Refugee Support
From September to the present, my primary responsibilities continue to be case management for some of FLN’ s members. The level of case management I provide can be categorised into three levels depending on the nature of the enquiry and the background of the member.
Level 1: Intensive Case Management
This level of Case Management is reserved for members who are experiencing difficulties leading an autonomous life in Australia. These difficulties range from limited English speaking skills to mental health complications. For these members, I assist with filling-out Centrelink forms; obtaining documents for visa applications, liaise with external stakeholders, following up on ongoing enquiries and assess further links to meet the needs. As these members experience significant psychological barriers, I meet with them weekly, sometimes several times a week for up to 2 hours each session and sometimes even more time.
Adult Members who fall into this group include previous detainees, members experiencing torture and trauma issues, those with litigation concerns, visa application concerns and / or have Significant depression / anxiety / cognitive barriers.
Level 2: Medium Case Management
This level of Case Management is reserved for members who are experiencing immediate difficulties, but do not seek ongoing / weekly appointments. These members I may meet with every two weeks, or once a month. However, addressing their concerns is usually time consuming and requires several hours.
Members who fall into this group include those have issues relating to domestic abuse, Housing
claims / contention, Car insurance claims and visa( spousal / children / humanitarian) applications **. It also includes Pregnant mothers- requiring housing, Centrelink payments, medical appointments
Level 3: Light Case Management
This level of Case Management usually involves referring members to other services, calling external stakeholders to assist members to make appointments, assist with Centrelink forms, or actively listening to members who experience isolation and are in need to talk to someone. This group usually are trying to cope with concerns that require my assistance.
During the coming year we will be developing more effective ways of connecting our members with the professional support they need. We are also planning to develop a range of workshops on social and legal matters that will assist our members in becoming more independent and confident in dealing with many day to day settlement issues.
Jasmine Hashim
Note: I do not counsel or claim incidental counselling practice to our members. If they wish to inform me of their difficulties, that is at their discretion. All members are currently aware that I do not hold professional qualifications in the area of counselling or psychology. For those seeking legal enquiries they are also aware that I do not hold professional qualifications as a legal practitioner therefore I am working on the creation of a more effective referral process.
** I do not provide Migration advice and regularly inform members to seek a migration agent and / speak with DIBP regarding their immigration process. I assist on a more practical level- explaining questions on the form, where they need to sign, make sure all questions are filled and they have all required documents. As stated previously I assist with linking with a migration agent, speak with DIBP on their behalf, if authorised by migration agent.
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