Are you struggling to pay your court fines due to hardship? You may be eligible for a Work and Development Permit (WDP) Scheme. This initiative allows individuals in such a situation to apply for approved activities, such as participating in education, training, or mental health treatment, instead of paying the fines.
A WDP issued by the Western Australia Fines Enforcement Registry (FER) allows individuals to work off their fines by participating in certain approved activities. These activities must be approved, and the individual must be assessed as eligible for a WDP. Once approved, the individual can start working off their fines under the supervision of a sponsor.
One approved WDP activity is telehealth psychology, which is where Psych Point comes in. As an approved sponsor, Psych Point offers telehealth psychology services to help individuals with a WDP work off their fines. At the time of writing, each hour of eligible Mental Health Treatment satisfies $70 of fines; it is important to check this figure as it may have changed since writing.
Telehealth psychology also offers several other potential benefits. For example, it can be more convenient as individuals can participate in treatment from the comfort of their own homes. It can also be more cost-effective, eliminating the need for travel.
If you or someone you know is struggling to pay court fines due to hardship, a WDP may be worth considering. By working with an approved sponsor like Psych Point, individuals can access evidence-based treatment that can help them address underlying issues and move forward positively.
How to get a WDP and book a session
First, please get in touch with the Western Australia Fines Enforcement Registry (FER) by phone at 1300 650 235 or email at ferwdp@justice.wa.gov.au for the latest up-to-date information on eligibility requirements and how to apply. Second, book a session on Psych Point’s online booking portal at psychpoint.com.au/bookings and select a convenient time. When booking, put in the notes details of your WDP, which state you are seeking the WDP in (Victoria has its version of the WDP, so it is important to clarify) or that you are seeking to apply for a WDP. Third, Psych Point will send you a Client Intake Form and Treatment Agreement to consider and complete. Once completed, your booking will be confirmed.
Similar interstate programs
We are a sponsor and hardship partner interstate. Click to find out more.