clients who are sitting in Band 5 and Case Workers will use the template to provide information to DIBP about case progression and how client is becoming self-sufficient. In some instances the CER template will be used to provide SRSS eligibility updates for clients in Band 2, 3 and 6. This will be a request from DIBP. The CER template must include updated information about: -Housing; -Physical health; -Mental health; - Income benefits; -Family issues; -Community resources and social network; -Language and education -Employment -Meaningful engagement activities; -Legal/IOM; and -Critical incidents. -Timeframes and goals in transitioning off services

Continued Eligibility Review Template

Possible responses to question 14 of the CER – Eligibility Criteria for Band 5 have an unresolved immigration status and engage with the Department in resolving their immigration status; have inadequate support in the community to manage independently; are disadvantaged by one or more of the prescribed vulnerabilities below and as a result are unable to support themselves or manage independently and face barriers to resolution of their immigration status; a mental health condition which has been diagnosed by a qualified mental health practitioner or qualified medical practitioner; a physical health concern, disability or medical condition which has been diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner; an elderly person who is unable to manage independently; a minor or unaccompanied minor at risk of harm; the parent or guardian of a minor at risk of harm; a person who is suffering from the effects of torture and trauma which has been diagnosed by a qualified practitioner, which includes a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist or qualified torture and trauma counsellor; and/or a person who has suffered a significant event outside of their control

Continued Eligibility Review Template

Reporting CER template will provide more structured update to DIBP Case. Case Workers are to update goals, milestones and timeframes within the CER template. These goals to be updated and clearly identify the progression of the client with Band 5 support Case Worker Support – Band 4-6 Case Workers must contact SRSS Recipients at least once per calendar month in person or visa the phone. Case Plan must be reviewed every time Case Workers contact with clients. The first Continued Eligibility Review template is due one month after the Case Plan is approved and is required to be updated and every month thereafter.

Portal Activities: The Continued Eligibility Review (CER) should be uploaded as - ‘Confirmation – Case Plan Review’ The initial CER is to be recorded one month after the Case Plan has been approved by DIBP. The activity must be recorded against each family member, however, the CER document is to be uploaded against the Principle SRSS Recipient.

Compliance with Visa Conditions Code of Behaviour OPM Version 3: Those who have entered Australia illegally and are over 18 must sign a Code of Behaviour to be considered for the grant of a bridging visa. The Code of Behaviour outlines expected behaviour of the visa holder while in the Australian community. The Code of Behaviour can be found at OPM Version 4: IMAs who are over 18 must sign a Code of Behaviour to be considered for the grant of a bridging visa. The Code of Behaviour outlines expected behaviour of the visa holder while in the Australian community. The Code of Behaviour can be found at Clarification of who needs to sign Code of Behaviour and also updated URL of where to find CoB.

Compliance with Visa Conditions Removal from Australia: SRSS Providers must also support SRSS Recipients who wish to engage with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) about their options for departing Australia. SRSS Providers should generally contact the SRSS Recipient’s DIBP Case Manager or Status Resolution Officer via or phone if an SRSS Recipient requests to speak with IOM. However, if the SRSS Recipient prefers, the SRSS Provider may assist the Recipient to engage directly with IOM, without notifying the Department. Further information about voluntary returns can be found at: