Frequently asked questions
Clear answers before the first conversation
Common questions about service fit, referrals, sessions, funding and next steps.
Exact pricing, business contact details and final online-session procedures remain to be confirmed before public launch.
Who does Gold Coast Social Works support?
Gold Coast Social Works supports adolescents aged 13 and over and adults with disability whose goals involve communication, emotional wellbeing, relationships, problem-solving, self-advocacy, everyday independence or community participation. Enquiries for children under 13 may be considered individually where appropriate to professional scope and available service capacity.
What is Functional Social Work?
It is practical, person-centred social work focused on how a person participates in everyday life. Support may build skills around the task, such as asking for help, making a decision, handling change, expressing a boundary or navigating a relationship.
Where are sessions available?
In-person services are available across the Gold Coast, including home and suitable community-based appointments. Secure online sessions are available throughout Queensland where appropriate. Other locations may be considered by individual arrangement.
Can families or support workers be involved?
Yes, where their involvement supports the participant's goals and occurs with appropriate consent. Their role may include using agreed prompts, creating opportunities to practise and helping strategies transfer into everyday settings.
Can a support coordinator or clinician refer?
Yes. A separate professional referral form asks for minimum information about consent, the participant's goal, real-life examples, current supports and the broad funding pathway.
What happens after an enquiry?
Faye will first consider the participant's wishes, likely service fit, scope, safety and possible overlap with current supports. If the service may be appropriate, the next conversation can cover intake, consent, assessment, funding, fees and a collaborative support plan.
Is the enquiry form an intake or assessment?
No. It is a short first-contact form. It should not contain detailed clinical, diagnostic or risk information.
Can NDIS funding be used?
Gold Coast Social Works welcomes self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. NDIA-managed funding cannot be accepted at launch unless the practice obtains the necessary provider registration. A budget category does not automatically make every service fundable, so the proposed pathway must be checked before services begin.
How quickly will I receive a response?
Gold Coast Social Works aims to respond to new enquiries within two business days. Business phone, email and operating hours will be added before public launch.
Does independence mean doing everything alone?
No. A meaningful outcome might be completing a step independently, using an agreed prompt, asking a trusted person for help or accessing an accommodation. The participant helps decide what progress should look like.
Is this the same as Positive Behaviour Support or another allied health service?
No. Functional Social Work has its own social and ecological focus and does not replace Positive Behaviour Support, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology or urgent mental-health services. Gold Coast Social Works can collaborate with other providers where roles are clear and the participant consents.