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This is the easy-to-read text-only version of our Referral and Intake at MIFWA information.
Download the full Referral and Intake at MIFWA Policy.
Referral and Intake at MIFWA
MIFWA supports people who experience mental health challenges.
We also support families and carers.
We want asking for support to be clear and respectful.
What is this page?
This page explains:
- who can ask for support
- how to ask for support
- what information MIFWA may ask for
- what happens after you ask for support
- what happens if MIFWA cannot support you
Who can ask for support?
You may be able to use MIFWA services if you:
- experience mental health challenges
- are a family member or carer of someone with mental health challenges
- meet the rules for a MIFWA program
Some programs have extra rules.
For example, a program may depend on:
- your age
- where you live
- your support needs
- your NDIS funding
How can you ask for support?
You can ask for support in different ways.
You can:
- call MIFWA
- email MIFWA
- fill in a referral form
- ask another service to refer you, if you agree
A family member, carer, advocate or support person can help you.
What information do we ask for?
MIFWA may ask for information to understand what support you need.
This may include:
- your name and contact details
- your date of birth
- where you live
- your support needs
- your NDIS plan details, if you have a plan
- the people or services already supporting you
We only ask for information we need.
We will explain why we need the information.
How do we keep your information private?
MIFWA keeps your personal information safe.
We do not share your information unless:
- you say it is okay
- the law says we must share it
- there is a serious risk to your safety or someone else’s safety
You can ask to see the information MIFWA keeps about you.
You can ask MIFWA to fix information if it is wrong.
What happens after you ask for support?
MIFWA will talk with you about your needs, goals and choices.
We may ask questions so we can understand what support may help.
We will check if the service is right for you.
If MIFWA can support you, we will explain what happens next.
This may include:
- a service agreement
- a support plan
- a start date
What if there is a waiting list?
Sometimes there may be a waiting list.
If this happens, MIFWA will explain what this means.
We may give you information about other services while you wait.
What if MIFWA cannot support you?
Sometimes MIFWA may not be the right service for you.
If this happens, MIFWA will explain why.
We will try to help you find another service that may be better for your needs.
We will ask for your consent before making a referral or sharing your information with another service.
Referrals to other services
A referral means MIFWA helps connect you with another service.
We will try to make referrals that respect your:
- needs
- culture
- choices
- safety
MIFWA will keep a record of referrals we make.
Your rights
MIFWA will treat you with respect.
We will support your right to make choices about your life and your support.
We will give you information in a way you can understand.
This may include:
- plain language
- help from a support person
- an interpreter, if needed
MIFWA will respect your culture, identity, values, beliefs, privacy and dignity.
Safety and wellbeing
MIFWA wants services to be safe, respectful and helpful.
Workers will listen to you.
Workers will respect your choices.
Workers will support you to have a voice in your support.
MIFWA does not accept:
- violence
- abuse
- neglect
- exploitation
- discrimination
Feedback, complaints and appeals
You can tell MIFWA if you are happy, unhappy, worried or want something to change.
You can make a complaint or appeal if you do not agree with a decision.
MIFWA will listen and respond.
You can contact MIFWA:
- by phone
- by email
- by letter
- in person
- through the feedback form on the MIFWA website
How does MIFWA keep improving?
MIFWA reviews this policy and our services.
We use feedback to improve access to services.
Feedback may come from:
- consumers
- families
- carers
- workers
- other people and organisations we work with
Important words
Some words in this document may be new or hard to understand.
Advocate
An advocate is a person who can help you speak up or make a complaint.
Consent
Consent means you say yes to something after you understand it.
Eligibility
Eligibility means the rules about who can use a service.
Intake
Intake means the steps MIFWA uses when you ask for support.
Referral
A referral means asking another service for support.
Contact us
If you need help asking for support, please call us on 9237 8900 or email us at info@mifwa.org.au.