Anglicare Sydney has announced that Kingsdene Special School and Residence in Telopea - the only school of its type in Australia - will close at the end of the 2010 school year.
"This is a sad day for Anglicare, for the staff of Kingsdene and especially for the students and their families," said Anglicare CEO Peter Kell, "Kingsdene is the only school of its type left in Australia, providing accommodation and schooling for children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities.”
With Anglicare unable to secure additional Federal Government funding for the residential school model, the Anglicare Council has decided to establish a complimentary respite program instead.
The new model will be able to help more families but on a less intensive basis.
While Kingsdene families are not excluded from the new service which will begin in 2011, it is not a model that is likely to fit many of the high needs children currently cared for by Kingsdene 5 days a week.
Kingsdene parents respond
Kingsdene parent Mary Lou Carter said the parents are ‘absolutely devastated’ and that the totally unique Kingsdene residential model ‘just can’t be allowed to disappear’.
As a group the parents “feel that they cannot let this model of extended learning to close without trying everything at their disposal to have the funding provided by government [for Kingsdene] to continue, indeed to expand the program,” Mrs Carter said.
“We pray for our Heavenly Father’s help and guidance in our quest to persuade government that Kingsdene is worth saving because our children are worth it and our society is enriched by Kingsdene presence among us.”
The parents have also praised “the wonderful Anna Green, Principal of Kingsdene and the dedication of her staff and supporters” and have acknowledged Anglicare’s commitment to them over many years.
Federal Government funding
Kingsdene has received funding from both state and federal governments, through public donations to Anglicare and through school fees. In addition, Kingsdene for a number of years received special emergency funding from the federal and state governments.
In 2007 the Federal Government declined to renew its special funding grant. This means Kingsdene has been running at a financial loss to Anglicare for a number of years.
"This shortfall to date has been made up by redirecting funds in the short term from Anglicare's other community care programs, but a permanent funding solution has not been achievable despite persistent efforts over a number of years by Anglicare and the families of Kingsdene students," said Mr Kell.
Anglicare will employ a full-time social worker to assist the 15 Kingsdene families with their transition following the school's closure at the end of 2010.
Mr Kell said the organisation then plans to use the funding available to establish a respite cottage for children and young adults providing options beyond those currently available through state and private operators.
The cottage will provide four families respite care at any one time and it is expected that around 100 families will be able to be helped in any calendar year.
"This will enable Anglicare to retain a commitment to respite care for families with children and young adults with a disability."
