Offenders Aid & Rehabilitation Services of SA Inc
Patron : His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, AC CSC RANR, Governor of South Australia
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Offenders Aid & Rehabilitation Services of SA Inc
Patron : His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, AC CSC RANR, Governor of South Australia |
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Women's Accommodation Support Service Program Details The Women’s Accommodation Support Service (WASS) primarily focuses on the needs of women released from prison who find themselves, and their children, without safe, secure and stable accommodation. WASS commenced in March 2000 as a pilot project funded by the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) and in 2002 was granted recurrent and increased funding. In order to effectively deliver a service that provides a holistic perspective to women experiencing multiple and complex issues a case management approach is used. Case management comprises the dual role of coordinating and providing direct service while working with the client, family members, other professionals and any other person, group or community that plays an important role in the clients system. Ultimately, the aim of case management is to develop and enhance the client’s resource network and their ability to access this themselves. Other aspects of case management include support, advocacy, information and referral, outreach and crisis intervention. The Women’s Accommodation Support Service focuses on working in partnership with the woman to access safe, secure and stable accommodation as the main aim. However, the use of a holistic approach to fulfilling this aim is vital. In order to maintain the accommodation that is accessed it is essential that other issues that may be causing distress or concern in the woman’s life are also addressed. The types of issues that a woman may be struggling with include; social adjustment and acceptance, lack of support networks, financial difficulties, drug and/or alcohol use, domestic violence, being an adult survivor of child abuse, mental health, physical health and/or disability, sexuality, parenting and/or family reunification, legal (including family court) and unemployment. Some of these issues may be addressed within the case management role but others may need referral to appropriate services. Within OARS, services such as drug counselling, financial counselling, personal/family counselling and emergency assistance are offered to provide continuity of care within the one organisation. The framework underlying our practice with clients is based on the anti-oppressive, empowerment and feminist perspectives and a commitment to social justice. Working from this foundation ensures that we work in partnership with our clients as we see them as the experts on their own life. The relationship between worker and client is an equal one in which both participants bring equally valuable but different expertise, knowledge, skills and experience to the relationship. We also acknowledge the strength of these women who have thus far survived incredible hardship and we understand the connection between a social system that often reinforces powerlessness and the barriers that prevent them from exercising their power.
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Last Updated : Monday, 10 November 2008 Send mail to
webmaster@oars.org.au with questions or comments about this web site.
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