DFV self-funded refuges

Refuges—also called shelters—provide a place of safety for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV).

Most refuges in Queensland receive government funding to provide safe crisis accommodation and other support services to women and children experiencing DFV. These refuges must meet the Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF) standards.

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 processes such as:

• meeting the specific practice standards for working with women experiencing by DFV
• meeting the requirements for delivering Specialist Homelessness Services, or
• complying with our HSQF.

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 experiencing DFV. Referral organisations must be confident that any self-funded refuges they refer to are safe and appropriate.

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.

Contact

To find out more, call the Department of Housing and Public Works Regulatory Services team on 13QGOV (13 74 68) or email regulatoryservices@hpw.qld.gov.au.