Annual Report 2014

ANNUALANNUAL REPORTRE P O RT 2013 — - 22014 0 14 Relationships Australia is honoured to have His Excellency, Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (retired) as our national patron.

Relationships Australia services are funded principally through the Commonwealth Departments of Social Services and Attorney-General as well as State and Territory Governments.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this annual report may contain the images of people who may have since passed away.

Please note names may have been changed to protect clients’ privacy. ANNUALANNUA L REPORTREPO RT 22013 0 13 –2014–2 0 14

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CON CONTENTCONTENTS T ENT SS

03 CHAIR’S FOREWORD

05 THE YEAR IN REVIEW

08 NEIGHBOUR DAY

NATIONAL RESEARCH 14 NETWORK

RESEARCH AND EVALUATION 20 AROUND THE COUNTRY

SEMINARS, CONFERENCES, 6 PRESENTATIONS, NEWSPAPERS, 7 PUBLICATIONS, FILMS

82 OFFICE AND BOARD DETAILS

CHAIR’SIR’S FOREWORDORD

THIS HAS BEEN A PARTICULARLY BUSY AND INTERESTING YEAR, FOLLOWING THE CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT IN SEPTEMBER WITH THE ACCOMPANYING CHANGE OF MINISTER AND ATTORNEY-GENERAL, AND THE CHANGES IN DIRECTION IN THEIR RESPECTIVE PORTFOLIO AREAS.

It is my pleasure to present body to be strategically We have also welcomed the the Annual Report for nimble and adaptable in Minister’s focus on early Relationships Australia order to participate in policy intervention as a significant Incorporated for the 2013/14 developments. We have underpinning of the revised financial year. established a positive and service system and believe it constructive relationship is an effective way to operate. This has been a particularly with the Minister, his staff This is demonstrated by busy and interesting year, and senior officers in our participation in the following the change of the [new] Department of Stronger Relationships Government in September Social Services. Trial, engaging couples with the accompanying early in their relationships. change of Minister and This has led to us to actively Enrichment of existing Attorney-General, and the participate in a process and new partnerships is a changes in direction in their that has now resulted in key part of ensuring that respective portfolio areas. five year contracts and with relationships have the best only minor changes to the shot at surviving and thriving. The Hon Kevin Andrews, funding envelope. It is the Minister for Social Services, most certainty we have ever During the year we has overseen a swift and had for our core relationships farewelled Her Excellency, wide ranging reform and family law services, and Dame Quentin Bryce AC, agenda in the Family we are all now focussed on our Patron for many years. Support Program, and this getting on with the important We also welcomed the has required our national job of delivering services. news that His Excellency,

3 of good relationships, social connectedness, and community engagement to our individual and collective mental and social wellbeing. We are looking forward to embedding this in Australia’s annual calendar of celebration and reflection.

I want to particularly thank my fellow Board members for their support and commitment to the Federation and to the national body. Andrew Bickerdike as Deputy Chair, and Shane Klintworth Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC as Treasurer warrant (retired) would be our new special mention. Patron. We look forward NEIGHBOUR to keeping the Governor The staff of our small but General abreast of our work central national office also DAY PROVIDES and inviting him to events do a tremendous amount RELATIONSHIPS where appropriate. of work for their member organisations. All staff are Early 2014 saw a significant AUSTRALIA WITH to be congratulated for their development for our contribution, steered very AN OPPORTUNITY TO Federation when we well by the leadership of were selected to take the SPREAD PUBLIC HEALTH Alison Brook, who we are helm of Neighbour Day. fortunate to have as our MESSAGES ABOUT Neighbour Day provides Executive Officer. THE IMPORTANCE OF Relationships Australia with an opportunity to spread M AT R O W E L L GOOD RELATIONSHIPS, public health messages SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS, about the importance CHAIR, NATIONAL BOARD AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT... THET H E YEARY E A R IN REVIEWVIEW

2013/14 has seen major THIS YEAR HAS SEEN change at a federal political OUR CORE WORK level, with a new Federal Government elected in CONTINUE AND September 2013. COMPLEMENTARY Changes in Minister, SERVICES EXPAND Department (the former IN AREAS SUCH AS Department of Families, Housing, Community Services EXPANDING MENTAL HEALTH, and Indigenous Affairs OUR SERVICES GAMBLING HELP, (FaHCSIA) with a broadened SUPPORT FOR remit to become the Department of Social Services CHILDREN AND (DSS)), funding structure, YOUNG PEOPLE, AND program focus, and the SPECIALIST TRAUMA expiration of our contract SERVICES FOR with the Federal Government for our core family support IDENTIFIED GROUPS. and family law work, have all had the effect of sharpening surety that this provides, and young people, and our focus on Commonwealth enabling us to concentrate specialist trauma services matters this year. our efforts on providing for identified groups. By the end of the year we evidence-based support To support our lesbian, had received the good news services to families around gay, bisexual, transgender, that the contracts relating the country. queer and intersex (LGBTQI) to most of our principal client groups, around 60 This year has seen our work supporting family Relationships Australia core work continue and relationships and related staff marched in the 2014 complementary services services had been renewed Sydney Gay and Lesbian expand in areas such as for a five year period. We very Mardi Gras Parade. We also mental health, gambling much welcomed the extended hosted an information stall at help, support for children the Mardi Gras Fair Day.

5 Also, in keeping with our New relationships have SUBMISSIONS broader range of services, been formed with the Social During the year, we have joined a number Determinants of Health Relationships Australia of new alliances and peak Alliance, the Complex Needs made a number of bodies to enable us to keep Alliance, the Australian submissions to inquiries abreast of developments, Suicide Prevention Network, and reviews. These included issues, research and advocacy the Community Council of submissions: outside the traditional Australia and the National family support arena. Mental Health Council of ƒƒ to the national review of Australia, of which we are mental health services now a national member. and programs;

We saw an increasing ƒƒ in response to the Racial demand for support during Discrimination Act 1975 T H IS R E P O RT FO C U S E S the year from people Exposure Draft; affected by institutional ƒƒ to the Parliamentary O N T H E IM P O RTA N C E child abuse, as a result of Inquiry into the Child heightened awareness and O F E V ID E N C E A N D Support Program; and trust arising from private P R O G RA M E VA L U AT IO N and public hearings and ƒƒ to the Senate Inquiry into T O S H A P E A N D associated investigations grandparents who take being undertaken by primary responsibility RE ‑ S H A P E H O W W E the Royal Commission. for raising their P R O V ID E S U P P O RT T O We noted with great interest grandchildren. the Interim Report provided O U R C L IE N T S.. by the Commission to the These submissions can Government at the end be found on our website. of the year. We have separately represented the interests of Australian families at a number of (CALD) backgrounds. roundtable discussions These figures varied ...IN KE E P IN G W IT H O U R and Federal Government from state to state. stakeholder groups. B R O A D E R RA N G E O F This report focuses on the S E R V IC E S , W E H AV E Nationwide, Relationships importance of evidence Australia had a total and program evaluation to J O IN E D A N U M B E R O F income in 2013/14 of nearly shape and re-shape how NEW A L L IA N C E S A N D P E A K $140 million. Most of we provide support to our that income is derived clients. A summary is also B O D IE S T O E N A B L E U S from contracts with the provided of our national T O KE E P A B R E A S T O F Commonwealth Departments client outcomes evaluation of Social Services and work in the coming pages. DEVELOPMENTS, ISSUES, Attorney‑General, as well R E S E A R C H A N D A D V O CA CY as State and Territory We have provided a snapshot Government funding. of our first Neighbour Day, O U T S ID E T H E T RA D IT IO N A L for which we had a brief FA M IL Y S U P P O RT A R E N A.. We employ nearly 2,000 campaign following the staff from 110 sites around handing of responsibility the country in addition to for the day to us by its outreach work. We provided founder, Andrew Heslop, services to around 165,000 in January 2014. clients during the year, 56% of whom were female We hope you enjoy reading and 44% male. Nationally about our work. 5.4% of our clients were from Aboriginal and Torres A L IS O N B R O O K Strait Islander backgrounds NATIONAL EXECUTIVE and 8.3% from culturally OFFICER and linguistically diverse

7 NEIGHBOURBOUR DAYAY

THIS YEAR RELATIONSHIPS AUSTRALIA ASSUMED AN ANNUAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR AUSTRALIA’S ANNUAL CELEBRATION CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY, NEIGHBOUR DAY.

This year Relationships Neighbour Day has since Relationships Australia’s Australia assumed become a significant annual national team and people responsibility for Australia’s celebration of community in each of our member annual celebration of in Australia, celebrated on organisations worked closely community, Neighbour Day. the last Sunday in March with Andrew to ensure the each year. event was widely celebrated Neighbour Day was founded throughout Australia. in 2003 by Andrew Heslop, After ten years of running Guiding our planning were following the belated Neighbour Day, Andrew the five principal aims of discovery of the death of an began a national expression Neighbour Day: elderly Melbourne woman, of interest process in Elsie Brown. Mrs Brown was October 2013. ƒƒ To strengthen discovered two years after communities and build she had passed away in her Relationships Australia better relationships home, her disappearance recognised an opportunity with the people who live unnoticed by friends, family, to associate with an event around us; that resonated with its and her neighbours. ƒƒ To create safer, healthier, values. The principles of and more vibrant suburbs In recognition, Andrew Neighbour Day align with and towns; established an annual the work of Relationships event that encouraged Australia in promoting ƒƒ To promote tolerance, the nurturing of stronger the importance of positive respect, and community ties in order that community engagement to understanding; people can live in safer and enhance personal wellbeing ƒƒ To break down community happier neighbourhoods and help to prevent social barriers; and across Australia. isolation, loneliness, and mental illness. ƒƒ To protect the elderly, vulnerable, and disadvantaged. 9

Neighbour Day 2014 saw more than 30,000 people participating with approximately 350 registered events across Australia. “ CONGRATULATIONS TO RELATIONSHIPS A U S T RA L IA O N O R G A N IS IN G S U C H A Contributing significantly to this success was our G O O D E V E N T IN 2 0 14 A N D E N C O U RA G IN G new Ambassador program. The Hon Fred Chaney AO A N D S U P P O RT IN G U S T O TA KE A CT IO N and television personality IN O U R L O CA L N E IG H B O U R H O O D S . “ Costa Georgiadis offered positive messages of support – Dr Linda Vining for the day, along with Andrew Heslop.

Australia Post came on board as a support partner early “ MY N E IG H B O U R S A L L T H A N KE D M E in the year, in conjunction with previous support FO R O R G A N IS IN G IT A S IT WA S A G R E AT partners, Ripefruit and O P P O RT U N IT Y T O CAT C H U P A N D G E T News Community Media. These partners provided a TO KN O W E A C H O T H E R A S WELL . “ voice to connect and engage – Donna Rumbiolo with Australians.

Neighbour Day was also fortunate to receive other media coverage on regional and national media outlets. “ T O M E , N E IG H B O U R DA Y WA S Highlights included interviews TREMENDOUSLY SUCCESSFUL AND on Nightlife, Sunday Night, and the Today Show. A S P EC IA L DA Y T H AT H O P E F U L L Y M A R KS T H E P IO N E E R IN G O F A N E W As part of Neighbour Day 2014, Relationships Australia C O M M U N IT Y C O N N ECT IO N . “ also ran the Tell us your story competition. Through this – Emma Hale competition, Australians were invited to share their stories of an extraordinary community or an outstanding “ O U R N E IG H B O U R DA Y IS O U R neighbourly act. C O M M U N IT Y DA Y. O U R N E IG H B O U R DA Y A large number of entries IS FO R E V E RYO N E T O C O N N ECT W IT H told heart-warming stories about close community C O M M U N IT Y. IT H E L P S T H O S E W IT H relationships and vibrant neighbourly spirit in D E P R E S S IO N , A N X IE T Y, IN T R O V E RT neighbourhoods around P E R S O N A L IT IE S , A N D S H Y N E S S T O the country. COME A N D S M IL E W IT H OTHERS . “ Relationships Australia values being the new home for – Grace Love Neighbour Day. We are already planning for Neighbour Day 2015.

11 NEIGHBOURN E IG H B O U R DAYDA Y TELL US YO U R S T O RY “MY FATHER WAS 84 “ OUR KIND “I HAVE A WHEN MY MOTHER NEIGHBOUR HAS WONDERFUL DIED FIVE YEARS BEEN EXCEPTIONAL. NEIGHBOUR IN MY AGO. HIS DECISION MY 39 YEAR OLD STREET WHO LOOKS WAS TO REMAIN HUSBAND PASSED OUT FOR EVERYONE. ON HIS OWN IN THE AWAY WITH A RARE ONE DAY I CAME HOME FAMILY HOME. A FEW MALE CANCER ABOUT AFTER A FULL AND WEEKS AFTER MUM FIFTEEN MONTHS AGO. BUSY DAY TO FIND DIED, THE LADY I AM A STAY-AT-HOME HE HAD STACKED MY ACROSS THE ROAD PARENT WITH TWO FIREWOOD THAT HAD BROUGHT OVER YOUNG CHILDREN. BEEN DELIVERED. A MEAL FOR HIS MY NEIGHBOUR JUST HIS KINDNESS AND DINNER. HE WAS STARTED MOWING CONSISTENT CARE FOR TAKEN ABACK, OUR LAWNS ON A OTHERS IS ONGOING AND WAS VERY REGULAR BASIS. AND APPRECIATED.” GRATEFUL FOR THE THE RELIEF AND – Geraldine Crisp KIND GESTURE AND GENEROSITY OF HIS ENJOYED THE MEAL TIME AND HAS BEEN VERY MUCH. THIS HAS JUST SO SUPPORTIVE. ” CONTINUED FOR UP – Kelly Lainson TO FIVE YEARS UP TO THE PRESENT DAY.” – Carol Cook

13 NATIONALN A L RESEARCHA R C H NETWORKO R K

ONE OF THE MAIN AIMS OF THE NRN IS TO FACILITATE THE COLLABORATION OF RELATIONSHIPS AUSTRALIA’S RESEARCHERS AT A NATIONAL LEVEL TO CONDUCT RESEARCH AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES FOR CLIENTS.

This year has seen research and associated had conducted. The purpose further strengthening of activities that contribute to of the research was to gain Relationship’s Australia’s the best possible outcomes an understanding of the National Research Network for clients. The NRN also level of distress clients (NRN) and the successful strives to ensure that were experiencing at completion of a number research conducted at intake to inform improved of project deliverables, Relationships Australia service offerings to these including research papers, is of the highest quality, clients. Early results reports and three waves of relevant, and supports ethical from the 2012 National data collection. standards and practices. study were published in last year’s annual report. By way of background, the More detailed findings from NRN was formed in 2011, NATIONAL this study are now available comprising staff from each STUDY ON to guide improvements in Australian state and territory CLIENT Relationships Australia’s with expertise and interest OUTCOMES service delivery models in research and evaluation. into the future, benefiting The 2012 National Study One of the main aims of clients, staff and the on Client Outcomes was the NRN is to facilitate the broader community. collaboration of Relationships developed by NRN members Australia’s researchers at and constituted the first a national level to conduct national project the group 15 The 2012 National dispute resolution service Study was conducted in during a one month period combination with the annual from April to May 2012 Family Support Program completed the survey T H E P U R P O S E O F Performance Outcome Survey, after they had attended a T HE RESEARCH a requirement of the funding session. Survey respondents body, [then] FaHCSIA. included 58 per cent of all WA S T O G A IN A N In meeting the rigorous clients attending a family UNDERSTANDING research method standards and relationship counselling set by Relationships Australia and education service and O F T H E L E V E L O F NSW’s Ethics Committee, 54 per cent of all clients D IS T R E S S C L IE N T S all clients received an attending a family dispute information sheet about the resolution mediation service W E R E E X P E R IE N C IN G study and signed a consent at Relationships Australia in AT IN TA KE T O IN FO R M form before completing the study period. the survey. The survey IM P R O V E D S E R V IC E included standardised Just over 32 per cent of O F F E R IN G S T O measures for current levels survey respondents were of adult psychological first session attendees and THESE C L IE N T S . distress (Kessler 64 per cent were attending Psychological Distress, their second or subsequent Kessler & Mroczek, 1994), session. The average age relationship distress (Couple of survey respondents was Satisfaction Index, Funk & 40 years, with 58 per cent Rogge, 2007), and mediator female and 42 per cent male impartiality (Mediator clients. Almost 3 per cent of Impartiality Scale, Kelly & respondents reported they Gigy, 1988). were from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander More than 4,500 clients background, and 10 per cent presenting at a family and reported CALD backgrounds. relationship service or family PSYCHOLOGICAL indicate an anxiety (13.7%) services reported DISTRESS and/or depressive disorder, very high psychological and assessment and distress. Lower proportions The table below shows the professional intervention of family dispute resolution percentage of Relationships are highly recommended for mediation (9%) and Australia clients reporting this group. couple education (5.7%) low, medium, high and very clients reported very high high levels of psychological A high proportion of clients psychological distress. distress across different accessing individual These rates are two to service streams in the 2012 counselling (17.6%), five times higher than National Study. The ‘very high individual education (15.6%) those reported for the distress’ category is likely to and couple counselling Australian population.

L E V E L S O F C L IE N T P S YC H O L O G ICA L D IS T R E S S , FA M IL Y A N D R E L AT IO N S H IP S E R V IC E S , 2 0 12

VERY LOW MEDIUM HIGH SAMPLE HIGH DISTRESS DISTRESS DISTRESS SIZE DISTRESS

Couple 27.5% 31.5% 27.3% 13.7% 1,504 Counselling

Individual 24.9% 31.2% 26.3% 17.6% 1,549 Counselling

Couple 37.1% 45.7% 11.4% 5.7% 35 Education

Individual 36.2% 26.2% 22.1% 15.6% 390 Education

Family Dispute 45.0% 27.4% 18.6% 9.0% 634 Resolution Mediation

TOTAL 4112

17 COUPLE MEDIATOR 2012 survey, in 2013 the RELATIONSHIP IMPARTIALITY NRN commenced a more ambitious longitudinal study SATISFACTION Prior research has found of psychological distress, Couple distress has been clients’ perceptions of couple distress and family associated with a range of mediator impartiality are functioning of clients poor outcomes for families. important for influencing accessing Relationships The negative effects of clients’ satisfaction with Australia services. couple relationship distress the mediation process and In October 2013 Family and on individual adult partners, outcomes (Kelly, 1989; Kelly relationship services clients their work performance, & Duryee, 1992). Client across all Relationships their parenting and their survey results indicated the Australia member children highlights the majority of family dispute organisations were invited importance of having resolution clients ‘agreed’ to complete the first survey effective interventions that their mediators were (Time 1) of three in a research available to assist couples to impartial and neutral as project investigating client manage relationship distress. indicated by the 4 out of 5 outcomes over time. Two (5 = strongly agree) mean further data collections were Survey results indicate rating. These results are undertaken over a 6 month that almost 80 per cent of a positive indication of the period—December to January Relationships Australia high levels of trust between (Time 2) and February to clients attending family clients and Relationships March (Time 3) in 2014. and relationship couple Australia mediators. counselling or couple Measures across all three education reported scores survey periods included in the couple relationship PROGRESS psychological distress (K10) distress range. This high IN 2013 and relationship distress rate is understandable Due to the success of the (CSI–4) as for the 2012 survey, given the focus of these project in terms of capacity with the addition of a measure services, and is comparable to capture and evaluate large of general family functioning to the rates reported in volumes of data nationally, (GFS; Miller, Epstein, Bishop, other community couples and the learnings from the & Keitner, 1985) and client counselling clinics. satisfaction (CSS–3; Larsen, NEXT STEPS 1 NUMBER OF TIME 1 SURVEYS COMPLETED = 803 It is anticipated that NUMBER OF TIME 2 SURVEYS COMPLETED = 437 preliminary results of 2 the 2013 study will be available by the end of NUMBER OF TIME 3 SURVEYS COMPLETED = 435 3 November 2014. Outputs of the project will include peer reviewed journal papers, conference presentations and an organisational Attkisson, Hargreaves, & While approximately half report to inform future Nguyen, 1979). Additional of the initial respondents service practice. measures incorporated in the dropped out of the study The NRN is also exploring Time 2 and 3 surveys included between Time 1 and Time 2, opportunities for collecting the therapeutic working this percentage of drop-out is long-term counselling alliance (TWA; Hatcher & typical in longitudinal studies outcomes via an eighteen Gillaspy, 2006) and open conducted in routine practice month follow-up ended questions regarding settings. As can be seen in questionnaire. the skills and benefits clients the diagram, once clients gained from access to family participated in Time 2, they These two major surveys and relationship services were also likely to complete have allowed Relationships at Relationships Australia. the Time 3 survey. Australia to develop capacity Survey completion rates are and applied expertise to presented above. EARLY understand client needs, measure the success of Just over half of the 803 Time RESULTS FROM interventions and improve 1 participants indicated they THE 2012–14 support to clients. were attending their first STUDY couple counselling session (55%) and the remaining Data analysis of the Time 1 participants were attending survey outcomes has just either their first individual started. As with the 2012 O U T P U T S O F T H E (38%), or first family study, a substantial number P R O J ECT W IL L IN C L U D E counselling (5%) session. of Time 1 counselling clients indicated ‘very high’ P E E R R E V IE W E D J O U R N A L Of the client survey sample at psychological distress (18%) PA P E R S , C O N F E R E N C E Time 1, 59 per cent of clients and couple relationship were female and 40 per cent distress (81%). The next P R E S E N TAT IO N S A N D A N were male, the average age part of the analysis will O R G A N IS AT IO N A L R E P O RT was 39 years, 3 per cent were examine clients who Aboriginal and Torres Strait reported high distress (either T O IN FO R M F U T U R E Islander and 10 per cent were psychological distress or S E R V IC E P RA CT IC E.. from CALD backgrounds. relationship distress) to More than one-quarter (26%) determine whether there of clients also indicated that were improvements in they were receiving some distress across the course form of income support. of counselling. This will These survey demographics allow us to comment on the are comparable to effectiveness of couple and Relationships Australia individual counselling. general client population characteristics.

19 RESEARCC H A N D EVALUAAT IO N AROUND T H E COUNN T RY

E VA L U AT IO N a reciprocal learning model Training is conducted by to acknowledge and validate Relationships Australia and O F T H E workers’ existing skills. is supported by a community D IP L O M A O F partnership model, where COUNSELLING The Diploma was developed relevant community FO R A B O R IG IN A L after Aboriginal Elders in ACT organisations offer work communities identified the placement and mentoring A N D T O R R E S gap in access to therapeutic support to students. S T RA IT services for Aboriginal IS L A N D E R and Torres Strait Islander Graduates are enabled communities, and the need to gain employment in PEOPLES for more ‘qualified black organisations that require counsellors, mediators and formal qualifications and The Diploma of Counselling educators to heal our own’. eligibility for enrolment into for workers from Aboriginal further tertiary education. and Torres Strait Islander The Diploma was first offered communities is a mainstream by Relationships Australia in Relationships Australia counselling qualification. Canberra in 2009, with seed Canberra and Region has The content has been funding from the ACT and followed up on the successful enhanced in consultation Australian Governments. delivery of the Diploma of with Aboriginal and Torres Since its inception, the Counselling for Aboriginal Strait Islander stakeholders course has been run five and Torres Strait Islander in order to connect times across three locations peoples, surveying the traditional ways of healing (Canberra, Wagga and 64 Diploma graduates to with modern day theoretical Bathurst) with a total of discover the longer term counselling concepts. It uses 64 graduates. outcomes for them since their graduation. The evaluation focussed on three areas: employment, further involvement in study and training and the impact of undertaking the Diploma A MAJOR GOAL FOR THE on the participants’ personal, DIPLOMA WAS THE EXPANSION family and community lives. A total of 37 responses were OF PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION received from the graduates. OPPORTUNITIES FOR ABORIGINAL

EMPLOYMENT AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER The survey found that PEOPLE. IT HAS BEEN VERY completing the Diploma had a very positive impact on SUCCESSFUL IN ACHIEVING employment opportunities, THIS GOAL. both for individual graduates and systemically. As a result of completing the Diploma, 45 per cent of graduates who were already employed at the start of their studies had changed jobs, generally to positions that were more senior, or to counselling/ social welfare positions for which they were now eligible as result of completing their professional qualification.

Of the ten graduates who were originally not employed, six had obtained work as a result of their studies.

P R O F E S S IO N A L E D U CAT IO N A major goal for the Diploma was the expansion of professional education opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It has been very successful in achieving this goal.

One quarter of survey respondents indicated they had undertaken further study since completing their Diploma, in a variety of related fields, including social work, social welfare,

21 social housing, management, situations with greater early childhood, insight, thus being better …ALMOST EVERY Indigenous leadership, placed to support others. Indigenous trauma, mental Most also talked about GRADUATE SPOKE health, and community improvements in their OF FEELING MORE sector management. communication skills. CONFIDENT AND OF Almost 70 per cent of the Significantly, some spoke of respondents indicated their learning how to connect their BEING ABLE TO SEE intention to undertake yet professional and cultural AND UNDERSTAND more study in the future. worlds more effectively, with greater understanding SITUATIONS WITH IM PA CT O N P E R S O N A L , leading to more meaningful GREATER INSIGHT, THUS FA M IL Y A N D connections with their C O M M U N IT Y L IF E communities and a sense BEING BETTER PLACED The survey collected of empowerment. TO SUPPORT OTHERS. positive feedback from graduates about the impact of obtaining the Diploma on their personal, family and community lives.

Many Diploma students/ graduates have been managing complex demands in their own lives, often dealing with their own experiences of trauma. Anecdotally they have reported over time that the Diploma has resulted in significant personal development, with students proudly telling Elders and other community members of their experiences and achievements.

In response to the recent survey, almost every graduate spoke of feeling more confident and of being able to see and understand

23 At the time he started the water’, studying with other CASE STUDY Diploma, Steve was working Koori people and using for the local Aboriginal traditional Aboriginal ways of STEVEN KEED medical service, providing learning made the process case management and easier for him. For Steve, informal counselling. He loved the Diploma offered helping his mob but was inclusiveness and knowledge concerned that he didn’t have in a culturally appropriate way formal training to provide that fostered his confidence. counselling support. Throughout the program he “THE DIPLOMA… felt supported by his peers DEMONSTRATES A Steve had suffered trauma and the facilitators, with as a child, with his teenage students encouraging one TRUE AND SIGNIFICANT parents separating when another to complete each RECONCILIATION ACT.” he was two. He and his program module. brother were sent to live with their extended Completing the Diploma has “IN THE LONG RUN IT family in Western NSW. opened up new opportunities While academically bright, for Steve. He has continued WAS ONE OF THE BEST Steve didn’t flourish in the with his studies, completing DECISIONS I HAVE school system and left at a Diploma of Family Dispute the end of year ten. Resolution in 2013. Steve took EVER MADE.” advantage of an academic Steve was interested in route to higher studies studying towards formal that was established by qualifications but found Relationships Australia it hard to overcome the with the Australian Catholic barriers to register for a study University and enrolled in program. He heard about the a Bachelor of Social Work Diploma through the local degree. He is currently Aboriginal community and half-way through his was keen to complete the undergraduate studies and program. As Steve has said will finish in 2015. Steve now “My people need some type works as a family dispute of intervention at different resolution practitioner levels to help them to be more and would like to work as aware of their own social a counsellor in the future. and emotional wellbeing. Counselling is one major tool Now, two years after that can be used to reach completing the Diploma, our mob, and in most cases Steve says he is more must be done by our own confident, aware, proud, people.” As the original idea and secure (financially and for the Diploma came from emotionally), as a direct Elders in the local Aboriginal result of his academic community Steve felt that the journey. Most importantly to program would be culturally him, he feels more hopeful appropriate and was therefore about the future, for himself confident to enrol in it. and especially about Aboriginal issues for the While he was apprehensive wider community. about starting, and initially felt like ‘a fish out of 25 TOMORROW’S assumption that each ’ community has existing COMMUNITY assets and strengths that LEADERS, can be mobilised to bring T O DA Y about change. The aim of capacity-building programs For the last ten years, the is to identify, harness and Certificate IV in Community ultimately enhance these Services (Information, Advice strengths as a means to and Referral), a vocational increase knowledge, improve education and training problem-solving skills and course, has been a core promote responsiveness part of the community and collective action. capacity‑building programs offered by the PEACE The Manager of PEACE (Personal Education And Multicultural Service, THE CERTIFICATE IV Community Empowerment) Enaam Oudih, says the Multicultural Service at focus of capacity-building TRAINING IS DESIGNED Relationships Australia South programs on community TO ENGAGE CALD Australia. The Certificate involvement is particularly IV training is designed to useful for addressing COMMUNITIES, engage CALD communities, culturally sensitive issues NEW ARRIVALS new arrivals and refugees that are typically associated in health promotion, with stigma or shame. AND REFUGEES IN particularly human Topics such as sexual health HEALTH PROMOTION, immunodeficiency virus and same-sex attraction (HIV), viral hepatitis, sexually are considered taboo and PARTICULARLY HUMAN transmitted infections (STIs) are rarely discussed openly IMMUNODEFICIENCY and other related issues. in refugee, migrant and CALD communities. VIRUS, VIRAL To date, there have been “In many CALD communities HEPATITIS, SEXUALLY few empirical studies that have systematically HIV and STIs are seen as TRANSMITTED investigated the impact resulting from ‘immoral’ behaviours. These negative INFECTIONS AND OTHER of capacity-building programs. Relationships perceptions and resulting RELATED ISSUES. Australia’s Communication stigma ultimately impact and Development Unit on the individual’s health wanted to fill this gap in decisions and actions within knowledge by exploring, their family, workplace in detail, the impact of the and in their communities. program at individual and For example, people might community levels. completely withdraw from their social network as a Capacity-building programs, result of positive diagnoses such as the PEACE or might take unnecessary Multicultural Service’s actions based on myths. Certificate IV in Community Adding to this, they might Services, focus on enhancing not access relevant testing a community’s ability to out of unfounded fears.” address health-related Oudih says. issues and work from an While formal empirical to engage in informal that the course taught them research on the impact of discussions with friends, how to engage effectively community capacity-building family and community with the community by remains scarce, case studies members on such topics understanding what and anecdotal research have as STIs, blood borne strategies work when shown such programs to be viruses and same‑sex promoting awareness highly effective. For instance, attraction. A further way about certain issues and Millar and Kilpatrick’s (2005) in which participants which ones would not evaluation of an Australian applied the training was achieve the same levels community capacity-building by providing referrals. of success. For example, program — a Certificate Some participants most participants recognise II in Community Services indicated that people in that a workshop or seminar (Children’s Services) — their community would on raising awareness about demonstrated positive outcomes for students.

Relationships Australia worked to fill this gap in research by conducting a qualitative study involving focus groups with the students who had undertaken the Certificate IV in Community Services training since its inception 10 years prior. A total of 29 students took part, representing a variety of community groups, including students from South Sudan, Burundi, Somalia, Philippines, Kenya, Ghana, Kurdistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Persia, and Liberia.

Overwhelmingly, the participants provided positive responses, indicating how the training had substantially impacted their lives. Many of confide in them about HIV or Hepatitis B and C the participants implemented problems for which they would not attract many initiatives to take control of required assistance. attendees, either due to the their own health following Often these participants were community’s unfamiliarity the certificate training, for sought out because they had with such viruses or the instance, by getting tested undertaken the certificate stigma surrounding them. for STIs and blood borne training and were trusted by Rather, these topics were viruses, and by encouraging fellow community members. best incorporated with and empowering others information focusing to do so. The training gave A common theme amongst on the broader topic of the participants confidence participants’ responses was ‘health and wellbeing’.

27 Work TOMORROW’S Before... Interpreter, Support Service Officer, Teacher, Settlement Officer, School COMMUNITY Support Officer, Union Organiser, Employee in Aged Care Facility LEADERS, Study TODAY Social Work, Community Development, Teaching, Microbiology, Computer Science, English, Arts andHigh International School Studies, Community Work Community Education Program A case study in Nairobi A qualitative study of 29 CALD peer educators found the following outcomes as a result of their participation in Relationships Australia (SA)’s Certificate IV in Community Services Peer Education Program.

Work After... Youth Worker, Employee at Novita Children’s Services, CALD Liaison Officer with ShineSA, Nurse’s Assistant, Bicultural Caseworker with the Australian Refugee Association, Employee in Aged Care Facility, RASA Internship (x2), RASA Employee (x3)

Study and Social Planning, Community Work Social Work Volunteer with Australian Red Cross, EnrolledTAFE Nursing, Qualification Certificate in Aged III in Business,Care Leader of Liberian Men, Community Organiser, Community Educator, Secretary of Bari Women, Public Relations Officer to African Women’s Federation, President of West African Women’s Association, Leader of South Sudanese Association

“This gave me an opportunity to work, you know, through the units of competency. So then doing the Diploma and Cert IV in Training and Assessment, it gave me an opportunity to work as a project officer at the (location) and to start to train other community educators and be able from there to go into counselling and study counselling and doing counselling and case management. It just opened so many doors and I just always think about ‘what would happen if I actually didn’t do this course?’, you know, ‘what would have happened to me?’” PEACE Multicultural Services is a service of Relationships Australia South Australia Health Promotion Services and is funded by the Government of South Australia, Department of Health through HIV, Hepatitis C Policy and Programs. The training also The program also gave schools. She attributes demonstrated to participants necessary the inception of this participants the importance skills and confidence to project and its successful of incorporating HIV explore new education and outcomes directly to her positive speakers into employment opportunities. certificate IV training. their community meetings. For instance, one participant Positive speakers were expressed that prior to The qualitative research able to pass on important the training she was very undertaken by Relationships information about reducing shy and self-deprecating, Australia demonstrated risk whilst also providing but as a result of the training that this community-led inspirational messages and the opportunities it initiative has achieved of managing and living afforded her to interact significant advances in health with a chronic disease. with other participants promotion and the reduction Overall, the inclusion of she was instilled with a of stigma within participants’ positive speakers challenged sense of empowerment and communities. Impressively, existing community stigma self‑worth. She then went the participants’ positive and began to normalise on to initiate a community responses indicated that the HIV, thus creating a more project in her native country certificate IV training had a inclusive and supportive of South Sudan where she significant impact on them environment for those established a charitable personally, professionally, community members living organisation to fund girls’ and at the community level. with and/or affected by HIV. education and to build

29 G O O D place two to four weeks relationship with each other. later to reinforce changes This experience provides C O N N ECT IN G made during the workshops. motivation to continue their COURSE The course has also been commitment to practice the provided in an abridged new learnings at home. Relationships Australia evening session format, and Victoria provides recently a repackaged version John Gottman describes Good Connecting, of Good Connecting Online was intimate relationships in a psycho‑educational released, allowing couples relation to what happens course for couples based to access components of the in moment-by-moment on Dr John Gottman’s program via Relationships experiences of each other. internationally‑respected Australia’s website. Good Connecting has research into what makes adopted this framework, intimate relationships The Good Connecting course relying on the core idea successful. is based on the principles that good relationships of evidence-based couples’ depend on maintaining Good Connecting involves research, and learning by a high ratio of positive workshops typically conducted practice and experience. It is to negative experiences. over two days, with a male underpinned by concepts That is, the presence of and a female facilitator. and understandings of what more positive experiences A follow‑up session takes makes modern, emotional that build a sound ongoing friendships and partnerships emotional friendship or work and not work. With this partnership, than negative knowledge, couples are encounters or attacks or encouraged to assess deliberate withdrawals their own relationships, of attention, presence or and develop guidelines affection. Gottman has and a shared language to identified that a ‘magic improve how they relate to ratio’ of five to one positive each other. This includes to negative experiences is dealing with everyday likely to be present in stable spontaneous moments and relationships. Therefore, it is with issues that are most important for couples to build significant to them. their positive experiences, and learn to regulate negative Good Connecting seeks emotion and behaviour. to increase a couple’s awareness of how they With Gottman indicating that it relate, their attitudes and is contempt rather than anger emotions, and how these are that is the larger predictor expressed through verbal and of marriage breakdown, non-verbal behaviours and Good Connecting teaches actions. Couples are given couples to understand that opportunities to experiment for lasting relationship with new ways of behaving changes they need to change and communicating in a the way they handle conflict. safe, structured learning Emphasis is also placed on environment. During this the need to take time and process, couples often make the effort to make a experience a positive relationship work. shift in the quality of their Developed by former of the ‘Effectiveness Relationships Australia of Couple Counselling RELATIONSHIPS Victoria counselling practice study’, the first large scale leader Dr Ingrid Sturmey, investigation of this type AUSTRALIA VICTORIA Good Connecting has a in Australia. The La Trobe PROVIDES GOOD strong practice method and University research, led by evidence base. Research Dr Margot Schofield, used CONNECTING, suggests that the marital a longitudinal design with A PSYCHO‑EDUCATIONAL satisfaction of couples can a pre-treatment survey significantly improve when and two follow up surveys COURSE FOR COUPLES short psycho‑educational at three and 12 months BASED ON DR group courses are undertaken post intervention. The aim (Gottman, 1979; Halford et al. of this quasi‑experimental JOHN GOTTMAN’S 2001; Kaiser et al.). evaluation was to provide INTERNATIONALLY- more detailed profiles of The comparative benefits couples who are seeking RESPECTED of couple counselling and couple counselling compared RESEARCH INTO WHAT relationship education to those seeking relationship programs had not been education programs. MAKES INTIMATE empirically examined In addition, the evaluation RELATIONSHIPS before 2006. In that year, aimed to determine a small Relationships outcomes for relationship SUCCESSFUL. Australia pilot project satisfaction, commitment and (Bickerdike & Carmody, 2006) depression at the three and be published in late 2014 examined the effectiveness 12 month marks. and early 2015 and will add of the Marital Satisfaction to the evidence base for Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) Preliminary results from these services. This research with couples who attended this study indicate that, will assist in designing and a Good Connecting course as expected, couples who refining services for couples, or counselling. Findings attend Good Connecting are particularly early intervention revealed differences in the comparatively less distressed relationship education. level of distress couples at intake than those who reported before services attend for couple counselling, Interestingly, recent research began, suggesting that further supporting the from The Gottman Institute service choice is affected theory that couples select into the effectiveness of their by the level of distress in the type of service based on own brief psych-educational a couple’s relationship. the level of distress in their couples’ workshop suggests While Good Connecting clients relationship. This study has that relationship education exhibited comparatively less also highlighted the need is not only effective for early relationship distress than to better target relationship intervention, but that couple couple counselling clients, education programs to lower therapy may be further it is worth noting that nearly socio-economic populations, enhanced by an educational 50 per cent of this group with research by Hawkins component, particularly for exhibited levels of distress and Fackrell (2010) showing more distressed couples classified by the MSI-R as that these couples can (Babcock & Gottman, 2013; significantly problematic. benefit from attending Ryan & Gottman, 2013). These results warranted relationship education Such research highlights the further exploration. services. Further results potential of psycho-education from this research, including for couples, including In 2009 Good Connecting and an analysis of the treatment Good Connecting, for many Relationships Australia’s effects of Good Connecting couples seeking assistance couple counselling services and couple counselling, will for their relationship. became the subject

31 Different couples find issue and not making CASE STUDY different components of negative personal remarks. Good Connecting to be John reported that this SALLY AND JOHN most helpful, depending exercise helped him to on their circumstances, understand that he and Sally their relationship and the experienced events differently. issues they are experiencing. It also helped both Sally Sally and John attended and John to understand the Good Connecting wanting importance of both feeling to work on communication heard and understood, even THEY RECOGNISED and conflict management. when they didn’t agree with THE IMPORTANCE They reported that they each other. With practice, were arguing regularly and this technique gave Sally OF MAKING TIME felt misunderstood and and John a way to better FOR REGULAR unappreciated by each other. manage conflict. In an attempt to avoid conflict, CONVERSATIONS Sally and John were starting The couple also valued ABOUT THEIR to lead increasingly learning how to keep a separate lives. “current map” of their EVERYDAY LIVES. partner’s worlds on an In the course of undertaking ongoing basis. That is, Good Connecting, couples knowing and understanding complete the “safe talking what was happening in each technique” exercise, in which other’s lives as well as their one partner listens without favourite things, hopes and interruption to the other for worries. They recognised the five minutes and subsequently importance of making time for reflects back what they heard. regular conversations about Ground rules for the task their everyday lives. include sticking to the

D IF F E R E N T C O U P L E S F IN D D IF F E R E N T C O M P O N E N T S O F G O O D C O N N ECT IN G T O B E M O S T H E L P F U L , D E P E N D IN G O N T H E IR C IR C U M S TA N C E S , T H E IR R E L AT IO N S H IP A N D T H E IS S U E S THEY A R E E X P E R IE N C IN G. 33 ACCESS The children’s stream who otherwise may not have was launched in Southern been able to afford them. T O A L L IE D Tasmania in 2012. PSYCHOLOGICAL This program specifically Relationships Australia S E R V IC E S C H IL D targets children 12 years and takes a collaborative M E N TA L H E A LT H under (although children up approach and the children to 15 years can access the are referred directly by their S E R V IC E program) who have, or are at general practitioner (GP) risk of developing, a mental, or provisionally referred While Relationships Australia childhood behavioural by an eligible ‘provisional Tasmania has offered or emotional disorder. referrer’, including counselling to children Relationships Australia school social workers, and young people for many provides eligible children with school psychologists, and years, it now offers a tailored evidence-based, short‑term principals. While the child specialist early intervention psychological strategies is still required to attend an mental health service through within a primary care appointment with their GP, Access to Allied Psychological setting. The psychological once a provisional referral Services (ATAPS) Child Mental services and interventions is received, services are Health Service (CMHS). are relevant to infants, commenced to ensure ATAPS is a program funded by children and their families, timely access. the Australian Government, or to other individuals having through Tasmania Medicare The collaborative nature of responsibility for the child. Local, to provide services to the service ensures that any As the sessions are fully identified groups of people approach taken by clinicians subsidised by the funding, within the community. is in conjunction with the these are free to the client, treating doctor and allows for providing services to those continuity of care to continue These interventions are post-ATAPS sessions. tailored to the needs WHILE RELATIONSHIPS Relationships Australia and age of the child and provides reports to the are often activity based. AUSTRALIA TASMANIA treating doctor regarding the Counselling rooms are set HAS OFFERED interventions provided by the up for children and activities clinician; these occur after can include sand‑play, COUNSELLING TO the first session, and then craft, small figures, bear CHILDREN AND YOUNG after the child’s sixth or final cards. Alternatively the session, whichever comes session may look much PEOPLE FOR MANY first. Up to 12 sessions per more like a traditional YEARS, IT NOW OFFERS calendar year are provided counselling session. to each child referred to A TAILORED SPECIALIST the service (in exceptional Practitioners also use an EARLY INTERVENTION circumstances, it is possible evidence-based assessment for a child to access up to tool, the Strengths and MENTAL HEALTH 18 sessions). Difficulties Questionnaire SERVICE THROUGH (SDQ), that is conducted with The clinicians develop each child who accesses ACCESS TO ALLIED an individualised plan, the program. The benefit of PSYCHOLOGICAL with consideration of the the SDQ is that it covers a child’s needs and goals, range of possible presenting SERVICES CHILD MENTAL and this is reviewed and issues and has been HEALTH SERVICE. updated throughout the specifically developed for child’s engagement with the use with children and young service. The parent/carer(s) people. This is completed are engaged and an intake in the first session, sixth from school, drug and session conducted with them, session and, where 12 alcohol use, violent and which provides further details sessions are required, aggressive behaviour, eating of the child’s presenting it would be administered disorders, and low mood. issues, their impacts and in the twelfth session. history. The practitioners There is generally a marked One primary school aged use evidenced-based difference in SDQ scores child was provisionally interventions and this (and the child’s wellbeing) referred into the program largely includes a Cognitive between the initial session by a school psychologist Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and the final session. to address a number approach as part of the The general pattern of of areas. The child’s SDQ treatment plan. Other SDQ scores are initially in score was 30 (in the very high strategies may include the very high range and range). Due to the child’s motivational interviewing, then generally move to the age and low motivational psycho-education, relaxation average to low range score at levels for attending sessions, techniques, and/or the conclusion of sessions, the clinician needed to be exposure therapy. demonstrating improvement. creative in their approach to ensure engagement. Clinicians within the program Many children have The child loved music, ensure that their knowledge benefited from the program. and that formed part of remains current by regularly While client presentations the therapeutic approach. researching recent studies may vary, there are often a That is, songs were and journals; they attend number of issues identified discussed and those songs professional development in the referral. These may that may assist the child and use individual and include anxiety, behavioural to decrease his reactions group clinical supervision. issues at home and school were identified. that can lead to suspension

35 During one session a volcano Another young person was made with bi‑carbonate accessed the service across soda and vinegar to two calendar years for a demonstrate and discuss number of issues relating AT THE CONCLUSION OF feelings and reactions. to sustained school truancy, In demonstrating the efficacy family issues, behaviour SERVICE, THE YOUNG of emotional regulation problems, addiction, and an PERSON HAD AN techniques, a biofeedback eating disorder. The young computer game was used person lived out of the family SDQ SCORE OF TEN (IN as the child had not believed home, had been involved with THE AVERAGE RANGE), the powerful effects of the the police and presented strategies being learnt. with an SDQ score of 28 HAD RETURNED TO It was identified that the (in the very high range). HER FAMILY HOME, child ‘acted out’ rather than The clinician used a number asking for help which led of interventions over the WAS OFFERED AND to him being reprimanded sessions that included ACCEPTED A PART‑TIME daily at school. In order to motivational interviewing, address challenges in the social skills training, JOB, ATTENDED classroom, star charts were anxiety management, SCHOOL FULL‑TIME, used to improve behaviour trauma focussed CBT, and provide positive feedback. exposure therapy, anger REPORTED MAKING The school responded well to management, and relapse AND MAINTAINING suggestions and implemented prevention techniques to strategies that were address restricted eating. FRIENDSHIPS, PLAYED developed in session. These interventions FOR A STATE-LEVEL addressed self-esteem, As a result of participation interpersonal relationships, SPORTS TEAM, AND in the program, the child’s underlying anxiety and trauma MANAGED HER EVERY final SDQ score was ten history. At the conclusion of (in the average range), service, the young person DAY ANXIETIES. his behavioural issues were had a SDQ score of ten (in the no longer present, he received average range), had returned an excellent school report and to her family’s home, was loved going to school, and the offered and accepted a child identified as having a part‑time job, attended school greater confidence in his full‑time, reported making own ability and enjoyment and maintaining friendships, at school. played for a state-level sports team, and managed her every day anxieties. FEEDBACK- a week later at the start of difficult professional the next session to see if the relationships quickly and IN FO R M E D positivity felt by the client allow the client to be offered TREATMENT straight after a session another counsellor if it is remained for a sustained appropriate for that case. Counselling is an period of time. ever-evolving tool for As this approach requires psychotherapy and within The benefit of this theory is extensive record keeping that evolution there is always the contribution it makes and data analysis, the an opportunity to improve. to the alliance between statistics and reports A current assumption with the counsellor and the that are generated are an counselling is that there client. The client has a excellent tool for reporting. is a particular therapy degree of control over the In the past 12 months of the that will heal a disorder. therapeutic process, giving project, Bill Robinson has However, long-time them a feeling of ownership collected data on 70 clients Relationships Australia and responsibility for and in the past three years Western Australia counsellor, their recovery. over 300 clients from a Bill Robinson, believes there range of programs. Bill is is a tremendous amount It is acknowledged that some also supervising a group of value that can be gained clients do better with certain of Relationships Australia in providing an avenue for counsellors. This model of counsellors that have been feedback from the client feedback can circumvent piloting the model. about their therapy.

Bill works from the Mandurah office and has adopted a model of feedback originally developed by Scott Miller and Barry Duncan in the United States. Bill attended extensive training on the approach and has brought the knowledge back to Australia where he has promoted and trained other counsellors within Relationships Australia in the idea of the practice-based evidence process.

Clients are invited to give feedback before and after each counselling session by using two, four question forms with rating scales for each question. From the information gained, the counsellor can focus on the test of effectiveness of the counselling process for that client. The real test of the session can be assessed

37

Steve and Janet are a thanked her for giving this middle aged couple who felt important feedback because CASE STUDY they had drifted apart and it had corrected his view of whose lives had become the situation and made the STEVE AND JANET very separate. After a first important issues very clear. session of counselling to

T H E C O U P L E C O N T IN U E D IN STEVE AND JANET C O U N S E L L IN G A N D T H E IR F E E D B A C K ARE A MIDDLE AGED O N T H E O U T C O M E RAT IN G S CA L E COUPLE WHO FELT S U G G E S T E D T H EY B O T H F E LT T H EY THEY HAD DRIFTED W E R E E X P E R IE N C IN G A N E N H A N C E D APART AND WHOSE S E N S E O F W E L L B E IN G A N D T H E LIVES HAD BECOME Q U A L IT Y O F T H E IR R E L AT IO N S H IP WA S VERY SEPARATE. C O N S ID E RA B L Y B E T T E R.

start addressing this issue, The couple continued they both completed the in counselling and their session rating scale. Steve’s feedback on the outcome response suggested that he rating scale suggested was happy with the way the they both felt they were session had gone, but Janet’s experiencing an enhanced feedback suggested that, sense of wellbeing and the while she felt some progress quality of their relationship had been made, she did not was considerably better. In the feel entirely heard. Janet also latter stages of treatment felt there was something the counsellor referred back missing from the session. to the earlier discussion and asked Janet if she would In a discussion following this have continued attending if feedback Janet said she felt it hadn’t happened. She said the counsellor had embraced she wasn’t sure, but added Steve’s dream of taking the that the discussion had year off and touring around left her feeling much more the country with much more optimistic about what the enthusiasm than her dream counselling could achieve. of restarting her career She also did not think she after putting it on hold for would have voiced her years while she raised their doubts if the counsellor had children. The counsellor not asked for her feedback acknowledged the lapse and then followed up with in his understanding and a question about her mixed response to her. He then feelings after the first session.

39 GAMBLING to drop out of treatment prematurely relative to those H E L P S E R V IC E seeking help for other mental M O D E L O F health problems (Kazdin & THE SERVICE AIMS TO S E R V IC E A N D Mazurick, 1994). The drop IMPROVE CLIENT ACCESS S E R V IC E out in treatment for problem SO THAT IT BETTER gamblers is estimated to R E D E S IG N be between 43 per cent and 80 per cent (Grant, Kim, RESPONDS TO THE Relationships Australia & Kuskowski, 2004). IMMEDIATE NEEDS OF Queensland focusses on good client access and outcomes CLIENTS, RESULTING IN and has developed a model M O S A C C E S S R E D E S IG N MORE APPROPRIATE of service (MOS) for its A key component of the Queensland Gambling Help MOS was to address access. INTERVENTIONS THAT service (GHS). The service Relationships Australia’s LEAD TO BETTER aims to improve client access analysis identified a number so that it better responds of barriers to access CLIENT OUTCOMES. to the immediate needs of and client engagement. clients, resulting in more The effectiveness of brief appropriate interventions telephone Motivational that lead to better Enhancement Therapy client outcomes. (MET) in the treatment of problem gambling is WHY? well established (Hodgins, Shawn, Currie & el-Guebaly, The most recent Queensland 2001). In December 2013, Household Survey 2011–12 Relationships Australia indicates that only 17 per moved towards a MOS that cent of problem gamblers responds to GHS client have sought help for enquires with an immediate problems related to intake, assessment and a their gambling. It also brief MET intervention. suggested that even when problem gamblers seek help they are more likely The MET model encourages R E S U LT S also been a large reduction clients to seek help and Initial analysis of in the treatment dropout increase motivation to Relationships Australia’s percentage between 2012 change. The MET elements GHS data since December and now. (See Prevalence incorporated in Relationships 2013 indicates that the of Treatment Drop-out in Australia’s intervention MOS access redesign has the Relationships Australia include: normalised feedback enhanced initial client Gambling Help Service to the client about their engagement. There has 2000–2014). problem gambling risk; exploration of ambivalence about change and change talk exercises; provision of a CLIENTS PERCENT OF YEAR range of therapeutic options REGISTERED DROPOUT to assist change (including 2012 532* 51% face-to-face counselling, telephone counselling, 2013–2014 95 31% online support, self-help workbooks and education 2013–2014 data based on data gathered 12.12.2013–20.2.2014 material, support groups, * Problem gambling clients only that participated in a full assessment self-exclusion and external and not family members or significant others. referrals); and encourages hope and self‑efficacy about the possibility of making changes to gambling behaviours. …THE RELATIONSHIPS AUSTRALIA INTERVENTION ASSISTS CLIENTS In addition, the Relationships Australia intervention TO EXPLORE AND PROBLEM SOLVE assists clients to explore THE BARRIERS THAT MAY EXIST and solve the barriers that exist to seeking treatment. TO SEEKING TREATMENT. It also has a mechanism to obtain client permission to follow‑up the client if they drop out of treatment.

41 Troy, aged 35 years, called Relationships Australia Queensland’s GHS one Monday. He presented as calm when the call started. Troy then started to cry when describing the effect of his recent gambling; stating that gambling is sometimes a problem in his life, and has recently caused a crisis for him. He had been made redundant from his job and, feeling lonely and under financial pressure, he gambled on the pokies the previous Wednesday night, losing $1,800.

Troy identified depression and drinking as two of the key triggers for his gambling. He said he gambles as a distraction and a way of being social. Troy said that after losing the money he felt bad about the financial stress he had placed on his family and himself for the coming Christmas period; he spoke about having suicidal thoughts.

Troy said he had not been able to function or get out of bed for the next few days after the previous Wednesday’s loss and this had been the first day he had been able to contact someone for help. Troy said he had kept his depression and gambling issues to himself and has only recently been more open with his experiences of depression. The only person aware of his problem gambling is his sister.

C L IE N T H IS T O RY Troy talked about a physical injury that makes gaining future employment difficult. He has a history of depression and has had previous suicidal thoughts. Troy said he previously had been able to “pull himself In concluding the call, out” of problem gambling the practitioner assisted CASE STUDY by recognising the negative Troy to explore some of the effects it has had for him barriers he could face in GAMBLING HELP and changing his behaviour getting to the face-to-face by himself without formal counselling appointment. SERVICE treatment. He presented with The practitioner also obtained a Problem Gambling Severity Troy’s permission to make Index (PGSI) score of 18, a follow-up call if he did not a high risk problem gambler attend the appointment. with negative consequences and a possible loss of control. A suicide risk assessment was also administered. There was TROY STARTED TO CRY Risk factors: redundancy, no specific plan or means previous history of depression, for suicide. WHEN DESCRIBING THE financial stress, Christmas EFFECT OF HIS RECENT and not having family support Troy’s protective factors networks close. included extended family GAMBLING, STATING support in Townsville THAT GAMBLING IS IN T E R V E N T IO N and Victoria, and a good relationship with his mother. SOMETIMES A PROBLEM During the phone call, Troy said that a protective the GHS practitioner used IN HIS LIFE AND HAS factor was a picture of his the MET intervention, giving children and he told himself RECENTLY CAUSED A normalised feedback about he could not lose them. his PGSI score. She explored CRISIS FOR HIM. Troy also mentioned a friend with Troy his ambivalence who had been a big support about making changes to to him previously and was his gambling behaviour coming over that afternoon. and the effects of gaming on Troy’s life, financial loss, Consent was gained from challenges with affording Troy to contact him again that Christmas presents for his evening. When this call was children and guilt at feeling made, he requested a call he has let himself and his back the following Wednesday. family down. The practitioner When a GHS practitioner used self-efficacy enhancing contacted him on Wednesday, interventions, discussing Troy told her he had informed the benefits of positive four or more other people help-seeking behaviour for of his problem and was depression and gambling. feeling supported. Troy was offered a further call back They discussed a range of from a practitioner, but said therapeutic options to assist he had enough support to get Troy, including face-to-face through until his appointment. counselling, telephone He was encouraged to call counselling, online support, GHS back if further support and self-exclusion. From the was required. therapeutic options discussed, Troy decided he would like to Troy presented for his seek face-to-face counselling face‑to-face counselling and and booked an appointment continues to receive ongoing for the following week. treatment for his gambling.

43 T H E PA R E N TA L previous clients of the Blacktown FRC, in both R EG A R D P IL O T pre‑and post-training groups. P R O J ECT The findings revealed several positive changes for clients The Parental Regard Pilot who experienced the Parental Project is a practice‑based Regard model of practice. research study conducted at the New South Wales T H E M E S D RA W N F R O M Blacktown Family C L IE N T S’’ N A R RAT IV E S Relationship Centre (FRC) IN C L U D E : between mid-2011 and One father said: “I learnt to early 2013. Parental Regard focus on using more positive emphasises the building

language when talking about of a therapeutic alliance my son’s mum. I hadn’t between the practitioner and realised that calling her the client. It also aims to ‘my ex partner’ instead of help post-separation clients ‘Tom’s mum’ was actually form a positive regard for, quite difficult for Tom.” and alliance with, the other parent where it is safe to Another father said: do so. “Seeing the counsellors helped us to develop Blacktown is recognised common words around the as one of the most way we parent, even though multicultural areas in Sydney, we are separated. We now with large Filipino and Indian talk about the parenting communities. Located in the bridge that our daughter western suburbs, Blacktown stands on; the bridge that is also home to the largest supports her through life. Aboriginal population of any If the relationship totally postcode area in NSW. collapses, our daughter The first stage of the project has little to stand on so it’s was to train family advisors important we maintain that from the Blacktown FRC in bridge in a positive way.” the Parental Regard model A mother we spoke to said: of practice. This model

INCREASING “I learnt how important it of practice explores the is to keep the conflict away transformative effect of a from my children. I’m now deep level of engagement more aware of how I talk between the practitioner and about my daughter’s father the parent. It also assists in front of her. I wasn’t parents to gain a greater aware that she was picking understanding as to how they PARENTAL REGARD PARENTAL up on the conflict, so I’m have been perceived by the now mindful of reducing the other parent and how they conflict discussion when might change their behaviour she’s around.” to reduce acrimony.

Another mother stated: The research involved 28 “My personal connection semi-structured qualitative with the mediator at the telephone interviews with Family Relationship Centre really helped. They gave me The initial findings from the the strength and support Parental Regard Pilot Project I needed to continue with have supported a second the mediation process; pilot study that has been especially through the running throughout 2014. difficult times. It was a really In the second Parental Regard important relationship.” Pilot study, family dispute resolution practitioners This mum commented: as well as family advisors “The face-to-face sessions across Relationships were the most valuable as Australia New South Wales they gave me the opportunity are being trained in the to really connect with Parental Regard model. As in the family advisor and do the first pilot, parents who more than just exchange have received services from information. We were able the FRCs will be interviewed “SEEING THE COUNSELLORS HELPED US TO DEVELOP COMMON WORDS AROUND THE WAY WE PARENT, EVEN THOUGH WE ARE SEPARATED. WE NOW TALK ABOUT THE PARENTING BRIDGE THAT OUR DAUGHTER STANDS ON, THE BRIDGE THAT SUPPORTS HER THROUGH LIFE.” to engage in really supportive in order to understand their conversations about experiences of family dispute communication, conflict, resolution. This project and children’s needs.” has provided Relationships Australia with vital feedback A father said: “We’ve from clients, and continues experienced a positive to inform clinical practice in shift in our relationship as a positive way. parents, after visiting the Family Relationship Centre. The mediators helped both of us to think about the impact our disagreements were having on our children and how we could get on better with each other, as parents not partners.”

45 YO U T H Once the referral is assessed and considered suitable, D IV E R S IO N the case manager seeks THE SAFETY, SECURITY P RO G RA M , to engage and support the A L IC E S P R IN G S young person in their youth AND ULTIMATE diversion program. EMPOWERMENT OF The Youth Diversion Program provides case management Relationships Australia’s THESE YOUNG PEOPLE support to young people Youth Diversion Service AND THEIR FAMILIES whose behaviour and operates in a restorative choices have brought them justice framework that IN THIS PROCESS ARE into contact with the formal combines conferencing with A PRIORITY. justice system. The safety, other interventions including security and ultimate counselling, community empowerment of these young work/activities, training/ people and their families in education, restitution and this process are a priority. an apology process.

With the introduction of This model is consistent with the Youth Justice Act 2005 other examples of promising in the Northern Territory, practice and is considered youth justice conferencing to offer young offenders was developed by police the best opportunity to be as an alternative to a court diverted away from the appearance for young criminal justice system. offenders. The rationale for the program is an early “Restorative justice schemes intervention approach to bring together those with a diverting young people stake in a crime (typically a from the formal justice victim, an offender and their system. Referrals of young supporters) to discuss the people aged 10 to 18 years offence and its impact, and are made directly by the they decide what to do to Northern Territory Police repair the harm to the victim Youth Diversion Unit (YDU) to and perhaps also to a larger a non-government provider collective. Restorative justice (such as Relationships can take place at any point of Australia in Alice Springs). the criminal justice process.” (Daly, 2001) E V ID E N C E B A S E There have been four main This work, including 590 first There is a sizable body studies to date in Australia time offenders who attended of research in this area and New Zealand and these a conference and 3,830 largely focussing on studies analyse whether juvenile first time offenders implementation issues and the characteristics of who attended court found feedback from participants. conferencing resulted in that the risk of reoffending Fewer studies examine the lower recidivism. Lower was 15 to 20 per cent lower effects of restorative justice rates of recidivism were among juveniles sent to a sanctions on reoffending; found when the young person conference than among those however, most studies have showed remorse and agreed who went to court, regardless identified some reduction in with the conference outcome of Indigenous status reoffending when compared (Luke & Lind, 2002). (Richards et al, 2011). to court-based responses.

STAYING ON TRACK

CONTACT CONTACT  ASSESSMENT AA Caseworker Caseworker contacts contacts you you and andyour your parent/ We need to find out your side of the guardianparent/guardian to see if you to want see ifto you do a want diversion to story and to check whether Diversion is program.do a diversion program. the best option for you.

YOUTH YOUTH JUSTICE JUSTICE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE Where we we all all sit sit together together (you, (you, the Police,the  PRE-CONFERENCE yourPolice, parent/guardian, your parent/guardian, your caseworker your and We all meet with the police to talk thecaseworker victim) and and talk the about victim) what and happened talk about what is going to happen in the andabout how what we are happened going to makeand how it better. we areWe Youth Justice Conference. signgoing a formto make at the it end better. to show We wesign all a agree. form at the end to show we all agree.

 THE PROGRAM EXIT EXIT INTERVIEW INTERVIEW THE PROGRAM This normally goes for approximately When youyou have successfully This normally goes for approximately 3 3 months. In this time you will complete the completed all the things in months. In this time you will complete the things you have agreed to do as part of your your program the matter is things you have agreed to do as part of your diversion program. over and you don’t have to go diversion program. togo court.to court.

47 Charles is a 15 year old Territory Police YDU to CASE STUDY boy living in Alice Springs. complete a diversion One evening he was walking program. The program YOUTH home from rugby practice required Charles to with a few mates. He was participate in a victim/ DIVERSION less than five minutes from offender conference. his home when he picked up The taxi driver was a large rock and started to considered unsuitable to PROGRAM carry it with him. Before he participate in the conference, knew it his friends were and instead the conference encouraging him to throw it. went ahead with the They raised the stakes and owners of the taxi. challenged Charles; “bet ya can’t hit the car”. Charles The taxi owner explained to CHARLES IS A 15 YEAR threw the rock and not only Charles the impact of his behaviour on the taxi driver OLD BOY LIVING IN did he hit the car, the rock smashed through the window and themselves. It was ALICE SPRINGS. also hitting the taxi driver not the first time this has happened to them. Cars had ONE EVENING HE in the head. Charles was charged with damage to been damaged on other WAS WALKING HOME property and aggravated occasions, and they explained to Charles the taxi didn’t FROM RUGBY PRACTICE assault and his file was sent by police to Relationships just have a broken window. WITH A FEW MATES. Australia Northern Territory’s The taxi had become part of a crime scene and so it was HE WAS LESS THAN Youth Diversion Program to determine if Charles was impounded by the police and FIVE MINUTES FROM suitable to participate in they were without an income the program. for a week and had to pay HIS HOME WHEN… a higher premium to the Charles and his mother insurer to get the car fixed. Carlene attended for assessment. Carlene was The conference was very embarrassed as she had emotional and Charles’ no prior knowledge of the mother was in tears. She was incident. (Charles parents distressed that her son had are separated and Charles almost killed another person. had included his father in the The victims were both angry earlier police interview.) with Charles for making the choice he did, yet at the Charles was assessed same time they expressed as suitable to engage in verbally how impressed diversion on the basis they were that he came to of his willingness to see them and apologise. accept responsibility and After the conference the his preparedness to be victims consoled Charles’ involved, and the family mother as they explained support available to him in they too have teenagers who the process. Charles was make bad choices. It was accepted by the Northern agreed at the conference that Charles, as a part of his weekly work experience community service, would placement as a part of his volunteer to work with Judith, schooling program. Charles one of the taxi owners, jumped at the opportunity for ten hours, helping as he was keen to develop her in her work where practical skills that could she prepares 200 meals help him find employment a day for school students in the building industry. around Alice Springs.

…C H A R L E S WA S V E RY T H A N KF U L F O R T H E O P P O RT U N IT Y T O B E IN V O L V E D IN A D IV E R S IO N P R O C E S S A S IT H A D G IV E N H IM A WA Y T O F IX T H E H A R M HE HAD CA U S E D.

Charles was given three Rock throwing is a major months to complete his problem in Alice Springs community service and he with cars, taxis and completed his time with ambulances being Judith in just over two weeks. hit regularly. Relationships For the remainder of his Australia’s Youth Diversion community service hours he Program is currently working worked with Relationships on an education program Australia’s youth diversion directed at this topic and is team in the delivery developing a DVD to use in of a three day African schools. Charles has agreed drum making workshop to share his story for this for young people at the purpose as he wants people Alice Springs library during to learn from his mistake. school holidays. Charles’ He would like young people to assistance was valued and understand the impact they he contributed positively in can have on themselves, their the process. It gave him a family and their community peer leadership role and he through choices they rose to the challenge. make. In his exit interview, Charles was grateful for the Due to his efforts he opportunity to be involved in was introduced to the a diversion process as it had Alice Springs Council given him a way to fix the depot manager who was harm he had caused. willing to offer him a

49 NON-VIOLENT child’s negative behaviours. NVR develops and RESISTANCE strengthens the family support network that reduces EXPERIENCING Experiencing aggressive, violent and destructive violent and dangerous behaviour, both in and AGGRESSIVE, VIOLENT behaviour from your child is out of the home. AND DANGEROUS something no parent wants to experience. For many Relationships Australia BEHAVIOUR FROM YOUR parents this scenario creates Canberra and Region has a sense of helplessness, CHILD IS SOMETHING been running the NVR increased conflict within the program in Canberra NO PARENT WANTS home, and in some cases since 2012, working with contributes to the family TO EXPERIENCE. parents who have children breaking down. FOR MANY PARENTS displaying destructive and hostile behaviour. In this Non-violent resistance (NVR) THIS SCENARIO ten week program, parents is an innovative approach to build their skills to resist CREATES A SENSE addressing this behaviour the violence experienced in children, adolescents OF HELPLESSNESS, from their children, to take and young adults, by raising a firm but non-aggressive INCREASED CONFLICT parental presence, and stance and break the cycle helping parents to overcome WITHIN THE HOME... of violence. Parents in these their sense of helplessness. situations often feel helpless In NVR, the parents aim to and respond to the behaviour resist rather than control the in ways that unintentionally and found to be very effective Evaluation of the NVR disconnect them from in helping families with program has been ‘the parent they want to children and young people overwhelmingly positive, be’ which may escalate who are displaying abusive with participants difficulties in the relationship. and violent behaviours. commenting that they were able to increase their The group is based on The NVR program is parental presence and the premise that parents supported by research authority, resist being drawn can non-violently resist showing that young people into escalation patterns destructive actions and who are underpinned by and reconnect to their provides a framework for supportive communities parenting values. support for them and other are less likely to be involved significant people in the in unlawful activities and Through this constructive child/young person’s life. anti-social behaviour. approach to dealing with Protective factors include challenges, enabling a Outcomes associated with supportive environments more secure attachment the NVR program are: and strong bonds with for young people with their family, mentors, schools and parents, young people ƒƒ young people are the community, as well as are better equipped prevented from entering healthy beliefs, attitudes and to respond to negative into foster care; behavioural standards. situations and not escalate ƒƒ the family unit is anti‑social behaviour. supported and preserved;

ƒƒ a reduction in family violence and conflict; RELATIONSHIPS AUSTRALIA CANBERRA ƒƒ the dignity and self‑respect of parents, AND REGION HAS BEEN RUNNING THE children and young people NVR PROGRAM IN CANBERRA SINCE 2012, remain intact; WORKING WITH PARENTS WHO HAVE ƒƒ reduction in anti-social and violent behaviour CHILDREN DISPLAYING DESTRUCTIVE in schools and the AND HOSTILE BEHAVIOUR. community; and

ƒƒ children and young people’s sense of safety is increased.

The program is the first of its kind in Australia, based on a model developed by the Oxleas Family Therapy Centre in the UK. NVR was originally a response to oppression practiced by people such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King. The philosophy of NVR has more recently been applied by Haim Omer in the field of family therapy,

51 At the time of joining the Throughout the group CASE STUDY NVR group, Carol was a Carol felt that she was able single mother, raising two to reconnect to her own NON-VIOLENT children on her own after values as a mother with an leaving a violent relationship. increased parental presence RESISTANCE The children had witnessed in the home. There was a the violence by their father sense of relief in meeting towards their mother. with other parents with a shared experience, Prior to attending NVR, particularly when previous Carol was receiving attempts to speak about it, some support from had not resulted in support. AT THE TIME OF JOINING other government THE NVR GROUP, and non‑government Carol was also able to regain organisations. She was a sense of parental authority CAROL WAS A SINGLE referred to Relationships which allowed her to stand MOTHER, RAISING TWO Australia because she had up against the violence in been struggling to cope ways that enabled her to stay CHILDREN ON HER with the behaviour of her grounded in her own ethics OWN AFTER LEAVING A eldest son. Every day Carol and values as a parent. was subjected to violent VIOLENT RELATIONSHIP. behaviour from her child that Carol felt supported in being able to break the silence THE CHILDREN HAD included punching, kicking and property damage to and secrecy by recruiting WITNESSED THE their home. supporters who could stand beside her in practicing VIOLENCE BY THEIR When she joined the the principles of NVR. FATHER TOWARDS group, Carol felt guilty Her supporters included for what her children had the school teacher, a friend THEIR MOTHER. experienced in her past and family members. relationships and ashamed about what was happening At the end of the group in her home. She felt a Carol was feeling more sense of hopelessness hopeful and resourced to and exhaustion. Carol was parent in ways that she socially isolated because had not felt confident to of her shame and couldn’t do previously. Six months ask for help because she after the completion of the felt unable to tell people group Carol continued to feel about what was happening confident in sustaining the in her family. ideas and practices of NVR at home where the level of Carol’s motivation for violence and conflict had attending the course was significantly reduced. her concern around the escalating levels of violence in the home and the safety of both her children. Carol had hopes for a peaceful home. 53 I- C O N N ECT took place in April 2014 and Building upon Relationships was well-attended, with local Australia’s organisational Relationships Australia families, children, service strengths and experience, Victoria’s 2013–2015 Strategy providers and East Gippsland i-Connect utilises a relational Plan identifies mental health Shire Council members taking approach to working with services and children’s part in the free activities. at-risk children and their services as key planks. families. Practical support is Mental health is the biggest Funded by DSS, i-Connect given to children and young health issue facing young is based in Bairnsdale with people to assist them in Australians today, yet only outreach sites at Orbost building positive relationships, one in four young people with and Cann River. This free exploring positive mental health issues receive service aims to help children risk‑taking, supporting professional help (headspace, and young people to stay self-regulation and building 2014). Poor mental health engaged in education and positive reputations. in young people is strongly learning, including sport related to other health and and recreation, and maintain i-Connect is informed by the connections with their family, principle that relationships friends and community. are central to the emotional wellbeing of children, and I-CONNECT IS INFORMED There is a strong link between engagement in education, mental health risk factors learning and recreation BY THE PRINCIPLE and barriers to education. can be important protective THAT RELATIONSHIPS Lower educational attainment factors. Parental engagement can result in poor family was investigated with respect ARE CENTRAL TO THE wellbeing and mental to educational outcomes for EMOTIONAL WELLBEING health issues, including children in the Australian economic difficulties and Research Alliance for Children OF CHILDREN, AND disengagement from and Youth report in 2012. ENGAGEMENT IN mainstream services and The report concluded that a employment opportunities. EDUCATION, LEARNING child’s academic achievement, Further issues, including wellbeing and productivity AND RECREATION family violence, drug are improved by positively and alcohol abuse CAN BE IMPORTANT engaging parents in a child’s and generational learning. Furthermore, the PROTECTIVE FACTORS. disenfranchisement, engagement of significant may also result. Conversely, adults in a child’s life is a lack of support for poor associated with positive mental health can contribute development outcomes, development outcomes, to relationship instability, notably lower educational including improved social a lack of engagement achievements leading to and emotional development, in education, and social unstable employment, resilience, and self-esteem. isolation, and creating substance abuse, violence, a cycle of disadvantage. Case management that and poor sexual health. The i-Connect service model focuses on practical In 2013 Relationships is designed to interrupt this strategies provides a Australia implemented pattern and contribute to holistic approach to the i-Connect, a Family Mental the long-term wellbeing and work of the i-Connect Health Support Service for resilience of young people team. Challenges faced by children and young people by strengthening family children and young people in East Gippsland who are relationships and helping are not seen in isolation, at-risk or affected by mental them to overcome barriers with a whole‑of‑family and illness. i-Connect’s official to education. launch and family fun day CENTRAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THE I-CONNECT PROGRAM ARE COLLABORATIVE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS AND THE COMMUNITY.

whole‑of community approach into counselling services identify as Aboriginal and used to assist clients where appropriate. With a Torres Strait Islanders. to achieve their desired client’s permission, a joint Focusing on community outcomes. i-Connect uses a case management model links, cultural awareness combination of promotion is used to ensure that the and respect, i-Connect has and education, short-term therapeutic work and case developed a relationship with and long-term interventions. management are aligned. the Lake Tyers Aboriginal The long-term aim of the Trust, enabling i-Connect service is to help strengthen Through a partnership with staff to attend the Mission the capacity of at-risk young Good Beginnings Australia, and engage with families people for achieving success the i-Connect team delivers that require support. in learning and moving into the Play 2 Learn program, the work force. a weekly playgroup supporting Central to the success of vulnerable families. Play 2 the i-Connect program The services delivered Learn uses an early childhood are collaborative working through i-Connect are varied, development framework relationships with other with case managers meeting focusing on learning through organisations and the clients on school premises, role‑modelling, to provide community. Community at early childhood centres, families with experiences capacity building aims to office locations, community that help build stronger build the knowledge and skill centres or in the family attachment and engagement of individuals, organisations home. Caseworkers use a in play. In the first half of 2014, and schools and in doing range of tools to engage Play 2 Learn was delivered to so, help communities to with and assist clients to 151 family members. better understand and develop strengths-based de‑stigmatise mental illness, strategies and build resilience With the East Gippsland promote mental wellbeing, and coping mechanisms. region home to a large and support at-risk children Client‑driven, individualised Aboriginal and Torres Strait and young people. family action plans are Islander community, i-Connect developed with the client and has built a strong rapport with family to set goals, which are local Aboriginal community reviewed regularly. Clients and Indigenous Services; and their families are linked one quarter of active clients

55 Seventeen year old Abby Eight year old Jack CASE STUDY was referred to i-Connect was referred to the i-Connect by her school as she service through a ‘Victims I-CONNECT was struggling at home of Crime’ support program. and school. Abby had removed On referral, i-Connect herself from her family home contacted Jack’s mother as a result of family violence to arrange an assessment and was staying with extended meeting in her home town, family members. High levels an hour away from i-Connect’s of anxiety were affecting Bairnsdale office. Jack’s I-CONNECT Abby’s health, diet and mother confided to her ARRANGED nutrition and, as a result, i-Connect case manager she was underweight for that she had been highly MEDICAL AND her age and height. distressed the previous THERAPEUTIC night and was feeling i-Connect arranged depressed. Jacks’ mother APPOINTMENTS, medical and therapeutic was experiencing financial INCLUDING appointments, including difficulties, serious physical counselling for Abby, and mental health issues, COUNSELLING FOR to enable her to receive care and family breakdown. ABBY, TO ENABLE to improve her mental health Both Jack and his mother and wellbeing. Abby’s case were traumatised as a HER TO RECEIVE manager worked with her result of family violence. CARE TO IMPROVE and her year level coordinator These events were affecting to establish a timetable that Jack’s capacity to engage in HER MENTAL included one day of work. school and he was presenting HEALTH AND This flexibility enabled Abby to with anxious behaviours. maintain some independence, WELLBEING. pay her school fees and Through appropriate case buy lunches. management, i-Connect linked Jack and his mother After Abby expressed an with relevant support interest in the education services. While with Jack sector, i-Connect organised and his mother, and with for Abby to undertake a day Jack’s mother permission, of work experience with a i-Connect made contact with local service. This placement the family’s local GP, as Jack’s was so successful that the mother had tried to gain service is now looking to support on her own but had establish a traineeship for her. been unsuccessful.

Throughout the year, Abby’s The i-Connect caseworker self-esteem and sense of engaged a counsellor to worth has improved and help address anxiety and continued to grow. A teacher family trauma, and helped from Abby’s school visited Jack’s mother to make her during the placement contact with a financial and noted that a significant counsellor and Centrelink. change was evident in Abby By liaising with Jack’s and her behaviour. Abby now school and providing holds her head high and transport, Jack was able to makes eye contact when continue attending classes, engaging in conversation. allowing his educational, social and community engagement needs to be met. i-Connect also helped Jack to connect with a service that supports children with a parent experiencing mental health issues.

Jack’s mother sought to improve her mental health through counselling, medication and regular visits to her GP. Jack’s mother also commenced further education, started receiving Centrelink family payment entitlements and re-entered the work force part-time, reducing financial pressures on the family. With the case management in place and weekly support provided in the classroom by the i-Connect case manager, Jack’s attendance at school increased and he now actively engages in classroom activities.

JACK , E IG H T Y E A R S O L D , WAS REFERRED T O T H E I- C O N N ECT S E R V IC E T H R O U G H A ‘V ICT IM S O F C R IM E’ S U P P O RT P R O G RA M. .

57 C H IL D C O N TA CT Referrals for the service mostly originate from the S E R V IC E S Family Court or mediation. The circumstances in each “THE SERVICE WAS Following parental case are unique and require separation, it is important a varied amount of case work BRILLIANT … for children’s wellbeing and rapport building with I CAN’T SPEAK HIGHLY and development that they all parties. The child may be remain connected with ambivalent about seeing the ENOUGH ABOUT IT.” significant people in their ‘absent’ parent and may be – Client lives. It is also essential experiencing torn loyalties. that they be shielded from The parent with whom the conflict and abuse. The Child child lives may be anxious Contact Service (CCS) can about exposing their child reduce stress by providing to distress and possible a safe and supportive way further trauma. The parent for children to maintain a who spends time with the relationship with the parent child may be angry and they do not live with, and upset because they have not other family members seen their child for a long (supervised contact), and time and may resent having to move between separated supervised contact. parents (handovers). Annually, the Relationships or strongly agreed that they cases and work diligently to Australia Western Australia were treated with respect, keep everyone focussed on service provides support that there was less conflict the benefit for the children. for around 200 families. associated with handing their There are four locations, children over (93%), and The philosophy of the team with each location holding that predictable handover/ at CCS reflects the value a caseload of approximately supervision benefited their and care each member puts 60 families last year. children (80%). on the safety and wellbeing The success of the program of children and on the can be attributed to the The service also provides parent‑child relationship. 40 staff members who an orientation program work mostly on weekends for children who are being facilitating supervised visits re-connected with a parent and handovers. The teams or other family members. are highly qualified and This involves bringing the skilled in their roles. children into the CCS to meet and become familiar with A recent independent the staff and surroundings evaluation of the Midland as they prepare to meet with CCS noted that 96 per cent the parent. The team take on of clients surveyed agreed and maintain highly stressful

59 In 2012 the CSS was Over the next few weeks CASE STUDY contacted by the mother of mother and child were a five year old boy, Brett, able to share activities CHILD CONTACT asking if we would be able to and conversation with less provide supervised contact to support from the worker, SERVICES allow her to reconnect with who was always present her son, whom she had not but was increasingly able seen for three years. Brett’s to take a background role. father, with whom he lived, The mother was very careful was very reluctant to allow and sensitive to her son’s this contact, even though wariness and need to move a court order had recently slowly towards the closeness IN 2012 THE CSS WAS been made. The father’s she was anxious to establish. CONTACTED BY THE objection appeared to be With staff support the mother related to the mother’s prior was able to explain to Brett MOTHER OF A FIVE drug use and the long gap some of the reasons for YEAR OLD BOY, BRETT, in contact. He said that his her long absence from his son thought of his aunt as life. Brett accepted these ASKING IF WE WOULD his mother. Because of this explanations and was able to BE ABLE TO PROVIDE reluctance it took many ask questions about it. At no months of patient negotiation time did the mother criticise SUPERVISED CONTACT and encouragement, and a the father about this. TO ALLOW HER TO referral back to the Family Court, to arrange the intake At the same time the centre RECONNECT WITH assessments necessary to coordinator was able to HER SON, WHOM SHE establish the contact. keep the father informed about the progress of the HAD NOT SEEN FOR Orientation sessions were supervised visits. As he saw THREE YEARS. held with Brett to prepare that it was going well and that him for meeting with his son was enjoying his time his mother and the first with his mother he was able supervised contact took place to let go of some of his anxiety in mid‑2013. A particularly and became more cooperative skilled and experienced with the service. worker was assigned to the contact and sensitively Recently, in a meeting with assisted both Brett and his the court consultant at the mother to communicate. She Family Court, the parents supported the child to invite agreed to handovers rather his mother to join in the game than supervised contact. they were playing. Maintaining The service is now communication at the level assisting with this. of the game enabled the child to gradually relax in his mother’s presence. 61 HOLDING ameliorate stress responses in children and young people CHILDREN (Bath, 2008). THE HOLDING CHILDREN T O G E T H E R — ARNT WIRRKE The Board of Inquiry Report TOGETHER SERVICE into the Child Protection — T Y E KE System in the Northern IS A THERAPEUTIC AMPEMAPA Territory (Growing Them COUNSELLING SERVICE APPURTELE Strong, Together) has highlighted the significant FOR ABORIGINAL We are now far more aware need for therapeutic services CHILDREN AGED FIVE of the lifelong impact that respond to children’s of abuse and neglect in experiences of trauma, TO 12 YEARS WHO childhood, including the and to the intergenerational HAVE EXPERIENCED impacts on the developing experiences of trauma. brain, affecting the child’s The Board of Inquiry further INTERPERSONAL ability to regulate their own noted the fragmented nature TRAUMA… behaviour and build trusting of service delivery in the and trusted relationships field of child and family with others (Lamont, 2010; services and recommended Perry, 2009). Evidence from an increase in collaborative the field of neuroscience approaches to improving demonstrates that child children’s safety and maltreatment and exposure wellbeing. These issues to “toxic” levels of stress, or were also recognised in a to emotional and physical community consultation deprivation (i.e. child conducted by Anglicare NT neglect), can significantly Communities for Children impair brain development. (C4C) that identified a The associated cognitive and service gap for therapeutic psychosocial impairments services for children who can lead to: learning and had experience interpersonal developmental problems trauma in Alice Springs. (poor transition to school and early drop out); externalising D E S C R IP T IO N O F behaviour problems including THE S E R V IC E antisocial and risk taking The Holding Children Together behaviours (substance (HCT) service is a therapeutic misuse and criminal activity); counselling service for and significant mental health Aboriginal children aged problems (post-traumatic five to 12 years who have stress disorder, anxiety, experienced interpersonal depression, suicidal ideation trauma and to assist their and behaviour) (Lamont, families/carers in supporting 2010; Northern Territory the children to provide safety Government, 2010). and relational stability in their recovery. The service is Research has shown that delivered on the basis that co-regulation of behaviour interventions are shown to through attentive, responsive be most successful when and soothing caregiving has carers, support networks the ability to both prevent and and professionals enact PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Improved Australian Childhood outcomes for Federation (ACF) children Integrating culturally Capacity Building specific ways Relationships Australia of working in Northern Territory . Training a therapeutic . Support context Collaboration Community Therapeutic and Effective Team (CTT) Networking

collaborative and intersecting Since the program began IN N O VAT IO N A N D A C O M M IT M E N T T O functions that can achieve there have been 140 children A CT IO N R E S E A R C H / protective, reparative and referred into the program, E V ID E N C E B A S E restorative objectives for with 109 referrals accepted. Currently the program is children and young people. We are currently holding 39 trialling a new assessment clients of whom 60 per cent and evaluation tool developed The result of a unique have or have had involvement specifically by the team partnership between with the Department of for use with Aboriginal Relationships Australia Children and Families. children and their families Northern Territory, the The average time in the in Central Australia. Australian Childhood program is 18 months. Federation (ACF) and the Common presenting issues Community Therapeutic HCT has had an evaluation and measurements for Team (CTT), the service framework integrated into levels of concern across works through a combination it from the outset. (Arney & the foundational domains of direct service delivery Brooke, 2012) The evaluation of Safety, Learning, and to children with trauma was specific to the service’s Relationships & Adaptability symptoms, the formation of first 12 months of operation have been identified. Initial a network of practitioners and was conducted by baseline data was collected who are supported Menzies School of Health for 64 children and then through professional Research (led by Dr Fiona after six months in the development, and training Arney). The program logic program, a second and third and supervision informed is at the core of the HCT review has been possible on by the latest research and continues to guide the 19 children and their families about the neurobiology of evolution of the service. with very promising results. trauma, delivered by experts Relationships Australia is in the field. HCT has also currently seeking a research been designed to address partner to assist us to contextual issues in improve the tool and its Alice Springs such as a empirical validity. lack of staff trained in trauma-based counselling, particularly with children, and low staff retention.

63

A seven year old boy was worked to facilitate and CASE STUDY referred to our service promote the importance through the school due of family connection for HOLDING to concerns about his the child, particularly with emotional stability, the boy his grandmother. CHILDREN having displayed anger, depression, anxiety and Many meetings have unhappiness. Included in this been held with the child’s TOGETHER were behavioural concerns, teacher and carers, as part such as fighting with peers of his support team, and and continual disruptions in strategies developed to help the classroom. He had been meet his needs. Explaining put on restricted play due to the situation from a schoolyard incidents. neurobiological framework A SEVEN YEAR OLD helped the workers The child attended five understand what was BOY WAS REFERRED TO sessions with the therapist happening physiologically OUR SERVICE THROUGH building rapport, trust and for the child and enabled observing neurobiological them to develop strategies THE SCHOOL DUE TO symptomatology, to work with him. CONCERNS ABOUT HIS understanding his strengths and struggles. Activities with Understanding themes EMOTIONAL STABILITY, the child included soccer, of displacement, safety THE BOY HAVING gym, piano, basketball, and fears, framed in a juggling, sand‑play, music, client‑centred way like DISPLAYED ANGER, dancing, (he loves Michael “Where do I fit?, who’s DEPRESSION, ANXIETY Jackson and taught the looking after me?, what’s therapist all the moves) wrong with me?, am I AND UNHAPPINESS. art, and an attempt safe?, am I in control?, at emotional literacy. where’s my family?”…helped The therapist also spent time the workers empathise. with him in the playground, Strategies were designed by classroom and engaged all workers together, based with his peer group, inviting on the premise of helping a friend to the sessions to him to position himself when teach the child to lead and aroused (feeling unsafe). follow and how to play well. Examples of strategies are: sitting with the child and During this time the child helping him to de-escalate, had been removed from exercises such as balloon his family and placed in blowing or slow bubble temporary residential care blowing, trampolining, until the mother came back swinging, teaching how to from out bush. Six months play with peers, making on, she has still not returned. transparent rules in the His grandmother was the class by role playing it, only contact the therapist acknowledging him and his had with immediate family needs and allowing him time but there had been some out. (One of the skills of this contact with other extended child is his ability to play family from time to time. by himself). The therapist has actively

As the support team less violent. He continues developed more of an to present hyper-aroused understanding of the (not violent or aggressive just child, they dealt with racy thoughts and fast body) him differently, showing and the therapist continues empathy and attempting to create slow, safe spaces strategies. This has for him. He may continue to created better outcomes have issues of control if he for him. At the three month is feeling unsafe.

T H E T H E RA P IS T W IL L C O N T IN U E T O E N G A G E W IT H T H E B O Y, E S P EC IA L L Y IN T H E N E X T M O N T H A S H E T RA N S IT IO N S IN T O A N E W C L A S S R O O M W IT H A NEW T E A C H E R.

mark his behaviour was In sibling sessions he and perceived by his support his 12 year old sister are team as becoming worse. starting to narrate stories The therapist hypothesised from the past. Recently the that this was because he 12 year old sister told now felt that he had a safer a funny story about her place and relationships brother playing in the mud in which he could allow when he was two years old. previous repressed Mum tried to coax him out feelings to be expressed. with ice-cream and he came These feelings needed to out, grabbed the ice-cream, be held and acknowledged and went back into the mud. and strategies continued. These reflections are positive The team managed to do and give the therapist the this and the intensity of the sense that the children feel behaviour quickly (within safe enough in the present to two weeks) lessened. reflect back and share joyful At the six month mark, moments from the past. the feedback from workers The program works with was that it had been well children and families over a month without any long‑term who continue angry outbursts. His physical to be challenged with aggression and teasing of on‑going trauma. The peers has ceased and he is therapist will continue presenting as happier and to engage with the boy, emotionally stable. especially in the next The therapist’s current month as he transitions observations are that he is into a new classroom with expressing more, and a new teacher. his sand‑play and art are

65 …IN RESPONSE TO CONCERN ABOUT THE TASMANIAN SUICIDE RATE OF 15.6 PER 100,000, THE SECOND HIGHEST NATIONALLY AND ABOVE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE SINCE 1997.

B E S T P RA CT IC E and resources to better respond to need. One of the APPROACHES goals is to empower people FO R S U IC ID E through the development of PREVENTION community action plans for at-risk communities. One of Tasmania developed its four these communities identified year Suicide Prevention as being the Tasmanian Strategy (TSPS) in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, December 2010 as part of the Transgender and Intersex Building the Foundations for (LGBTI) community. Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework (2009) and in The strategy drew on a strong response to concern about evidence base of effective the Tasmanian suicide practices and approaches. rate of 15.6 per 100,000, Australia has had a focus on the second highest nationally suicide prevention for more and above the national than ten years. The National average since 1997. LiFE (living is for everyone) Framework 2007 confirms Some of the key aims that suicide is the result of of this strategy are to the complex interaction of develop communities factors such as: ‘that understand suicide issues, can articulate the ‘...adverse life events, way suicide is a problem for social and geographical their community, and have a isolation, cultural and family range of strategies they can background, socioeconomic use to address the problem’ disadvantage, genetic makeup, as well as to encourage mental and physical health, collaboration of services the extent of support of family and friends, and the Key strategies proven ƒƒ education of primary ability of a person to manage to be effective are a health care providers and life events and bounce back combination of: ‘gatekeepers’ who can from adversity.’ identify, refer and respond, ƒƒ community — it is known restricting access to the that ‘connectedness’ to It therefore advocates a means to suicide; multi-faceted approach to other people is highly suicide prevention, including protective against suicide ƒƒ using CBT, problem interventions at a population in the context of suicidal solving therapy level with persons at risk thinking, and investing and interpersonal and a coordinated approach in the human capital of psychotherapy, either towards support. all people, especially alone or in conjunction the most disadvantaged, with medication; Comparison of suicide is crucial to suicide ƒƒ structured collaboration prevention strategies prevention; and follow up care; and internationally shows that ƒƒ cultural appropriateness; best practice in suicide ƒƒ education of the media prevention needs to include ƒƒ information — the and ongoing systemic prevention efforts from first person voices of evaluation of suicide primary, secondary and suicidal, self-harming prevention projects. tertiary sources (Martin and suicide-bereaved & Page 2010; Mann 2005) people are crucial to (Mann et al 2005, SPA, 2009) and must be: increasing understanding In 2012, Relationships of suicide, effective Australia Tasmania was ‘multi-faceted, multimodal, suicide prevention funded by the State operate at all levels of responses and challenging Department of Health and government, and from misconceptions; bureaucracy through to Human Services to run society, community, family and ƒƒ access to services the Tasmanian Suicide the individual’. (TSPS 2010). and programs; Prevention Initiative 2012–14.

67 The initiative comprised two distinct but interrelated projects: Statewide Suicide Prevention Community Services’ and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Community Action Plan. Each had a set of six deliverables.

S TAT E W ID E S U IC ID E P R E V E N T IO N C O M M U N IT Y S E R V IC E S Purpose: To deliver six initiatives under the L G BT I C O M M U N IT Y for active collaboration within TSPS 2010–2014 A CT IO N P L A N the community services sector focused on improving Activities: Purpose: To support the implementation of the LGBTI capacity to address suicide ƒ ƒ Establish and Community Action Plan, risk and response. facilitate the new TSP in particular, of activities that Three community action Community Network. will support the six key areas plans were developed ƒƒ Development of a suicide identified in the Plan. through these projects and prevention action plan Key focus areas: the evaluation found positive for Tasmania’s LGBTI indications that these were communities and ƒƒ Challenging discrimination being translated into action. implementation and and prejudice. The findings suggested delivery of initiatives ƒƒ Improved education that the development of and projects. and training. these community action ƒƒ Deliver the annual plans represent important ƒƒ Better access to services Tasmanian LiFE Awards. and positive outcomes and information. with respect to mobilising ƒƒ Deliver an annual ƒƒ Improving health services. and resourcing individual prevention forum, in members and localised conjunction with the ƒƒ Improved crisis and groups to take a role in Tasmanian LiFE Awards. emergency response. identifying and undertaking ƒƒ Map suicide prevention ƒƒ Reducing isolation. actions to address suicide and postvention services risk and improve access in Tasmania. A recent external evaluation to preventative support. of the projects indicates they With respect to the LGBTI ƒƒ Support community sector have both been successful Plan the focus on addressing organisations to develop in raising awareness of discrimination, prejudice performance indicators issues related to suicide risk, and isolation are clearly for suicide prevention in particular those specifically important factors in suicide activity in Tasmanian in line related to LGBTI identity. prevention. Overall it has been with work underway at a They have successfully an effective and important national level. promoted skills, actions and initiative that has drawn on knowledge across the broader the commitment, passion and service system to improve experience of its members practices and access to to deliver practical outcomes appropriate support, and they in the direction of suicide have established a foundation prevention, intervention and postvention. Key activities of the TSP Commissioner, as well Community Network as personal stories from that contributed to these community members outcomes included the regarding the effect of “ …THEY LOOK FOR inaugural Tasmanian Suicide discrimination on their lives. Prevention Forum which A SATISFACTORY included the re-establishment Members of community OUTCOME AND ARE of the LiFE Awards. The forum groups made comments such brought together service as these when feedback was NOT JUDGEMENTAL. ” providers, researchers and sought about the positive/ the general community negative aspects of the to explore a range of both groups and the highlights “ …ALL VIEWS AND clinical and non-clinical of involvement: OPINIONS ARE LISTENED areas of interest. Another key ‘Overall very positive, a voice to activity has been the process TO, AND RESPECTED. ” open up discussion as to what of mapping suicide prevention we want to see happen on the and postvention services (and NW coast.’ gaps) in Tasmania. This will “ EVERYONE HAS A SAY result in a TSP Community ‘Positive because they look for Network Services directory AND IS INVOLVED IN a satisfactory outcome and are to be launched at the not judgemental.’ THE FINAL DECISION. ” next forum. ‘Positive because the The LGBTI project has community knows there is help also undertaken a number available before it is needed of activities that have and where to turn to.’ underpinned its success in addressing discrimination, ‘The highlight of being involved prejudice and isolation as risk with the community groups… factors to suicide for LGBTI changing attitudes.’ Tasmanians. The formation of regional working groups ‘Positive because it gives (for service providers) a balanced, open point and community groups of expression.’ (for LGBTI Tasmanians) has been integral to this ‘…All views and opinions are success. The working groups, listened to, and respected.’ through the provision of, and ‘Everyone has a say and is participation in, education and involved in the final decision.’ training in inclusive practices and awareness of suicide risk, ‘The highlight has been seeing have engendered practical action at last.’ outcomes in these areas.

The community groups have Both projects have utilised contributed to challenging strategies based on evidence discrimination, prejudice of effectiveness; combining and reducing isolation community, information, through activities such a education and access to forum held in March 2014 appropriate services into that included presentations models which seek to build by the Tasmanian the capacity of the community Anti‑Discrimination to shape its own future.

69 JULBUL core underlying values various Indigenous groups of traditional feminist in the greater Townsville JULBUL anti‑violence groups and region. Enid Surha, O M A N IN those of Aboriginal cultures Relationships Australia’s TOWNSVILLE, “where family and community Indigenous Community QUEENSLAND are valued and recognised Links (ICL) worker in the far above individual rights.” Greater Townsville Region It is well known that (Heise, 1996) Relationships Australia domestic and family violence office, began the group with More than two years ago, (DFV) occurs with greater the assistance of Babette Relationships Australia frequency among Aboriginal Doherty from Victim Assist Queensland in Townsville and Torres Strait Islander Queensland. A variety began a collaboration with communities than their of community support staff from the local Victim non‑Indigenous counterparts. workers from a mix of Assist Queensland (VAQ) While many communities other programs contribute and the North Queensland have domestic violence time and transportation Domestic Violence Resource (DV) resource services, for local women interested Service (NQDVRS) to explore in attending. strategies that might address the over representation of The group is open to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait woman who wants to attend, A POSITIVE EFFECT Islander women impacted by and focuses on issues HAS BEEN THE DV, as well as activities and related to being in an abusive events that might decrease relationship, coming out of STRENGTHENED the incidence of DFV. a violent relationship and RELATIONSHIPS ACROSS A variety of successful strategies for those wanting programs followed as a to leave a violent relationship. THE COMMUNITY result of this collaboration, Where it is determined that OF PROGRAMS AND including events targeting the the services of the local DV Aboriginal and Torres Strait service is important for an SERVICES WITH AN Islander communities during individual client, the group INTEREST IN DOMESTIC Domestic and Family Violence coordinators are able to Prevention Month, each May. make warm referrals to AND FAMILY VIOLENCE. other community programs Also as a result of the and services as appropriate, collaboration, a program creating a secure and began early this year that comfortable experiences for few are specifically geared involves a women’s group the women. For example they towards Aboriginal and/ for those affected by DFV. may suggest counselling or Torres Strait Islander Julbul Julbul Oman is a through the Relationships individuals and families. weekly women’s group held Australia Victims Counselling In some communities, in a local community centre. and Support Service mainstream DV services offer Julbul Julbul is the Aboriginal (VCSS) and can assist with services geared towards word for women, while Oman booking an appointment and this population, but it is also (pronounced Orman) is the providing transport. known that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander word Torres Strait Islander women for women. This name was This approach is consistent may not feel comfortable selected to emphasise the with summary information approaching a mainstream important role of women from the Final Report organisation for support. in the community as well of Reshaping Responses Further, there may be a as to best reflect the to Domestic Violence disconnect between the (Bagshaw et al, 2000) which Other service providers an annual event as part of suggests that self-help are invited when the group Domestic and Family Violence organisations and programs identifies that information Prevention Month’s activities such as this from within from a particular service in Townsville. Deadly Families the Aboriginal and Torres might be beneficial. is a collaboration of Strait Islander community All services that attend are Relationships Australia, sector have the advantage able to offer information and NQDVRS, VAQ and various of being “non-stigmatising referrals and some are able other community partners. and inclusive and tend to to book in clients for further locate the problem of family support at their local offices. This grassroots group has violence in the broader proven very successful. social context.” Each weekly group includes Relationships Australia’s an activity, usually some involvement includes Other service providers are sort of art or craft project, providing staff for each group present at some meetings as well as time for general session, as well as morning tea and some craft items. Though not a funded service, the impact of this group is felt to justify the expense involved. A positive effect has been the strengthened relationships across the community of programs and services with an interest in domestic and family violence. While we continue to turn to the local DFV service for their considerable expertise in the area of domestic violence, they have been able to benefit from the knowledge and effective connections that the Relationships Australia ICL program staff have with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in and around Townsville. As such, each to provide information or talking and storytelling. has enhanced their service legal advice, including Refreshments are provided delivery to this important and the local police liaison as this helps to create a vulnerable population. officer and the Aboriginal relaxed and safe atmosphere & Torres Strait Islander that the coordinators know In December, Enid and Womens’ Legal Service. is so important. While many Babette will present on this When not appropriate of the art projects done in important service at the for an individual (usually the group are for the women World Indigenous Domestic a male) to be present, to take home, the group as a Violence Conference in Cairns. community representatives whole painted the colourful provide information that the banner that was used in the coordinators can share with 2014 Deadly Families are the women in attendance, Happy, Safe and Strong family such as written material. fun day, which has become

71 Current research indicates a service to young people, that between 8 and parents and friends of 12 per cent of adolescents gamers affected by these are problematically involved issues. The South Australian in gaming, often resulting Government’s Department in social and family conflict, of Social Communities and reduced social competence, Social Inclusion contributed GAMERS TAKE diminished academic funds to the development of CONTROL performance, and increased the project. rates of depression and While millions of people suicide ideation. A further The project was kick-started around the world play games two to five per cent of young by consulting extensively on computers, consoles, people can be clinically with researchers Associate tablets and mobile phones diagnosed as addicted to Professor Paul Delfabbro and with notable recreational online gaming/gambling Dr Dan King, to learn from and educational benefits, such that all of the impacts their experience. A rigorous Relationships Australia of excessive gambling/ recruitment was then South Australia is concerned gaming are combined with a undertaken to choose ten about the emerging research wide range of physiological, young people aged between into the high prevalence of biochemical and neurological 12 and 17 years who identified gaming addiction among aberrations that establish as being significantly involved children and adolescents. clinical addiction (Kuss & in gaming. The selected youth Furthermore, the increasing Griffiths 2012b). consultants were given a brief proliferation of simulated to develop a tool or product gambling games and In early 2013, Relationships that would be attractive to gambling activities embedded Australia became aware gamers in their age group within games that are readily of one parent’s struggles and would promote strategies accessible to children and with a gaming addicted for keeping gaming safe and adolescents may contribute to teenager and began a project fun. The result of this brief the development of problem to raise awareness about is an online resource called gambling in young people. the issue, stimulate local Take Control. discussion, and promote with family and friends. The youth consultants learned about problematic gaming and gambling among young people, how such issues might be addressed from a public health perspective, how health promotion campaigns are developed and what key elements contribute to their success. An important part of the learning for them was the way their input was valued and necessary to the development of Take Control. This led to a strong commitment to, and ownership of, the project.

Take Control provided the consultants’ families and friends with the necessary Take Control is a useful said they sometimes feel knowledge and understanding collection of resources for they have a gaming problem. to engage with a loved-one gamers, and parents and The survey might motivate whose gaming might be of friends of gamers that have young people to question concern. Several parents been accessed by people from whether their gaming is told Relationships Australia around Australia. The biggest excessive and what they can South Australia that they referral of traffic to the Take do about it. The data from had noticed some changes Control webpage was from this survey can be used to in their child’s engagement a subreddit on reddit set up inform projects and services with gaming and in the by the youth consultants that in the future. strengthening of family directly targeted gamers. relationships, including a The video was a creative part Visits to the website, views of significant growth in their of the campaign by the youth the video and the number of child’s confidence and consultants to let people submitted surveys indicate self‑esteem as a result know about Take Control and a wide interest in the issue. of their participation in to encourage people to visit The South Australian the project. the webpage. One of the Government is continuing their support by sharing Take most popular parts of the Take Control has not only Control on their platforms and website is a screening survey contributed significantly to with their networks to ensure for gamers, comprising 15 raising awareness about that more people have access questions, with five ‘yes’ problematic gaming amongst to this valuable resource. answers being indicative of a young people, but it is an problem with gaming. Almost ongoing valuable resource The youth consultants’ half of the respondents to this for gamers, parents and comments about their survey so far are under the friends of gamers seeking participation in the project age of 22 years. information and support demonstrated how it helped about how to keep gaming One-third of the respondents them to question their own safe and fun. Take Control said they felt they had a approach to gaming, leading can be found at gaming problem and one‑fifth to positive changes in their www.rasa.org.au/takecontrol behaviours and relationships

73 E F F ECT IV E frontline professionals to identify what they see as the P RA CT IC E most effective strategies to IN FA M IL Y support good outcomes for FAMILY RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP children and families. CENTRES PROVIDE CE N T RES Twenty two interviews were FAMILIES (WHETHER — T H E undertaken with family TOGETHER OR P R O F E S S IO N A L’S ‘ advisors, family dispute P E R S P ECT IV E resolution practitioners, SEPARATED) WITH a child consultant and a ACCESS TO INFORMATION FRCs provide families (whether mediator at six NSW based FRCs and the Relationships ABOUT FAMILY together or separated) with access to information Australia Mediation Service. RELATIONSHIP ISSUES, about family relationship The study was approved by the Relationships Australia FROM BUILDING BETTER issues, from building better relationships to dispute NSW Ethics Committee. RELATIONSHIPS TO resolution. FRCs were Participants were mainly established by the Federal female (n=16) and more than DISPUTE RESOLUTION. Government in 2006 as part of half worked full time (n=12), a plan to reduce the adversarial which was representative approach to family dissolution of the workforce at the time in Australia. Research has of the interviews. This study shown that the number of provides valuable insight cases presenting to the Family into how our professionals Court decreased by one third perceive their work, in the five years following the and highlights their support introduction of FRCs. and development needs.

In looking at the effectiveness The key themes that emerged of FRC model, Relationships from the interviews focused Australia New South Wales on parent communication developed a project that and workplace support. focused on the perspective of In helping families, the professionals interviewed mental health and drug and saw their task as improving alcohol issues. There’s a big BEING ABLE TO communication between expectation of professionals parents and identifying key to be able to sort of through COMMUNICATE AS issues for families. They see very complex difficulties PARENTS RATHER this work as challenging and within a short timeframe.” rewarding, though made THAN EX-PARTNERS IS possible by the way they D E V E L O P IN G A REALLY IMPORTANT. work with clients and the way T H E RA P E U T IC they support each other in A L L IA N C E : In can be emotionally the team. “What about the added-on draining, complex work value that’s being given Themes drawn with no clear end. We treat to parents [through our from participants’ each other with respect and work] should a parenting narratives include: work together to find the agreement fall over? best outcomes for families. There is still an added-on A good working environment C O M M U N ICAT IO N : value that parents are getting for family support workers “Communication is a a therapeutic message has a significant impact on big [issue]. Even when about how to be with their the children and families parents make written kids in the future. That gets we help.” agreements, it seems to work way overlooked. Often a family mediation case may less well than when parents “Ultimately, these progress over a few months, are able to sit in a room with professionals perceive with many changes within support and really talk.” their task as improving the that timeframe. Clients may alliance between separated “Parents have the ability initially be resistant, nervous parents. An improved to see each other as an and distressed, then progress parental alliance enhances important part of their to being relaxed, reasonable communication skills and child’s development and and engaged in the process. decreases conflict which they are learning to use In essence, the outcome is is better for the children communication skills in a not a static or singular event. involved. It is also a more productive way. Being able It’s quite dynamic with factors rewarding way to work.” to communicate as parents that change significantly rather than ex-partners over time. As professionals [is really important].” we need to remember the dynamic nature of the ID E N T IF Y IN G situation and to be able to KEY IS S U E S : travel with a family over “The nature of what we do that time.” is defined by the complexity of the cases involved and T E A M S U P P O RT: their needs. I think being “The most important able to assess those issues resource for our work is is a real art form in itself, the support we receive and I think our centre does from others within the the best that it possibly can FRC team. The team support in terms of being aware of helps us to make better current literature, current referrals and to mitigate findings and current tools the potential distress of to use for assessment on working with families in violence, child protection, difficult circumstances.

75 SEMINARSS E M IN A R S CONFERENCESCONFERENCES PRESENTATIONSP R E S E N TAT IO N S NEWSPAPERSN E W S PA P E R S PUBLICATIONSP U B L ICAT IO N S FILMSF IL M S INTERNATIONAL NATIONAL children have been formally CONFERENCES CONFERENCES, removed. Institute of Group Leaders conference: Creating Hewlett, B and Wheeler, A SEMINARS, AND cultures of caring: achieving (RANSW) The Parental Regard PRESENTATIONS diversity and inclusiveness in model: An Australian example Alexi, N (RANT) Argyrides the practice of group work, of therapeutic post‑separation A. & Moore, K. (July 2013). Sydney, September 2013. family mediation, 61st Psychometric properties of the International Commission on Greek translation of the Social Bendit, J and Battle, C Couple and Family Relations Phobia Inventory (SoPhI) Brain (RANSW) Kids in Care: a Conference, Brussels, Belgium, and Therapy into modern society, group for parents who have May 2014. 1st Panhellenic Conference of lost children to the “system”, Psychology in Cyprus. Australian Social Policy Hewlett, B and Wheeler, A Conference, UNSW, Sydney, (RANSW) The Parental Regard Alexi, N. (RANT) Argyrides September 2013. model: An Australian example A. & Moore, K. (July 2013). of therapeutic post‑separation The Centre for Epidemiological Birtwistle-Smith C (RASA) family mediation, seminar Studies- Depression Scale Facilitator: “Community presented at the Collaborative (CES-D): factorial structure in Engagement including Law network, Family Law a Greek-Cypriot population. outreach and hard to reach in Partnership, London, UK, Brain and Therapy into modern populations” group, Gay Men’s May 2014. society, 1st Panhellenic Health Conference, Sydney, Conference of Psychology April 2014. Hewlett, B and Wheeler, A in Cyprus. (RANSW) The Parental Regard Brunskill, A (RACR) Shifting model: An Australian example Bailey, M and Schultz, G to Child Focus, Mind Maters of therapeutic post‑separation (RANSW) “Time out” for Conference, Wagga Wagga, family mediation, seminar families experiencing mental May 2014. presented to the faculty of social health issues: a whole of Brunskill, A (RACR) Best sciences, University of Bristol, family approach, 7th annual Interest of the Child: What Bristol UK, May, 2014. FRSA conference: Investing really is in the children’s best in Families: prevention, Vallance, S (RASA) Building interests? Riverina Law Week integration, innovation, a Position of Organisation 2013, May 2014. Canberra, November 2013. Knowledge: Integrating Caplan, K, Gray, R, your Client Information Battle, C and Bendit, J Codrington, R, Douglas, J and System into Service Delivery, (RANSW) The challenges MacKinnon, L (RANSW) Was it Safety Management and and opportunities for group something I said? Examining Service Education, Athena practitioners’ working with client dropout in couples’ Software US and Canada parents of Kids in Care: a group therapy. PACFA, CAPA & AARC User Conference, Waterloo, for parents whose children have Joint conference: Complexity Canada, May 2014. been formally removed. PACFA, and connectedness in life and CAPA & AARC Joint conference: love, Sydney, June 2014. Complexity and connectedness in life and love, Sydney, Connop, I. (RAQ) Mediation, June 2014. Trauma and Culture; The Art of the Possible, Alberta Family Battle, C and Bendit, J Mediation Society coupled (RANSW) The challenges with Association of Family and and opportunities for group Conciliation Courts Calgary practitioners’ working with Chapter, April 2014. parents of Kids in Care: a group for parents whose

77 de Clouet, M and Reeve, S Gray, R (RANSW) Shame Jenson, K (RACR) (RATAS) Innovative use and silence in professional Mediating Relocation Disputes, of cartoons to engage accounts of AOD counselling. Canberra Family Law with children who may be PACFA, CAPA & AARC Joint Pathways Network, May 2014. challenged with literacy, conference: Complexity and FRSA Conference, Canberra, connectedness in life and Jones, S and Bashford, November 2013. love, Sydney, June 2014. V (RATAS) MindOut LGBTI Mental Health Conference, Decrea, S (RASA) Engaging Hanan L (RASA) So you Sydney, June 2014. Aboriginal Families, have a Facebook page, Child Aware Approaches now what? Gay Men’s Jones, S and Bashford, Conference, Melbourne, Health Conference, V (RATAS) Power Through April 2014. Sydney, April 2014. Action, Human Rights Conference, Darwin, Elston-Smith, D and Hewlett, B (RANSW) When we May 2014. Patelesio, N (RANSW) reduce the diminishing effect Juvenile justice, culture and that parental acrimony has on Jovanov, G (RASA) community: reflections from parenting capacity, the child’s The intersection of two programs for young opportunity to embrace all motivational interviewing offenders and their families that life has on offer… begins, and financial issues, from the Pacific community, PACFA, CAPA & AARC Joint South Australian Financial 7th annual FRSA conference, conference: Complexity and Counselling Association, Investing in Families: connectedness in life and Adelaide, April 2014. prevention, integration, love, Sydney, June 2014. Lee, J (RASA) Children’s innovation, Canberra, voices but whose ears? November 2013. Holt, J (RANSW) Group work in a camp/retreat The developmental and Elvery, S and Armitage, setting: opportunity or chaos? psychological challenges T (RANSW) Exploring the Institute of Group Leaders of listening to children and co- in co-leadership, Institute conference: Creating cultures young people following of Group Leaders annual of caring: achieving diversity parental separation, Paper conference: Creating cultures and inclusiveness in the presented at the conference of caring: achieving diversity practice of group work, of the South Australia Family and inclusiveness in the Sydney, September 2013. Law Pathways Network, practice of group work, Hindmarsh, South Australia, Sydney, September 2013. Hubble, T, Stowe, R, May 2014. Stephenson, C (RANSW) Engelbretch, E (RACR) Emerging findings from Logue W (RASA) and Stress Management, Mind evolving practice: My changing community member Matters Conference, Wagga family and me. Institute of Wanganeen K, The respect Wagga, May 2014. Group Leaders conference: test, Gay Men’s Health Creating cultures of caring: Conference, Sydney, Foley, K (RACR) Responding achieving diversity and April 2014. to Cultural Diversity, AVERT inclusiveness in the practice Lowe, R (RANT) Family Violence Workshop, of group work, Sydney, An Introduction to Family December 2013. September 2013. Therapy, Charles Darwin Fox, J (RAV) Brutha’s Day Jenson, K (RACR) Lets University, Masters in Out, Investing in Families and look at Dispute Resolution, Psychology workshop, Communities: Prevention Canberra Region Family Law May 2013. + Integration + Innovation, Professionals Association, FRSA National Conference, September 2013. Canberra, November 2013. Lowe, R (RANT) Leader’s 12th international Therapy annual conference, An Introduction to Narrative Alternative Dispute Australian Association of Therapy, Charles Darwin Resolution conference: Family Therapy, Brisbane, University, Masters in Kongress, Sydney, October 2013. Psychology workshop, August 2013. May 2013. Pearce, A (RASA) Moving from Oudih, E (RASA) Culturally facilitation to empowerment in Lynch, A and Sheehan, M Appropriate Nursing: Family Dispute Resolution (RAWA) ‘High Conflict’ and Hepatitis B Assessment 2013 LEADR Conference ‘Family Violence’ – What’s and Treatment Care, Adelaide, September 2013. the difference and does it Contemporary Look at really matter? FRSA National Hepatitis B Conference, Power, L (RANSW) Working Conference: Investing in Melbourne, October 2013. with adolescents and their Families and Communities, families, Settlement Services Canberra, November 2013. Oudih, E (RASA) Working International Symposium, with complexities when Sydney, June 2014. Newton-John, T (Australian violence and culture meet, Catholic University), Gray, R Standing together to end Ralfs, C (RASA) Risk and Huntingdon, B (RANSW) gendered violence against Screening in Family Law: The role of relationship Culturally and Linguistically New Data, New Practices, counselling in supporting Diverse Women Conference New Possibilities, Seminar clients with enduring health (South Australian Context), and online training program issues: preliminary findings Adelaide, November 2013. launch, Sydney and from an organisational Melbourne, March 2013. prevalence study, 13th Social Oudih, E (RASA) CALD Ralfs, C (RASA) Family Law Research Conference on HIV, Challenges: Case Studies and DOORS Masterclass Workshop, Viral Hepatitis and Related Health Literacy, Australian FRSA Conference, Canberra, Diseases, University of Hepatology Association November 2013. New South Wales, Sydney, Summit 2014, Adelaide, February 2014. June 2014. Ralfs, C (RASA) Implementing the Family Law DOORS one Nugent, W (RANSW) Family Pace, J and Garrett, M day training, Albury Wodonga dispute resolution and the (RANSW) Refocusing Pathways Conference, Albury problem of process: what systems ideas in providing Wodonga, March 2014. science and psychology have agency based family therapy, been telling us about the 34th Australian Family Ralfs, C (RASA) Systematic intervention environment. screening and coordinated responses to family violence risks, Standing together to end gendered violence against Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Women Conference (South Australian context) Adelaide, November 2013.

Rohrsheim, D (RASA) Child Focussed Practice: An Overview, Housing SA Regional Managers Forum, Adelaide, February 2014.

79 Rohrsheim, D (RASA) Moving community‑based treatment PUBLICATIONS Towards a Practice Framework, setting, NAGS, Sydney, Cleak, H (La Trobe Housing SA Regional November 2013. University), Schofiel, M Managers Forum, Adelaide, (La Trobe University) and February 2014. Treloar, P (BADAC) and Fox, J (RAV) Brutha’s Day Bickerdike, A (RAV) Efficacy Rohrsheim, D (RASA) Out, What Works – Doing It of family mediation and the Child Focussed Practice: Our Way, NIDAC Conference, role of family violence: study An Overview, Housing SA Melbourne, June 2014. protocol. BMC Public Health, Disruptive Tenancies Team, 14:57, 2014. Adelaide, January 2014. Vallance, S (RASA) Building a Position of Organisation Gay Men’s Health SA Rohrsheim, D, and Haro, C Knowledge: Integrating your (GMHSA) Gay Men’s Health SA (RASA) Innovative approaches Client Information System (GMHSA) Connecting with the to working with children who into Service Delivery, Safety community to improve health are homeless, Child Aware Management and Service outcomes, November 2013. Approaches Conference, Education, FRSA Conference, Juuk, B (RASA) South Melbourne, April 2014. Canberra, November 2013. Sudanese Dinka Customary Rohrsheim, D, Haro, C and Westcott, G and Chowdry, R Law in Comparison with Rasmussen, C (RASA) Child (RANSW) Reaching and Australian Family Law: Focussed Practice: An Overview, responding to refugee families Legal Implications for Dinka Housing SA Induction for New and couples: how community Families. Australasian Review Staff, Adelaide, June 2014. work integrated with of African Studies, Volume counselling provides a space for 34, Number 2, pp. 99-11, Schultz, G and Bird, N some profound exploration and December 2013. (RANSW) Workshop: renewed relational connections, Lee, J (RASA) Questions “Stop, think, go or let go”, 34th Australian Family and answers about the Education and Mental Health: Therapy annual conference, faceted analysis of criminal we can do it together, a Australian Association of actions. In Youngs, D. (ed.) collaborative conference Family Therapy, Brisbane, Behavioural Analysis of with Child and Adolescent October 2013. Mental Health, Department of Crime: Studies in David Education and Communities Wheeler, A (RANSW) Canter’s Investigative and Catholic and Independent The parental regard pilot Psychology. Farnham, UK: Schools in the Western and project: integrating a relational Ashgate. 2013. Far Western Regions, Orange, focus into family dispute Lockwood D (RASA) Together April 2014. resolution practice, 7th annual For Kids Partnership with FRSA conference, Investing Child Adolescent Mental Health Stephenson, C, Stowe, R and in Families: prevention, Service: Providing Specialist Hubble, T (RANSW) Emerging integration, innovation. Mental Health Services for findings from evolving practice: Canberra, November 2013. My changing family and me. Homeless Kids in South Child Aware Approaches Wheeler, A and Hewlett, B Australia Parity magazine, conference: Sharing, building (RANSW) The parental regard February 2014. and recognising child aware pilot project: integrating a Power, J, Brown, R, innovation, Melbourne, relational focus into family Schofield, M, Pitts, M, March 2014. dispute resolution practice. McNair, R, Perlesz, A and Child Aware Approaches Bickerdike, A (RAV) Social Tometzki, H, Petch, conference: Sharing, building connectedness among lesbian, J, & Turner, W (RAQ) and recognising child aware gay, bisexual and transgender The prevalence and profile innovation, Melbourne, parents living in metropolitan of sports betters in a March 2014. and regional/rural areas of Australia and New Zealand. Australian Institute of An Australian interview study. Journal of Community Social Relations (RASA) Australian Social Work. Psychology. Accepted 4.12.13 in conjunction with Family Article first published online (IP=1.08). Transitions. The Family Law 14 MARCH 2014, DOI:10.1080 DOORS: Use Within a Referral /0312407X.2013.853196. Schofield, M (La Trobe Process. Melbourne, 2013. University), Mumford, N (La Trobe University), Relationships Australia (SA) BOOKS/BOOK Jurkovic, I (La Trobe Take Control. Adelaide, 2014. CHAPTERS University), Jurkovic, D Halford, W.K, Petch, J, & (La Trobe University), Chan, Relationships Australia Bate, K (RAQ) (2014) Chapter S.P. (La Trobe University) (SA) Act Now Theatre 13 Empirically-Based Couple and Bickerdike, A (RAV) Workshop Promotional Video. Relationship Education, in (In Press) Understanding Adelaide, 2014. E. Lawrence & K. Sullivan profiles of couples attending Relationships Australia (SA) (Eds.) Relationship Service community‑based couple Royal Commission Support and Couple Interventions in the counseling and relationship Services Brochure Translation. 21st Century, Erika Lawrence education services. Journal Adelaide, 2014. & Kieran Sullivan (Eds.) of Couple and Relationship New York: Oxford University Therapy, Accepted 1.1.2014 Press. DOI: 10.1093/

Stott, J (RASA) Putting PEER oxfordhb/9780199783267. Evidence Into Practice, REVIEWED 013.005. Onkaparinga Collaborative JOURNALS Law, I (RAV) Self Research: Approach (OCA) Newsletter, Petch, J, Murray, J, The intersection of therapy April 2014. Bickerdike, A & Lewis, P and research. London: (RAQ) (2014) Psychological Together for Kids team, Routledge. 2014. distress among clients (RASA) The Garden seeking counselling and Therapeutic Group (Facilitators mediation services. Australian FORUMS Manual) An attachment and Psychologies, 49 (1), 28-36, attunement group program Petch, J (RAQ) (2013) DOI: 10.1111/ap.12039. for infants 0–4 and their Psychology collaborations with Relationships Australia QLD. parent(s) — 2013. Broady, T, Gray, R, Presentation at the Building Gaffney, I, (RANSW) Taking Better Lives: Industry and Responsibility: Evaluating FILM UQ partnerships showcase, the extent to which male Brisbane, December 2013. Australian Institute of perpetrators of family Social Relations (RASA) violence change their Petch, J (RAQ) (2014) in conjunction with Family attitudes through group The short‑term effectiveness Transitions. Introduction work intervention. Journal of the RAQ Gambling Help to the Family Law DOORS. of Interpersonal Violence, Service. Presentation at Canberra, Melbourne, Article first published the Responsible Gambling Adelaide, 2013. online 12 JAN 2014, DOI: Network Sunshine Coast and 10.1177/0886260513517300. Australian Institute of Cooloola Region, Caloundra, April, 2014. Social Relations (RASA) Gray, R, Broady, T, Gaffney, in conjunction with Family I, Lewis, P (RANSW) (2014) Transitions. The Family Law Peer relationships and client DOORS: Using the DOORS motivation and intimate Software. Adelaide, 2013. relationship status in men’s behaviour change programs:

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V ICT O R IA BOARD Peter Boehm (until 17 February 2014) 450 Burke Road, Camberwell VIC 3124 Lyn Brodie (until 21 October 2013) T (03) 8573 2222 Debra Goldfinch (from 21 October 2013) [email protected] Peter Gome www.relationshipsvictoria.com.au Kimberly Hunter www.facebook.com/RelAustVic Lyn Littlefield Twitter @RelAustVic John Lovell Michael Shaw CEO Andrew Bickerdike President Judi Anderson

W E S T E R N A U S T RA L IA BOARD Helen Shurven (President until February 2014) 22 Southport Street, West Leederville WA 6901 Tony Dobbs [email protected] Pauline Logan www.wa.relationships.com.au Noelene Jennings Lucy Bourne CEO Terri Reilly Luke McNiece President Chris Lewis (from February 2014) Lisa Wood REFERENCES Emerson, L., Fear, J., Fox, Hawkins, A.J. & Fackrell, S. and Sanders, E. (2012). T.A. (2010). Does relationship Parental engagement in and marriage education for learning and schooling: lower-income couples work? Arney, F. and Brooke, S. Lessons from research. A meta-analysis of emerging (2012). Evaluation of Holding Australian Research research. Journal of Couple children together service. Alliance for Children & & Relationship Therapy, 9, Centre for Child Protection Youth, Family‑School 181–191. and Education Menzies, and Community School of Health Research. Partnerships Bureau. Heise, (1996). “Violence against Women. Global Babcock, J.C., Gottman, J.M., Funk, J.L., and Rogge, Organising for Change” in Ryan, K.D. and Gottman, J.S R.D. (2007). Testing the J. Edleson and Z. Eisikozits (2013). A component analysis ruler with item response (eds) Future Interventions of a brief psycho-educational theory: Increasing precision with Battered Women and couples’ workshop: one-year of measurement for Their Families”, Sage follow-up results. Journal of relationship satisfaction with Publications: California. Family Therapy 35, 252–280. the Couples Satisfaction Hodgins, D. C., Currie, S., Bickerdike, A. and Carmody. Index. Journal of Family el-Guebaly, N. and Peden, (2006). The effectiveness Psychology, 21(4), 572–583. N. (2004). Brief Motivational of the Marital Satisfaction Grant, J. E., Kim, S.W., Treatment for Problem Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) and Kuskowski, M. (2004). Gambling: A 24-Month with couples who attended a Retrospective review of Follow-Up. Psychology of Good Connecting course or Treatment Retention in Addictive Behaviours, 18(3), counselling. Unpublished. Pathological Gambling, 293–296. Daly K. (2012). Restorative Comprehensive Psychiatry, Kaiser, A., Hahlweg, Justice: The Real Story, 45, 83–87. K., Fehm-Wolfsdorf, Punishment and Society: Halford, W. K., Sanders, M. G., and Groth, T. (1998). the international journal of R., and Behrens, B. C. (2001). The efficacy of a compact penology. Vol. 4, pp. 55–79. Can skills training prevent psychoeducational group Development of Tasmania’s relationship problems in training program for Suicide Prevention Strategy, at-risk couples? Four-year married couples. Journal 2010: A Literature Review, effects of a behavioral of Consulting and Clinical Tasmanian Government relationship education Psychology, 66, 753–760. Department of Health program. Journal of Family Kazdin, A.E. and Mazurick, and Human Services. Psychology, 15, 750–768. J.L. (1994). Factors that http://www.dhhs.tas.gov. Hatcher, R.L., and Gillaspy, Predict Treatment Outcomes au/__data/assets/pdf_ J.A. (2006). Development in a Community Treatment file/0011/51041/Tas_Suicide_ and validation of a revised Agency for Problem Prevention_Strategy_Final_ short version of the Gamblers. International Literature_Review.pdf Working Alliance Inventory. Journal of Mental Health and Psychotherapy Research, Addiction, 5 (2), 165–176. 16(1), 12–25.

85 Kelly, J. B. (1989). Mediated Luke G. and Lind B. (2002). Perry, B. (2009). Examining and Adversarial Divorce: Reducing juvenile crime: Child Maltreatment Through Respondents’ Perceptions conferencing versus court. a Neurodevelopmental Lens: of Their Processes and NSW Bureau of crime Clinical Applications of the Outcomes. Conflict Statistics & Research. Neurosequential Model of Resolution Quarterly, Therapeutics. Journal of Loss 1989(24), 71–88. Mann, J., Apter, A., Bertolote, and Trauma, 14, 240–255. J. et al. (2005) Suicide Kelly, J. B., & Duryee, M. Prevention Strategies: A Richards K, Rosevear L & A. (1992). Women’s and Systematic Review. JAMA, Gilbert R (2011). Promising Men’s Views of Mediation in 294(16):2064–2074. interventions for reducing Voluntary and Manadatory Indigenous juvenile Mediation Settings. Family Martin, G. and Page, A. offending. Indigenous Court Review, 30(1), 34–49. (2009). National Suicide Justice Clearinghouse Brief, Prevention Strategies: Sydney: New South Wales Kelly, J. B., & Gigy, L. a Comparison. The University Department of Justice and (1988). Measuring Clients’ of Queensland. Attorney-General. Perceptions and Satisfaction. http://www.aph.gov.au/~/ Conflict Resolution Quarterly, media/wopapub/senate/ Suicide Prevention Australia 19, 43–52. committee/clac_ctte/ — Position Statement — completed_inquiries/2008_10/ Mental Illness and Kessler, R., & Mroczek, D. suicide/submissions/ Suicide — June 2009, (1994). Final versions of our sub107a_pdf.ashx http://suicidepreventionaust. non-specific psychological org/wp-content/ distress scale. Ann Arbor MI: Miller, I. W., Epstein, N. B., uploads/2012/01/SPA- Survey Research Centre of the Bishop, D. S, and Keitner, G.I. Mental-Illness-Position- Institute for Social Research, (1985). The McMaster family Statement.pdf University of Michigan, Memo assessment device: reliability dated March, 10. and validity. Journal of Marital Tasmania’s Suicide and Family Therapy, 11, Prevention Strategy, 2010: Kuss, D. J. and Griffiths, M. 345–356. A Strategic Framework and D. (2012). Adolescent online Action Plan, December 2010, gaming addiction. Education Millar, P. and Kilpatrick, Tasmanian Government and Health. 30, 15–17. S. (2005). How community Department of Health development programs can and Human Services, Lamont, A. (2010). Effects foster re-engagement with http://www.dhhs.tas.gov. of child abuse and learning in disadvantaged au/__data/assets/pdf_ neglect for children and communities: Leadership file/0005/75254/SPStrategy_ adolescents. National Child as process. Studies in the Framework_and_Action_ Protection Clearing House Education of Adults, 37, 18–30. Plan_FINAL.pdf Resource Sheet. Northern Territory Larsen, D. L., Attkisson, Government 2010, Growing C. C., Hargreaves, W. A., them Strong, Together: and Nguyen, T. D. (1979). Promoting the safety and Assessment of client/patient wellbeing of the Northern satisfaction: Development of Territory’s children, a general scale. Evaluation Summary Report of the and Program Planning, 2(3), Board of Inquiry into the 197–207. Child Protection System in the Northern Territory 2010, M. Bamblett, H. Bath and R. Roseby, Northern Territory Government, Darwin. ABBREVIATIONS

ACF Australian Childhood Foundation

ATAPS Access to Allied Psychological Services

CALD Culturally and Linguistically Diverse

CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CCS Child Contact Service

CMHS Child Mental Health Service

CTT Community Therapeutic Team

DFV Domestic Family Violence

DSS Department of Social Services

DV Domestic Violence

FaHCSIA Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

FDR Family Dispute Resolution

FRC Family Relationships Centre

GP General Practitioner

GHS Gambling Help Service

HCT Holding Children Together

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus

ICL Indigenous Community Links

LGBTQI Lesbian Gay Bi-Sexual Transgender Queer and Intersex

MET Motivational Enhancement Therapy

MOS Model of Service

NREN National Research and Evaluation Network

NVR Non Violent Resistance

PEACE Personal Education and Community Empowerment

SDQ Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire

STI Sexually Transmitted Infection

TSPS Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy

VCCS Victims Counselling and Support Service

YDU Youth Division Unit

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