Posting time can be very stressful.  Let us help you plan your posting, particularly in relation to your family’s special needs.

A Posting Plan looks at everything that your family may need and together we work through each area, what to do and how to access.  Starting from when you receive a posting order we look at what services you may need in your new location.  Depending on the special needs, this may cover things like therapy, early intervention, medical and allied services, equipment, post school options and education.  It may cover respite, personal care and medications and housing or even what to think about when you are travelling to your new place.  We take you through step by step, help you with referrals, put you in direct contact with the relevant people and check up with you along the way and when you arrive at your new destination, we will call you to see how you are going.

The DSNSG online posting plan guide will be online in 2011 - check back then for more information, in the meantime to setup a Posting Plan for your family, contact the National Coordinator on 1800 037 674 or via email at national.coordinator@dsnsg.org.au

Note:  Changes to the Defence  Recognition of Special Needs Application Process - Support to Families with Special Needs

As of 01 July 2010, you now do not need to see a Defence Social Worker to undergo the 'Recognition of Special Needs Process' or the 'Assessment of Assistance on Posting'.  Instead, whether applying for special needs recognition, assessment of assistance on posting or therapy services, families will now send their application forms and supporting documentation directly to DCO Headquarters in Canberra for processing.  The new process brings only the administrative side of the program into DCO HQ.  Professional social work will still be available to special needs families if required.

An information kit detailing the new processes has been developed for families and contains:

• An information flyer providing broad information on the Program
• Application forms
• A completion checklist that contains a handy list of all the documents families need to submit with their application
• A copy of the Member with Dependants with Special Needs determination that provides families with important details regarding the program including eligibility criteria, the roles and responsibilities of DCO staff and definitions.

The information kit is available from the DCO website

To assist you with your posting you may need one or more of the following:

Application for Recognition of Special Needs

Assessment of Assistance on Posting

Application for Pre-Posting Visit

Application for Therapy Assistance