Application Procedure
Initial application
An initial application is made by means of a request for an application pack. This request can be made in person, by letter, by phone, on the Gordon House website or by any other appropriate means and can be from the applicant themselves or from another on their behalf providing we have a clear indication that the applicant wishes, voluntarily, to apply.
The application pack
Our application pack consists of three questionnaires, 'A Need Audit', 'A Safety Audit' and a 'Gambling Audit'
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The Gambling and Need Audits can be posted to the applicant or completed via a phone call or electronically on the GHA website. The Gambling Audit includes an 'Equal Opportunity Monitoring' and a 'Statistical Data' section.
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The Safety Audit is sent to the person making the referral providing this person acts on behalf of a recognised referral agency e.g. Health Services, Social Services, Probation Service, etc. If an individual is self referring then, if possible, this questionnaire needs to be completed by a 'sponsor' or, if there is no other appropriate person available, by the individual themselves. A 'sponsor' can be a friend, family member, hostel worker or anyone else who has personal knowledge of the individual being referred. Being a 'sponsor', or any other type of referrer does not infer a responsibility towards the individual financially or otherwise.
Application screening
The gambling questionnaire is scored by the admissions co-ordinator using a recognised screening tool (i.e. DSM IV). If this screening identifies the individual as having a significant gambling problem, and the applicant meets other relevant GHA criteria, then the application is passed to the Admissions Panel. The Admissions Panel, consisting of a senior therapist and at least two other staff members, does not decide when to offer a bed space, only if a space should be offered or an alternative suggested e.g. counselling with GamCare or contact made with a local GA group.
If a space on the programme is to be offered then the admissions co-ordinator checks the most appropriate project location and the bed availability at that project. We try to avoid locating clients in areas that could provide distractions or conflicts during the treatment programme e.g. near to places where they gambled, their family and those with whom they gambled etc.
Project Managers give final approval to any referral to their project. They take into account the needs of the current resident group and the atmosphere/ethos within the project. Final screening may involve a visit to the project by the applicant.
Waiting List
Gordon House Association tries to avoid putting applicants onto a waiting list as most applicants are in crisis at the time of applying and need immediate help. However our bed spaces are limited so, when there are no vacancies, suitable applicants are normally asked to phone us on a regular basis until a space becomes available. This not only allows some support to be offered by our outreach services whilst they wait, but also can demonstrate and check the applicant's motivational level.
