THE Department of Family and Community Services has rejected reports a mother locked herself and her three-year-old daughter in a room after being threatened by a client while at the Dubbo Homelessness and Housing Support Service.
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A report was filed against the Dubbo Homelessness and Housing Support Service to advocacy group SOS Women's Services last month.
A FACS spokesperson said the Department conducted a review of the services with the co-operation of its staff and found claims were unsubstantiated.
"Family and Community Services has completed a comprehensive review of Dubbo Homelessness and Housing Support Service's management, assessment processes and documentation following reports of inappropriately placing vulnerable people at risk," the department said.
Orana Support Service CEO Peter Gallagher said client safety was the service's number one priority.
"Orana support Service welcome the outcome of the investigation and will continue to work with The Department of Family and Community Service's to provide a safe environment for all our clients, especially those women and families affected by domestic violence," Mr Gallagher said.
FACS also explained the housing arrangement at the Dubbo Homelessness and Housing Support Service, which separates homeless women from those fleeing from domestic violence.
"Dubbo Homelessness and Housing Support Service operates two facilities for people experiencing homelessness requiring accommodation and support," the Department said.
"One facility caters to homeless adults, while the other supports women and children escaping domestic violence."
But SOS Women's Services spokeswoman Roxanne McMurray said they had anecdotal evidence the two refuges had been housed together at times.
"The operator of the refuge confirmed to SOS that women from the homeless service were being housed with women and children escaping domestic violence," Ms McMurray said.
"He also confirmed an incident involving a resident and her child.
"We stand by our claim."