DHS coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

Concession payments

ConcessionsSA  is operating as normal. The fastest way to apply for a concession is online.

Cost of Living Concession web page

Phone the ConcessionsSA Hotline on 1800 307 758

Domestic, family and sexual violence services

The Office for Women is working with its partners to continue to deliver the essential support for women and their children.

You can get support with domestic, family and sexual violence by phoning:

• 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) - 24/7 toll-free national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line
• 1800 800 098 – 24/7 South Australian Domestic Violence Crisis Line

The Women’s Information Service (WIS) phones also remain open  for information that promotes choice and empowerment.

• Phone 8303 0590 Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
• Country callers, phone 1800 188 158.
• WIS webchat is also available.

The WIS shopfront in Adelaide is open and physical distancing measures are in place to ensure clients, staff, volunteers and the community are safe at 101 Grenfell St, Adelaide.

For men who are concerned about their behaviours

For men who are concerned about their behaviours in their relationships, including use of violence and abuse, then you can get help by phoning:

• Men’s Referral Service – a 24/7 telephone support number for men seeking support to change their behaviour. Phone 1300 766 491
• Don’t Become that Man – support and intervention for men seeking to change their behaviour and attitudes. Phone 1300 243 413 from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm

For people in the regions

You can visit a safety hub for information and referrals:

• The Haven at Murray Bridge Community Centre. Phone 0402 889 542 Monday to Thursday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, Friday 11.00 am to 2.00 pm
• The Haven at Gawler Community House. Phone: 0484 027 918 Tuesday to Thursday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm
• Port Augusta KWY Safety Hub. Phone 8377 7822

DHS COVID-19 Response Team

A dedicated COVID-19 team has been established at DHS to support new policies and procedures, monitor impacts across our sector, bolster information sharing and advise on key decisions as the situation changes.

Email DHSCOVIDResponse@sa.gov.au

Interpreting and Translating Centre

The Interpreting and Translating Centre provides linguistic and technical expertise in over 100 languages. We often interact with patients in hospital.

We are  limiting contact with customers in person and moving to phone and online interpreting services.

For translations, please email us a high-quality photo of your text.

The in-person counter at the Riverside Centre, is closed until further notice.

The phone line is operating as usual, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Phone 1800 280 203

SA Health has COVID-19 information posters (6 simple steps to protect yourself and the ones you love) in more than 30 languages.

For more information, contact the Interpreting and Translating Centre.

Links to coronavirus information on other websites

• Australian Government Department of Health – COVID-19
• SA Health contact tracing
• What should you do if - Flow chart (PDF 50KB)
• What should you do if - Flow chart (plain text)
• Testing and tracing
• Australian Government travel advice
• COVID-19 Identifying the symptoms fact sheet
• Help stop the spread video (30 secs) Captions and Transcript available
• Covid-19 vaccinations

People with disability

The department works closely with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to ensure people with disability are prioritised in our response to COVID-19.

To protect the people we support in Accommodation Services disability group homes, some visitor and activity restrictions may be put in place.

Arrangements are being reviewed regularly and updated according to the advice of health authorities. Any measures put in place are to support people with a disability being supported to live in the community to stay safe and well.

Visit the Accommodation Services Families Update page for further information.

Related information

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission - Coronavirus information

NDIS and disaster response (includes Easy Read documents)

Screening checks during Coronavirus

The DHS Screening Unit continues to operate its online portals and its Hotline between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, for general enquiries.

Face-to-face interviews with applicants have been suspended until further notice and these interviews are instead being conducted on the telephone.

The Screening Unit is working with SA Health to prioritise incoming applications for frontline health staff to ensure they can work as soon as possible.

Screening SA website
For general enquiries, phone 1300 321 592

Visiting vulnerable families and children 

The department continues to support families and protect children through our Safer Families home visiting services.

Based on advice from health authorities, home visiting guidelines are developed as required to protect our staff and families, while ensuring we stay connected with those who need our help.

The department communicates regularly with non-government organisations providing services to vulnerable families and children, in collaboration with Aboriginal practitioners.

Youth Justice services

The Adelaide Youth Training Centre (AYTC) - Kurlana Tapa is continuing with essential visits and services for its young people in custody. Youth Justice staff are taking appropriate cautions and may ask additional questions of visitors at the point of entry to the centre.

Other services across Youth Justice may be affected as the situation progresses. Please contact the relevant Youth Justice office if you have any questions.