In this issue

We are aware that some of our Service Providers are fee for service and want to ensure we have the most up to date information available to QPS when they are referring a client through the system.

Currently a referring Officer can view a dollar symbol attached to a Service Provider that charges fees or may charge fees.

So to ensure this is accurate we will be emailing out a Fee Survey form to all in the Police Referral network and just ask you complete this where appropriate.

Any questions please don’t hesitate to call.

There have been a number of reports from service providers over the last few months, advising they have not been receiving their email notifications when a new Referral arrives in their system.

This issue has been reported to Infoxchange and in most instances the issue has been resolved.

We would ask that services keep an eye on the notifications and if you are not receiving them as expected please let us know via rmcs@redbourne.com.au.

QPS and the Referral Coordination Service attended the recent Mental Health Expo in Brisbane hosted by Brisbane North and South PHN.

It was fortunate the event went ahead with the threat of lockdowns and then unpredictable weather so it was wonderful to network again in person and see so many of our valuable service providers there on the day.

Mental Health continues to be one category within the Police Referral program that we struggle to get appropriate referral points to connect clients to so please continue to share this with your networks, spread the word and pass on our details to any Mental Health service providers who might have capacity to get on board.

One service who kept us entertained at the expo was the wonderful ‘Upbeat Arts’ so we are sharing their website to add to your networks https://www.upbeatarts.org.au/

• Act for Kids Gladstone Specialised Therapy Service – Capricornia District
• Clarity Consulting Services – Gold Coast District
• Mununjali Housing and Development Company – Logan District
• No More Fake Smiles – Brisbane North District
• Save the Children Sexual Violence Support Service Doomadgee – Mt Isa District
• StandBy Darling Downs and West Moreton (DDWM) – Darling Downs and Ipswich District
• Wuchopperen Health Service – Cairns District

As shared by one of our valued Service Providers ARAFMI and prompted by Police Remembrance Day held on 29th September 2021

I’ve been told that it’s Police Remembrance Day today which has prompted this email. I had a glowing report last week from a woman who I contacted as a result of a Police Referral. The woman in question was so impressed by the way the attending police offices handled themselves especially as it was a potential volatile situation.  This is not the first time that I’ve heard of glowing reports. I can’t recall the last time I’ve heard any complaints. Thank you so much to our Police officers on the ground for their dedication and care to the members of the public.

We are very pleased to share with the DFV network that the improved information sharing enhancements have started taking shape within SRS.

The system is now showing place holders with PAF (Protective Assessment Framework) indicators as expected and we are awaiting one final piece of development work to be completed to start pushing this information through to those place holders. It is welcome news I am sure for our patient DFV providers as providing current information can be critical in your response to victims of family and domestic violence.

We will keep you informed of progress in this space and please don’t hesitate to call with any questions – 1300 058 910.

QPS Corner

December 2021, wow! Where has this year gone? Actually, where has the past 2 years gone?

Oh wait, that’s right… COVID!! It’s consumed so much of everyone’s life in the past few years; we’ve had to make so many changes, both personally and professionally, as to how we do ‘life’.

I am one that has embraced the opportunity to ‘work from home’, and I know I am one of the lucky ones who has this option, some of you may not. I thank you for making your way into work, every day, to provide the support you do to those you encounter either by way of Police Referrals or your core business.

You are truly doing an amazing job, one that we could not do without!

We are approaching another unknown period – with borders opening; new strains of COVID; reconnecting with family and friends who we haven’t seen in person for months or even years, etc. It might be an overwhelming time, so I ask you to take time for yourself. You provide support to at risk and vulnerable persons throughout Queensland every day, don’t forget about you.

Mental Health

Police Referrals members attended Brisbane Mental Health Expo at the Brisbane Powerhouse as part of October’s Mental Health awareness month.

What a sight to see, so many Mental Health providers on display and spreading the word to Brisbane about the amazing services available.

Hopefully in 2022 we’ll see the addition of some new Mental Health providers to our Police Referrals network.

Christmas Closure

Christmas and New Year is fast approaching! Please contact the team at Redbourne via rmcs@redbourne.com.au regarding closures or reduced staffing during this period to ensure we can continue to provide support to at risk and vulnerable Queenslanders.

Good News stories

Early next year the QPS Police Referrals team will be highlighting Good News Police Referrals stories from 2021.

I’d really like to highlight to QPS members the incredible difference you make to our most vulnerable Queenslanders. De-identified Good News stories, help us to showcase Police Referrals externally during stakeholder engagement sessions, in our Year in Review documentation, and in many other events throughout the year.

To do this, I need your help!  Please take a moment or two to submit some Good News stories (de-identified of course) via email to the QPS Police Referrals team at Police.Referrals@police.qld.gov.au.

Good News stories provide an opportunity for our team to showcase the effectiveness of Police Referrals. By sharing this information on our internal QPS communication platform Workplace (a platform very similar to Facebook) I can:

• share stories about the referred client’s Police Referral journey
• share the outcome of Police connecting vulnerable persons with a support service
• highlight the value of connecting with supports
• enhance the quality of future referrals
• showcase providers who have joined our Police Referrals network
• update officers about providers who are no longer within our network
• remind officers about matters you raise with the Police Referrals team, including:
  • referring against the most appropriate category
  • appropriate information within a referral
  • confirming contact details and recording safe to contact methods correctly
  • parent/guardian information in referrals for youth under 16 years.

Next Year

Since my last bulletin piece, more service providers have reached out about content, quality, and the appropriateness of the referrals they receive. I want to assure you; you have been heard.

Our team will be working on several system improvements, enhancements, and state-wide education packages in relation to this matter and other improvements to Police Referrals.

Thank you again for those who have reached out to either Redbourne or the QPS Police Referrals team, we cannot do this without feedback from you.

As always, I welcome the opportunity to strengthen our relationships, to understand the support you provide to our referred clients, and to identify opportunities for improvement. Should you wish to arrange a meeting, please contact the team at Redbourne via rmcs@redbourne.com.au or the QPS Police Referrals team via Police.Referrals@police.qld.gov.au.

Until next time, thank you for all your work in helping to build safe, caring and connected communities, but most importantly, stay safe and well.

Project Coordinator Amanda Hagaman