Report on Psychosocial Disability Support

Among the biggest challenges is the federal and state governments agreeing on responsibility and funding for “foundational supports”. These are disability-specific services for people who don’t qualify for individual NDIS funding.

There has been some progress on foundational supports for children with developmental delay and autism. But there has been no progress on non-NDIS foundational supports for people with “psychosocial disability”. This is disability that can result from mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, major depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, affecting the person’s ability to function.

This new Grattan Institute report shows how Australia can build a national system of psychosocial supports within five years without spending any more money. This will require a clear vision, smart design choices and strong commitment from all governments. Psychosocial supports are non-clinical supports that help people with mental health challenges live meaningful, independent lives in the community. They include programs that help people to build social connections, learn skills, or maintain stable housing.