The Journey to the Exceptional Needs Program by Sharon Haylen Acting Team Leader Danny Curtis Aboriginal Disability A

2. The Journey to the Exceptional Needs Program Client had �exhausted� all case managers in the team due to behaviour and complexity. O H S & W issues for case managers and care workers and other workers due to his behaviour (verbal abuse, physical violence). APN�s expertise is in physical and neurological disability, not in mental health issues or complex behaviours. APN could not provide enough case management support and resources needed to deal with the multiple issues.

3. The Journey to the Exceptional Needs Program Exceptional Needs Unit: Pulled multiple agencies together and negotiated a detailed care/life plan in consultation with these agencies and client. Were able to negotiate at higher levels to ensure cooperation of agencies in the sector. Accessed and negotiated funding for the staff and resources required to work with the client. Key Elements of the Plan: A key worker (case manager) be appointed to work 0.5 time. A lead agency from which the worker can be supported (APN Options Coordination). Close involvement of the Aboriginal Disability Unit. An appropriate level of resources provided to carry out the work. Training around behaviour management for all staff involved � care workers, Options staff, other workers. Agency Co-operation and sharing of skills

4. Aboriginal Way Listen, empathy, understanding, being non-judgmental and respectful. Talked about Aboriginal culture. Helped link him into Tauondi College. Helped him travel back to his country. He needed to have a common bond through spirituality and connection to land. He has made a big turn around. Have helped to talk to agencies for him He now works with us and not against us. Manages his anger better - Aboriginal Way

5. Moving Forward Professional Relationship With Client Build rapport Empathy. Consistent approach. Setting boundaries and sticking to them. Build on strengths and positives. Teach/assist him to set own boundaries. Spend the time needed Working with Other Agencies New order� Uncluttered life. Set boundaries, reduced agencies, worked together for a consistent approach.

6. Moving Forward Whole of Life Approach Physical. Emotional. Spiritual. Cultural. Intensive management� with view of reducing this approach in the future. Significant Events Maintaining Tauondi College. Learning about Culture � visiting country / land Reconnecting with family. Support for Case Manager Team approach. Team leader. APN. Mental Health. Risk Management Setting boundaries. Setting procedures around O H S & W.

7. Why Things Have Changed for the Better in the Last 12 Months One to one case management for a long period of time. Agency cooperation: Set boundaries and strategies for dealing with behaviour and all agencies ( and family) involved have adhered to these. Everyone is committed to the plan to support the client. Skills of the case manager and the Aboriginal worker, and the professional relationship between these staff and the client. Re-connection to Aboriginal culture and family meets client�s cultural, spiritual and emotional needs. Resources made available for this work to be carried out