Achieving more for families through partnershipsHeather Pickard

CEO, sharc &

Donna Ribton-Turner

Director of Clinical Services, ReGen

Who are ReGen?

− ReGen is the leading AOD agency for UnitingCare Victoria & Tasmania

− ReGen’s purpose is to promote health and reduce alcohol and other drug related harm

− ReGen has over 40 years experience delivering a range of AOD services

Who are sharc?

Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (sharc) is a Victorian community based, not for profit organisation, incorporated since 1997.

sharc's aim is to provide opportunities for individuals, families and communities affected by addiction and related problems to recover and achieve meaningful, satisfying and contributing lives.

The model - 2008 partnership commenced - 6 x 6 weeks groups per year- Facilitated by sharc- ReGen AOD counsellor

The ARC Story

− Peer led education program for family members impacted by a loved one’s alcohol or drug use

− Designed by families (in professional role)

− Evaluated - Centre for Youth Drug Studies 2007, and recently as partnership with ReGen

Components of program

Six week course run by qualified family members (peer/professional) includes:

– Stages of change (family and drug user)

– Boundaries

– Guilt and worry

– Praise and acceptance

– The choice is mine

– Planning - Where to from here

Also included …

− Family violence safety Plan

− What to expect when your loved one comes out of rehab or other treatment

− Managing Conflict

− Triangulation

sharc continuum…

ARC at sharc is supported by:

− 24 hour helpline run by family members as volunteers

− 20 peer lead family support groups across Vic

− Family counselling

− Capacity building for family members to have a

voice (APSU)

− NB: Housing program 20 young people

Program Evaluation

In 2012 sharc and ReGen undertook an evaluation of the ARC and the value of the partnership approach.

The findings were consistent with a previous evaluation of ARC done by the ADF in 2007.

Key Evaluation Findings

ARC Evaluation, 2012: Combined pre/post test results

Participant feedback

“I’m more able to find a balance between keeping myself and my other kids safe and still supporting my son. I couldn’t really see how to do this before doing the program. Now I have the tools to deal with what is happening.”

Janet, ARC participant

Participant Feedback

“We felt very comfortable being at a drug and alcohol agency where you knew that workers understood the issues that were happening in your family.”

John, ARC participant

 

ARC Worker Feedback

ARC worker: “ReGen has so many great services for the user and for families. It’s great that family members get to learn more about what services are available.”

ReGen Counsellor: “It’s been great to see the peer support model sharc runs in action.”

Evaluation Recommendations

− Family Drug Help, ReGen & potential program funders support expansion of the AOD partnership model for the ARC program in new locations

− Victorian AOD service providers continue to develop capacity for holistic & family-inclusive approaches to treatment planning & delivery

Evaluation Recommendations

− Further research be undertaken to examine the sustainability of ARC program outcomes and identify additional support needs for families affected by AOD use

− Consideration be given to the suitability of developing similar partnerships with other service providers e.g. mental health or youth