The waiting list depends on a number of things:
- How full we are at the time of applying and being accepted. It is rare we have beds available in a short time;
- How much information we need to assess someone as suitable for the program. As a guide, people with more complex legal issues and mental health issues will take longer to assess;
- How motivated someone is to deal with their drug and alcohol problems – we give preference to people to want to be here voluntarily and are keen to deal with their problems;
- Whether or not someone is referred to us by MERIT or NSW Corrections, who fund some of our beds. If a bed is vacant the wait can be fairly short, subject to our assessment processes. If these beds are full, the wait will be longer.
- Where someone is from. We generally give priority to Aboriginal men who are from our local area (Lismore, Ballina and Byron LGAs) and identify as being Bundjalung.
As a guide, men who self refer or are referred by a health service will be given priority. Local men with more serious physical health issues are also a priority.
The best thing to do is to read through our eligibility criteria and if suits, apply.
