Period of payment of Community Costs

Community Costs can be paid initially for up to 26 weeks within any 52 week period, starting from the client's entry into the programme, or their first treatment programme (if they change programmes).

The 26 weeks do not need to be continuous or in the same programme.

Community Costs can be paid for up to a further 13 weeks where it has been clinically determined that:

• the client needs and would benefit from further treatment in the programme and
• the client continues to be a resident in the treatment programme

Any extension beyond 26 weeks is treated as a re-application for Community Costs and the client's circumstances and costs in the community should be confirmed.

Manager client service delivery approval is required for all extensions beyond 26 weeks.

Note Community Costs cannot be paid for more than 39 weeks in total within the 52 week period.