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Programs & Services

Administration and Finance

financeguyfix.jpgACSO Administration and Finance ensures that ACSO's programs and services are managed responsibly, safely, and function smoothly.  

Key responsibilities include; oversight of ACSO's finances including funding contracts and compliance, account payments, payroll and Information Technology.  These processes are competently and responsibly overseen by the Director of Business Management, Ed Holmes.

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Disability Program

The Disability Program operates 15 distinct services to Victorians who have a disability. Services are managed according to three service streams; residential services, outreach services and therapeutic services. RedPurple Swirls.jpg

Whilst the majority of our clients have an intellectual or other cognitive disability, most experience additional forms of disability or disadvantage, including psychiatric disability, substance misuse, social isolation, homelessness, poverty, and psychological disturbance.
Together these complex issues have contributed to our client group having a higher incidence of contact with the criminal justice system than other recipients in the general disability sector service.
 

Employment Services

ACSO has a proud history of providing specialised support and services related to finding employment.  We have targeted resources towards highly disadvantaged job seekers who have experienced long term unemployment due to mental illness, disability, drug and alcohol use and offending behaviour.

spadefix.JPGSince 1996, ACSO has received funding from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and had operated Job Network and the Personal Support Program (PSP) under the trading name of Vitality Personnel.

On the 1st of July 2009, ACSO commenced operating the Job Services Australia program in the Yarra Employment Services Area (ESA) of Melbourne.  In addition ACSO is also the Specialist Homeless Provider, also for the ESA of Yarra, we are fortunate to have developed a partnership with St Vincent De Paul to deliver this service to disadvantaged job seekers in the CBD and inner suburbs of Melbourne.

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Justice Services

IMG_3494.jpgThe programs in Justice Services provide a range of support  options for those individuals involved in the criminal justice system and who are often experiencing multiple and complex problems.

The services that are provided include assessment, planning and brokerage of drug and alcohol treatment for those experiencing problematic substance use. Also, pre and post release prison programs provide support in addressing chronic homelessness, unemployment and social isolation. The aim of transitional support is  ultimately the successful re entry into the community and prevention of re-offending. 
 

Specialist Mental Health Services

 IMG_0533web09.JPGThe Specialist Mental Health Services suite of programs targets men and women with substantial psychiatric, psychological, neurological and physical health issues that serve as barriers to social participation, resulting in marginalisation and generally incarceration.

Specialist Services consumers often experience homelessness, substance abuse and unstable mental health conditions that all negatively influence their behaviour and bring them to the attention of the criminal justice system. The majority of referrals are generated from correctional facilities.