Odyssey House Annual Report 2010

The Assessment and Referral Centre (ARC) is located at
the historic Robin Hood Farm at Ingleburn - a short drive
from the main residential facility - and accommodates up
to 40 people during the initial assessment phase of their
treatment. The four - to six-week assessment program
assists staff and clients in deciding the most appropriate
method of treatment for the problems of each individual.
During this period a complete assessment is made of
each person’s medical, physical, psychological,
educational and vocational history. The client develops a
long and short-term treatment plan in consultation with
staff and peers. At the end of the assessment, two options
are available. The person may choose to enter
subsequent treatment at Odyssey House, including either
the residential rehabilitation program or the non-residential
counselling programs, if deemed suitable. Alternatively, a
referral is made to a different type of service that is
deemed suitable for the individual needs of that person.
Odyssey House accepts referrals from suburban, regional
and rural New South Wales and other states. Health
agencies, medical professionals, parents, counsellors,
court personnel, the judiciary, police and family members
are just some of the people involved in referring individuals
to Odyssey House. There are also many self-referred
clients. Odyssey House is closely linked to professional
groups like the Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs
Agencies, the Australasian Therapeutic Communities
Association, the World Federation of Therapeutic
Communities, and the Alcohol and other Drugs Council
of Australia.
Assessment and
Referral Centre
16
Highlights
Odyssey House Annual Report 2010
• The facility’s dormitory and kitchen/dining areas were
refurbished, new kitchen appliances and refrigeration
installed, and a new loading dock, bathroom and
sleeping facilities constructed. Ramps were built to
enable disabled access to all buildings, and a state-ofthe-art
waste water management system was installed.
• Staff member Stuart Balzan completed the post
graduate degree in Social Health at Macquarie
University. Stuart received a vocational exchange
opportunity from the Rotary Club of Macarthur Sunrise
to travel to Canada to observe alcohol and other drug
services in that country.
• A new counsellor, Russell Bickford, was hired and Geoff
Compton was given the key position of Staff on Duty.