Refuge Therapeutic Support Program

Overview

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation makes 10 grants of  $5,000 available each year for a range of group therapeutic programs for children residing in domestic violence refuges across Australia.

The purpose of the Refuge Therapeutic Support Program is to assist refuges in providing therapeutic intervention for children who may be distressed or traumatised by their family situation as soon as possible after they have been removed to safety.

The funding will pay for qualified and skilled therapists, identified by refuges, to run fortnightly group therapeutic sessions that have been specifically designed for children who have experienced significant violence in the home.  A range of group therapeutic strategies would be considered including: art, pet and music therapy, and psychotherapy groups.  Refuges are able to determine the mode of therapeutic group to be offered.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for small grant funding through this program, refuges need to identify and employ a suitably qualified therapist. 

Therapist qualifications include the following (or equivalent):

• Completion of a University qualification in Psychology, Social Work, or other relevant training. All therapists must be eligible for membership of an appropriate professional body, for example Music Therapists completed a degree and be recognised by the Australian Music Therapy Association, and Art Therapists completed a qualification recognised by ANZATA.
• All therapists will have training and/or experience in working with children who have been exposed to violence and trauma.
• The Foundation will require résumé and certified copies of qualifications of therapists with the application.
• Be able to supply a suitable room or venue to conduct regular group therapeutic sessions.
• Be responsible for managing therapists, including scheduling and payment.
• Ensure that therapeutic groups occur regularly as planned.
• Fully comply with program evaluation requirements.   Evaluation will include six-monthly evaluative reports to be completed by the Refuge Manager and the Therapist.  Refuges will be asked to demonstrate the success of the program including the impact of the therapy on the children.

Apply for the Refuge Therapeutic Support Program

Refuges interested in applying for grants can either:

• Apply online

or

• Download the form and fax to 03 9690 5644.

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Read Nick Miller's article about a study aimed at proving how ''animals as therapists'' help children recover from trauma.