The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a new way of supporting people with disabilities and their families. If you have an intellectual disability or a physical disability, you can apply for an NDIS package to provide support to you and your family. More information about how to apply for this can be found here www.ndis.gov.au.
The NDIS is replacing state-run disability services. There is still a great deal of uncertainty about the interaction between the NDIS and the criminal justice system, and the transition to the NDIS has not been smooth for many people with disabilities who are involved in the criminal justice system. Many CRC clients have had the experience of receiving much lower levels of support under the NDIS than they were receiving from state-run disability services.
CRC is working with the NDIA, multiple other government agencies and community-sector providers to improve the options for people with intellectual disability, complex support needs and entrenched criminal justice system involvement. For a more detailed overview of the issues, please see the CRC briefing paper on the NDIS HERE.