Q. I was interested about your support service 'Karitane' and I what wondering if you could please tell me how much it will cost to access some of the services that Karitane offers such as "The Residential Family Care Unit", "Jade House" and "Karitane Family Care Cottages". And I was also wondering if this organisation is government funded? If not can you please tell me who or how Karitane is funded.

A. To attend the Residential unit the cost for the baby is covered by medicare or your private health insurance and the parent boarding costs $35 per night each.
To attend the residential unit you need to be referred by a nurse, doctor or other health professional you have seen about any difficulties you may be having related to parenting your 0-4 year old.

Jade house is only available to people who live in the Sydney South West Area Health Service (western zone). If you do meet the criteria and are entitled to Medicare this is a free service. You need to be referred by a health professional.
The family care centres are only available to people living in the local government areas they are located in.

Liverpool - Liverpool LGA

Randwick - Sydney, Randwick, Botany, Woollahra, Waverly LGA's

If you live in one of these areas and are eligible for Medicare this service is free. You can self-refer to some of the groups at the family care centres but all individual consultations offered at the cottages require a referral by a health professional. Karitane also has a volunteer service to support families with children 0-3 years living in the Liverpool, Fairfield and Bankstown areas. The activities of the volunteer service including home visiting, supported playgroups and parenting groups are free for those family meeting the referral criteria.
The majority of Karitane funding is from NSW health, but Karitane also has funding from the Department of Community Services, corporate, support and donations.

Q. I was wondering if there were services in other states of Australia similar to Karitane?

A. Yes, there are similar organisations in other states. They are:

• Western Australia
  Ngala - Phone: 08 9368 9368 or 1800 111 546 (country callers)
• South Australia
  Child & Youth Health - Phone: 1300 346 100
• Victoria
  Queen Elizabeth Centre - Phone: 03 9549 2777
  Tweddle Child & Family Health Service - Phone: 03 9689 1577
  O'Connell Family Centre - Phone: 03 9882 2327
• ACT
  Queen Elizabeth II Family Centre - Phone: 02 6205 2333
• Queensland
  The Riverton Centre - Phone: 07 3860 7111

Q. I was interested about your support service 'Karitane' and I what wondering if you could please tell me how much it will cost to access some of the services that Karitane offers such as "The Residential Family Care Unit", "Jade House" and "Karitane Family Care Cottages". And I was also wondering if this organisation is government funded? If not can you please tell me who or how Karitane is funded.

A.
CHILD:
Your fees are covered by Medicare or Private Health insurance. For privately insured clients the account for your child’s hospital accommodation will be sent directly to your fund for payment. Karitane waives any excess you may have with your fund. Please note that your child MUST be added to your existing policy prior to admission.

MOTHER:
$42 per day which includes accommodation and meals ($168/week)

FATHER/PARTNER/SUPPORT PERSON:
$21 per night for accommodation plus $7 per meal. All fees are payable at time of admission at reception. Fees can be paid by EFPTOS/Cash/Cheque/Visa/MasterCard.

It is a requirement of Karitane that all children are seen by a Paediatrician on admission. The account for your child’s consultation with the Paediatric specialist will be given to you at the time of your appointment. (Privately insured clients will require a referral letter from your GP stating reason for admission). Any accounts for pathology tests your child may require will be sent directly to you after discharge.

If you live in one of these areas and are eligible for Medicare this service is free. The family care centres require a referral by a health professional.

Karitane also has a volunteer service to support families with children 0-3 years living in the Liverpool, Fairfield and Bankstown areas. The activities of the volunteer service including home visiting, supported playgroups and parenting groups are free for those family meeting the referral criteria.

The majority of Karitane funding is from NSW health, but Karitane also has funding from the Department of Community Services, corporate, support and donations.