Domestic violence self-funded refuges
Refuges—also called shelters—provide a place of safety for women and children escaping domestic and family violence (DFV).
Most refuges in Queensland receive government funding to provide temporary supported accommodation and other support services to women and children affected by DFV.
Some other organisations offer DFV accommodation services without receiving government funding. These are known as self-funded refuges.
Unlike government-funded refuges, self-funded refuges don't have to meet requirements under quality checking processes such as:
- meeting the specific practice standards for working with women affected by DFV
- meeting the requirements for delivering Specialist Homelessness Services, or
- complying with our Human Services Quality Framework.
Referral considerations
Self-funded refuges that wish to be considered as a referral point for DFV organisations need to demonstrate their service can appropriately meet the safety, security and support needs of women and children escaping DFV. Referral organisations must be confident that any self-funded refuges they refer to are safe and appropriate.
Suitability assessment guide
The Suitability assessment guide (PDF) (or DOCX) is a resource to assist referral organisations to consider if the self-funded refuges are appropriate for referral.
The guide may also be used by self-funded refuges—or organisations seeking to establish a self-funded refuge—to self-assess the suitability of their current and/or proposed services.
The guide outlines 5 criteria for assessment:
- Safety.
- Understanding risks and needs.
- Working with clients.
- Staff.
- Governance.
Registration as a Residential Service
The Residential Services (Accreditation) Act 2002 requires all residential services that meet the threshold requirements, including self-funded refuges, to apply for registration and accreditation.
More information
- Fact sheet for organisations wanting to establish a private refuge—Domestic and family violence refuges—Information for self-funded refuges (PDF) (or (DOCX)
- Fact sheet for referral agencies about self-funded shelters—Domestic and family violence refuges—Information for referral agencies (PDF) (or DOCX)