|
Toora provides a range of crisis accommodation services in the ACT for women who: are escaping domestic violence, or are unable to stay in their home, or need advice and support, or have just left an institution, or don't have anywhere to stay. Toora has four services: A ten bed crisis accommodation shelter (Toora) An eight bed domestic violence service (Heira) A halfway house (Likaya) A women's alcohol and drug service (WIREDD). Toora offers: 24-hour staff support and advocacy Information, advice and referral on health, housing, financial and legal matters Accommodation (women share a bedroom between two) Food is provided, women cook for themselves Linen and laundry facilities Provision to store belongings and valuables
Conditions of Stay No illegal drugs or alcohol No men in (or around) the premises Not to give out the address to anyone Cost Toora charges a small contribution per night. If you do not have an income, talk with a worker. Kids No children live at Toora, but help is available for you to organise your children if they're not with you. Confidentiality No information will be given to any outside person or agency about you, unless you ask Toora to (you must fill in a release of information form). When you leave, you may request any information Toora has about you. Medical problems Toora will support you in obtaining and following any medical treatment you may require. For safety reasons, all medication is kept in the office. Contracts All women must sign a Contract to stay at Toora, and on occasions there may be additional conditions. Toora does not encourage visitors, but it can happen on occasions. This must be discussed with a worker first. Warnings You can be asked to leave if you break one of the 'Conditions of Stay', or you may be given a 'warning' and allowed to stay. If you break another (or the same) condition, you will be asked to leave. Workers The workers at the refuge are there to assist you. Please feel free to approach them for assistance. Workers are responsible for the refuge, and have complete discretion to decide what happens at Toora. Complaints If you are unhappy about something that happens at Toora, you are free to complain. Either talk to a worker, or fill in a complaint form (available in the house). Even if you have a complaint, you are still entitled to use the service. Policy If you would like to know more about Toora, and how it operates, please feel free to read the policy manual (available in the house). Visitors Women visitors are welcome at the service, anytime before 10:00 at night. Visitor access is restricted to communal areas, and a worker should be advised of who is visiting. Counsellors and other workers Counsellors and other health and welfare workers are asked (wherever possible) to make referrals during business hours, leaving evenings free for crisis calls and resident requirements. You are welcome to maintain contacts with counsellors and other health and community service workers, however you are asked to advise Toora of this, to reduce the risk of duplication and confusion. The Courts Women on bonds, bail or probation, are welcome to reside at Toora (on their own recognisance). However, Toora does not provide supervision, and notification will only be made with the client's prior consent. Access All women are welcome at Toora, regardless of race, culture, sexuality, physical or intellectual ability, HIV status, or criminal record. If you have special needs, please let Toora know. It is most important, that you get the most out of the service. Toora offers the following assistance: Interpreter services Philosophy Toora is run by a group of women who practise feminist principles. This means that the workers believe in women's ability to manage their own lives. Toora is committed to changing those things which make it difficult for women to be socially, economically and emotionally secure and independent. This includes: Violence Dependency Toora believes all women are entitled to be supported, and their life choices respected. Women are encouraged to make changes, only if they wish. While you are staying at Toora, you are entitled to: Be treated with respect; Be offered all available support and information; Make all decisions regarding your life; Be free from any form of harassment. Contact Details: Phone: 02 6247 2399 Fax: 02 6249 8523 Email: toorateam@apex.net.au ****************************** This Community Support Website is |
