|
|
|
||||
BackgroundDuring 2007–08, there were 317,526 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect made to state and territory authorities. The total number of substantiations (of notifications received in 2007–08) across Australia was 55,120, concerning 32,098 children. It is well known that children subjected to abuse and neglect are more likely to develop mental and physical health problems as adults. Many empirical studies have documented the tendency of childhood abuse to manifest in adulthood as symptoms of distress. Commonly, these symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria for post traumatic stress disorder or borderline personality disorder. Research suggests that approximately 35% to 70% of female mental health patients self-report, if asked, a childhood history of abuse. In addition, child sexual abuse has been found to be a key factor in the cause and continuation of youth homelessness with between 50-70% of young people within Supported Accommodation Assistance Programs having experienced childhood sexual assault. A number of recent studies have highlighted that many adult survivors of child abuse are having difficulties accessing services and suitably qualified health professionals. Many describe their experiences with services as ‘re-traumatising’. A number of studies, including an audit conducted by ASCA (Adults Surviving Child Abuse) into the service delivery for survivors of child abuse in Australia, identified a lack of services that work with survivors of childhood abuse, with few health professionals holding specialised training in the area. In addition, research indicates that services are often reluctant to work with this client group because of their perceived resistance to change, their ways of relating to health professionals, and the nature of the work. In order to provide services that meet the complex needs of this client group, it is imperative that practice is underpinned by a professional workforce - experienced, skilled and knowledgeable about the impact of childhood abuse and neglect. To this effect, ASCA has researched and developed curricula for health professionals that recognises that working with survivors of childhood abuse requires specialised training. Although knowledge about the biological and interpersonal consequences of childhood trauma has exploded over the past two decades, many training and treatment programs have not yet integrated this new information. Mental health training, in psychiatry, psychology, social work, counselling, nursing or other human services disciplines has not prepared health professionals to work effectively with survivors of childhood abuse. This workshop will provide an overview of different models for working with survivors of childhood abuse and recommends a number of ‘best practice’ guidelines identified by ASCA. Many models, therapeutic approaches and techniques are used by health professionals who work with survivors of child abuse. Many approaches are integrative or eclectic and demonstrate responses to individual client needs during the recovery process. This workshop will focus on those models identified as ‘best practice’ by clinicians specialised in working with survivors as well as from empirical studies. Ten ‘best practice’ guidelines for working with survivors of childhood abuse will be outlined and discussed. ASCA has reviewed of the pertinent literature and considered both the findings of empirical studies and clinical writing. Consequently, ASCA recommends the following guidelines:
These guidelines will be outlined and explored in depth. Enquiries: 1300 657 380 manager1300@asca.org.au ASCA would like to acknowledge the support of the Mary Potter Trust Foundation, whose funding support enabled the development and delivery of significant aspects of our professional workshop program. |
|
||||||||||||