Future Links

 

What is the starting and finishing time each day?
Participants are expected to attend the Future Links Program from 10am - 3pm each day.

When do participants start in the New Year?
Participants can start the Future Links program at any stage throughout the year, however, if they are a new school leaver they would start at the end of January each year.

What holidays does the participant get and when are they?
The Future Links program runs on the Victorian public education terms. This means that there are 4 terms each year with 2 weeks holidays between them (excluding the Christmas break)

What programs could be offered to the young person?
Each participant is met individually to work out what programs (in-house and industry sites) that they would like to attend. All programs run within the Future Links program are offered to participants.

Is it possible to change programs? If so, what are other options?
The Future Links program is a Future's for Young Adults (FFYA) funded program; therefore, at any stage if a participant wants to go to another service or change their attendance time within the program they can do so. Both DHS and the Future Links program support this.

What are the program costs? Are there other hidden costs?
There are no hidden costs at the Future Links program. All manuals, books etc. are provided.

What types of transport can be accessed? i.e. buses, taxi's etc.
All of our industry sites and in-house training are accessible by both buses and trains.

Does the service offer transport as part of their service provision? If so, what geographical areas are covered and what are the associated costs?
Transport is not provided by the Future Links program, however, travel training is provided both before and during the program.

Does the service encourage participation in community life?
Community participation is an important part of the Future Links program. This is why we have industry site training and community involvement on a weekly basis. The aim of our program is to become a valued member of the community.

What types of opportunities could you offer my son/daughter?
All participants are regularly assessed within the Future Links program and will have the opportunity to transition into open employment with our ongoing support.

Does the service develop individual lifestyle plans for participants to assist in meeting their individual goals and aspirations?
All participants have meetings with allocated trainers to discuss their needs, goals and strategies for outcomes. An Individual Support Plan is then developed from the meeting(s) that is reviewed with the participant and any of their supports every 12 months.

Do you offer trial placements for participants interested in your service?
A trial within the Future Links program is offered to all participants if they choose, before they start.

Is there any parent involvement?
Parents are always welcome to be involved in the development of their young adults life. Feedback and consultation is also welcomed.

Do you have client pathways to employment?
Given that Eastwork is also a part of the Disability Employment Network, pathways into open employment with support is a smooth and easy transition.

How long does the program last?
Future Links is fully funded by FFYA, a DHS program that means they are able to stay within the program for up to 3 years.