In this issue

A warm welcome to the newest Service Provider that has joined the Police Referral Network this month.

• Suicide Prevention Pathways Inc. – Brisbane North and South Districts

Set and Forget – Quick and Easy

Utilising the Auto-Response functionality helps your service to empower the client and is a set and forget option that RMCS configure for you with your approval.

Once configured each client referred to your service will automatically be sent an SMS/EMAIL with your contact number or website details so they can phone you should they wish.

The aim of this functionality is to give the client your details to ensure they can phone you when they are ready, at time of referral or in the future.

By setting up an Auto-Response does not negate the need to make 3 attempts at contact with the client.

We believe it adds to the Police Referral Process to ensure clients are empowered with service provider information they can use when they are ready.

For more information on the SMS/EMAIL and Auto-Response functionality please email or call the RMCS team via rmcs@redbourne.com.au

Get to know the Red Cross Fraser Coast Community Programs Service Provider

For nearly 6 years the Australian Red Cross Youth Support Service has provided the Hervey Bay and Maryborough regions with the “Red Cross Fraser Coast Community Programs”

Some key facts about the Red Cross Fraser Coast Community Programs:

• Number of staff – 3 staff – Team Leader, Case Worker and Case Support Officer
• Number of clients seen each year – Approximately 150 per year for case management with another 300 approximately for Information, Advice and Referral onwards
• Average length of time for client engagement – 3 to 6 months in case management
• Successful outcomes – approximately 85 completed their case plans each year

What are your service’s thoughts on the importance of the Police Referral Service?

As the Youth Support Service works with young people 12 – 21 years that are disengaging from community, education or training, family, we often find that many of our young people are linked in with the justice system. One of the roles we do is to support young people to reconnect with community and to look at barriers preventing this occurring. We also support the young person to complete any orders with Youth Justice, or to attend Restorative Justice Conferences.  We also work with the young people to look at reengaging with school or other training options.

To find out more information about this important service, visit their Facebook page.

As you may be aware, Project Manager Declan McNamara and more recently Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Stafford have left the Police Referrals team and March has brought to our team further changes. After being appointed to the Police Referrals Coordinator role, Senior Sergeant Vicki Barret, was called away to another role on her second day.

I have taken on the Police Referrals Coordinator role until end of May 2021.

Having had the pleasure of working alongside Declan and Chris since September 2018, I will take what I have learnt from them to continue providing the best service possible. Over the next few months, I hope to build on the strong foundations left behind to progress and identify opportunities for more efficient and effective processes.

I encourage Service Providers to keep reaching out to Rebourne or to contact me directly to discuss issues or ideas via email Hagaman.AmandaM@police.qld.gov.au or 3015 2588. Please know that I take all identified issues and ideas seriously and we are working hard to have voices on both sides of Police Referrals reflected in all decisions.

I look forward to the next few months in this role and hopefully hearing from you.

We are always looking for de-identified Good News stories from our service providers to showcase Police Referrals both internally within QPS and externally as required. If you are able to provide de-identified Good News stories please email them to the QPS Police Referrals team at Police.Referrals@police.qld.gov.au.

Until next month, 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