Presentation from the Public Health Association of Australia National Social Inclusion and Complex Needs Conference

1. Achieving more
for families
through
partnerships
Heather Pickard
CEO, sharc &
Donna Ribton-Turner
Director of Clinical Services, ReGen

2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Also
included …
− Family violence safety Plan
− What to expect when your loved one
comes out of rehab or other treatment
− Managing Conflict
− Triangulation

8. 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

9. 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.

10. Key
Evaluation
Findings
ARC Evaluation, 2012: Combined pre/post test results

11. Par ticipant
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

12. Par ticipant
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

13. 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.”

14. 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

15. 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