To understand what the eligible person and their family is currently experiencing and therefore determine what support might be required through the Acute Support Package (the Package), a needs assessment is required.

A needs assessment must be conducted to establish a support plan, and this will be informed by a discussion between the Complex Case Manager and the family about their circumstances. Activities and services can be recommended following this assessment.

This assessment will help the delegate determine if the Commission is satisfied that it is appropriate to grant an acute support package to the person to assist the person to adjust to new and challenging life circumstances, as required by the legislative instrument.

As part of the needs assessment discussion, a person may express goals for the better functioning of themselves or their family and identify specific supports they feel would help them achieve this. These goals can be considered when determining the services to be included in the support plan.

Case Managers may decide not to approve supports requested by the person, even if they are available under the Package, where they do not consider these supports appropriate to meet the person’s or their family’s needs.

In assessing what services are appropriate to fund the delegate of the Commission should consider:

• any written report in respect of the person’s needs and life circumstances conducted by DVA;
• any assessment made by a qualified person in relation to the person;
• the nature of the relationship between a related person and the member or former member;
• any benefit or improvement expected in the person's life circumstances;
• any evidence the service results in benefit to a person’s life circumstances;
• whether a similar support is provided by DVA or another government agency;
• the cost of the service and value for money;
• the relative merits of any alternative and appropriate program/service;
• the qualifications/accreditation of the service provider;
• whether the service meets the goals of the family unit;
• any history of support in the program;
• any other matter that the Commission considers relevant.

For example, if a veteran can access Household Services it would be better for the family to receive household support through that program and use funds under the Package to meet other needs. A similar principle would apply where a family can access support for extracurricular activities for their children under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

See 14.8 Support Plan for more information.