Before Treatment

How do I apply to do the Kamira program?

You can apply by contacting Kamira on 02 4392 1341, emailing info@kamira.com.au, or head to our Seek Treatment page by clicking here.

We will arrange to complete a telephone assessment with you as soon as possible. As part of your assessment process you may be asked to provide further information about your physical and mental health, criminal history or involvement with child protection services. 

How long should I expect to be on the waiting list?
Once you have completed a telephone assessment and provided any reports required you may be on the waiting list for a number of weeks depending on bed availability. Priority is given to Aboriginal women, pregnant women, and women referred through the MERIT program.

What should I do while I am waiting to come to Kamira?
While you are on the waiting list you will be asked to call Kamira at least twice a week to keep your place on the waiting list. You will also need to make practical preparations for your stay at Kamira.

Does Kamira offer detoxification services? 
No. You must detox elsewhere prior to your admission. You can do this at a residential detox or by providing evidence of having detoxed through a number of clear urinalysis results.

I have a mental illness, can I come to Kamira?
Yes, provided your mental health is stable. Many of Kamira’s residents have mental health conditions. We work with you and mental health professionals to find a plan that works well for you.

Can I take medications while I’m at Kamira?
Yes. All new residents have their medication reviewed by a GP and, if necessary by a psychiatrist or other specialist. Prescribed medications which can lead to dependency are not able to be taken. For clarity on this please speak with the Kamira Staff.

I’m on opiate replacement therapy, can I come to Kamira?
No. Kamira does not currently provide services to women on opiate replacement therapy. You will need to withdraw from opiate treatment if you wish to be admitted to Kamira.

Can I smoke at Kamira?
No. Kamira is a smoke free service. Kamira provides nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for 4 weeks after admission. After this, you need to provide your own nicotine replacement (NRT) patches and/or lozenges.

How many women and children can be at Kamira?
Kamira can accept up to 16 women and 6 children.

Will I have my own room at Kamira?
Rooms are shared. Mothers and children have their own room. If you are at Kamira without children you may share your room with one or two women. 

Can I come to Kamira from interstate?
Yes.

Can I come to Kamira straight from custody?
Yes, however you need to have a release date before an assessment can be conducted.

How can I help my family member to come to Kamira?

You can provide support and encouragement for your family member to begin the referral process. They also may need help providing documentation, accessing detox, packing and storage of belongings or care for pets.

Children

Can I bring my children with me?
Yes. Kamira will accept up to 2 children per resident up to the age of 6 years old.

Will my children go to daycare/school?
Kamira provides an Early Childhood Program for children residing at Kamira.  Children will attend this program on site whilst mothers are engaged in the program groups.

My young children are not in my care, can they visit me at Kamira?
Yes. Visits happen in line with the current arrangements that are in place for your child. We encourage and support visits with children 

I’m pregnant, can I still come to Kamira?
Yes. Kamira accommodates pregnant women. Ante natal appointments are booked at Wyong Hospital, which is nearby, and delivery of your new born will be at Gosford Hospital. Post-natal visits are planned to occur at Kamira with the midwives team

What services are available to my infant or child at Kamira?
Additional to Kamira's Early Childhood Program, the program offers assessment, attachment based play therapy, infant massage and referrals to the Child Health nurses.

The Program

How can I support my family member while they are at Kamira?
In first 2 weeks you can write letters and there is some limited phone contact. After this you may have regular phone contact and visit with your family member offsite on weekends. 

What is a typical day like at Kamira?
The day at Kamira follows a timetable. On weekdays there is a group program and individual counselling. The group program is based on developing recovery skills through information and experiential sessions. The weekends are time for recreation, leave and catching up with loved ones.  View a typical day at Kamira here.

Is Kamira a 12 Step Program (AA / NA)?
Kamira does not use a 12 Step approach. We do recognise that some people find attending AA or NA meetings helpful in maintaining their recovery. Residents in the later stages of the Kamira program can request to attend AA/NA meetings offsite as part of their recovery plan.

What activities does Kamira provide?
Kamira offers a range of wellbeing and self-care activities including a morning walk, a small onsite gym, as well as a Qigong and Personal Training with external qualified providers. A range of physical, social and creative activities designed to enhance well being and fitness have been found to be extremely helpful, enabling residents to put self-care into practice, and help them stay healthy and maintain their recovery.

What leave do I have during the program? 
You can have day leave after 4 weeks. You will have increasing leave as you progress through the program. In the last stage of the program, your time at Kamira and time spent in the community will be based on your individual recovery plan. 

Can I have visitors at Kamira?
You can organise to catch up with friends and family offsite on weekend outings after five weeks. Visits from your dependent children can be arranged after admission. 

What happens if I use drugs or alcohol while I am at Kamira?
Kamira is an abstinence based service with regular and random urinalysis, breathalyser and smokalyser testing. If you test positive for drugs or alcohol you will be asked to leave.

Re-Integration and CONTINUING CARE

How am I supported to return to the community?
Re-integration into the community is at a pace to suit you. Throughout your stay at Kamira you will develop a recovery plan with detailed, personalised strategies for mood management and substance use triggers. 
 
During re-integration you will identify and address any issues that may affect your ability to maintain your recovery. Your case manager will provide appropriate community referrals for ongoing drug and alcohol treatment and other identified supports in the community.
 
Kamira’s staff provides an individualised continuing care plan and engages, the Continuing Co-ordinated Care Program in your local area. 

Clients who complete Kamira's program will have the option to continue in the Aftercare program with access to a weekly check-in group, telephone support and referral, and access to online resources.

I’m thinking I’m going to lapse, or I’ve lapsed – what now?
You can call us weekdays for support. On the weekend you will need to call other support services. We also recommend you seek further support from your community AOD counsellor or health care professional.