Therapeutic Support includes:

  • Counselling
  • Case Management
  • Advocacy
  • Harmful Sexual Behaviour
  • Group Work

Counselling

Counselling

Ballarat CASA is a government-funded service that offers free and confidential counselling for all who have experienced sexual assault.

Our counsellors work from a trauma informed perspective, and we aim to assist you to understand the ongoing impacts of sexual assault and develop ways to manage them.

The idea of attending counselling can cause anxiety for some people, so it is really important that we work with you to make you feel as safe and comfortable as possible. Please speak with your counsellor if you feel that it isn’t the right time for you, or there are barriers to attending.

When you are allocated to a counsellor you will have an initial assessment, during which you and your counsellor will identify the areas you wish to explore and what you want to achieve from counselling. At this time, CASA counselling processes will be explained to you so that you are fully informed.

At all times, counselling should be a collaboration. Ballarat CASA counsellors are passionate about the work they do and wish to ensure you are always listened to with respect and compassion.

Case Management

Ballarat CASA provides case management support for clients through donated funds, including funding from Family Safety Victoria. Case management can include crisis financial assistance, advocacy, information, and referrals to internal and external programs groups and services.

If you need to access case management, we will collaborate with you to develop a personalised care plan that helps to meet your individual needs.

Young People with Harmful Sexual Behaviours

Who can access our program?

Ballarat CASA provides assessment and therapeutic treatment of harmful sexual behaviour in children and young people, whilst providing support to their parents and carers in the Central Highlands area of Victoria.

We work with a number of age groups:

  • Children under 10 years displaying Problem Sexual Behaviours (PSB).
  • Children and young people aged 10-17 years acting out Harmful Sexual Behaviours (HSB).
  • Children and young people aged 10-17 years, under the provisions of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 for a Therapeutic Treatment Order (TTO).

The program is a voluntary service. Young people may attend the program for between 3 months to a year, however, individual needs are assessed throughout the work and period of attendance can differ between individuals.

The program’s goal is to provide a safe space to process what has occurred, and to build the skills and knowledge needed to engage in safe behaviours and respectful relationships into the future.

How can young people participate?

We take referrals from:

  • Parents/carers of the child or young person
  • Community organisations that have active involvement with the child or young person
  • Police
  • Health professionals
  • Schools
  • Government Departments and Statutory Authorities, including DFFH Child Protection, Disability Services and DET
  • Courts

When a referral is received, the referral is assessed by Senior Workers who will determine if the young person will be accepted into the program or if further information is required to make a better assessment.

What to expect?

The program is made up of an assessment and intervention/treatment phase.

  • The assessment phase involves meeting with parents/carers, the young person and consulting other relevant services to identify and develop intervention goals to help young people demonstrate safe and respectful behaviours.
  • During the intervention/treatment phase your allocated Counsellor/Advocate will work towards intervention goals with the young person and parents/carers.
  • Progress and safety planning will be reviewed regularly.
  • Our program is informed by the principles of the CEASE Standards of Practice.

Therapeutic Treatment Order (TTO)

When a young person has been ordered to participate in therapeutic treatment by the Therapeutic Treatment Board we are required to keep DFFH Child Protection informed of the young person’s progress and engagement.

Group Work

Group work can be an incredibly helpful way to work through the impacts of sexual assault. Groups are carefully curated to provide a safe space for participants to support one another on their healing journey.

We have a range of groups that run throughout the year with a different focus. Counsellor/Advocates work together with clients to determine if and when groups are suitable to support healing.