The Rehabilitation Policy Guide (the Guide) has been developed foremost to assist the important work of DVA's Rehabilitation Coordinators around Australia, and the rehabilitation providers that deliver rehabilitation supports and services on our behalf. It is written and intended for use as a resource and guide for all aspects of rehabilitation process and practice in DVA.

Over recent years, the Department's rehabilitation approach has seen a focus towards consolidation of practices and protocols with a view to achieving more consistency of service levels and best practice process throughout Australia.

Veterans, serving and ex- serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members are entitled to rehabilitation services that are equivalent in provision and process, whether seeking assistance in regional centres such as Darwin and Townsville, or urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. The philosophy driving the process changes detailed in this document have been with service equity and improved rehabilitation outcomes in mind.
 

How this document can help you

The Guide is structured in a simple and process oriented fashion with information delivered in a chronological order, corresponding with a client's logical rehabilitation progression from Needs Assessment through Provider Assessment, Plan Development and Monitoring, to Closure and Follow–up.

There is a range of specific policies and procedures detailing every aspect of the rehabilitation process that Rehabilitation Coordinators  and rehabilitation providers will need to know and understand in the course of their work. DVA Rehabilitation Coordinators have a responsibility to be aware of the current policies published in this Guide and to utilise them to guide decision making.

The Guide is also a useful reference for Managers in understanding the work level expectations and processes required in the effective management and coordination of a client's rehabilitation program.

DVA is seeking to provide the framework for rehabilitation teams around Australia to deliver 'best practice' services in rehabilitation, that incorporate the best of research and practice from civilian Workers Compensation and community rehabilitation schemes throughout the world. This document is a bridge between research, legislation and practice. The document is intended to guide staff and managers in striving to achieve a whole-of-person rehabilitation approach that delivers flexible and innovative durable outcomes for our clients.

This document relates to rehabilitation under three Acts administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs – the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) and the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA).