Understanding casework
Welcome to Heart of the Haven, an educational series committed to raising awareness and providing support for those affected by domestic and family violence. In this article, we explore the vital role that casework plays in helping women and children get back on their feet.
What exactly is casework?
Casework is a model of practice where each woman and child at The Haven receives tailored support to meet their unique needs. These are referred to as casework plans or goals. The Haven uses either a 12-week model or a six-month model, depending on the type of service being provided. During this time, The Haven charts the client’s needs, with housing being the primary focus as they are homeless. Around week two or three, each caseworker sits down with their client to complete an empowerment star or a my star assessment. This outcomes-based tool involves a conversation across nine areas of their life to determine their support needs for transitioning into stable and safe housing.
What makes a good caseworker?
The two key attributes for caseworkers at The Haven are empathy and advocacy. Given that The Haven works with families who have often experienced trauma and are in vulnerable situations, empathy is crucial. It helps build an understanding of their needs and determines the appropriate casework approach. Advocacy is equally important as it transforms needs into actions, helping clients progress. Caseworkers model these qualities, enabling women to develop self-empathy and advocate for themselves, enhancing their confidence and ability to voice their needs, whether it’s related to safety, employment, or housing.
The importance of a holistic approach
Another key aspect of The Haven’s practice is case coordination. The Haven integrates and coordinate services to avoid working in isolation and to provide a comprehensive support system. Each person in the family unit, whether an adult woman or a child, has their own caseworker and tailored plan. For example, children may have schooling-based support while adults might need financial stability or social connections. We collaborate with various services, including housing, mental health, and disability support, to ensure all aspects of the client’s needs are addressed in a cohesive manner.
What does a 12-Week experience look like?
The initial phase focuses on establishing safety and completing logistical housing support tasks. Around weeks two or three, we start unpacking broader support needs and integrating therapeutic programs. Throughout the 12 weeks, we review progress and adjust the support plan as needed. As clients near the end of their stay, we prepare a transition or exit plan, connecting them with outreach support workers who continue the support until they are stable in their new housing.
Empowering families: specialised support for every member
The Haven have specialist workers for each demographic within the family. For children aged zero to 12, we have family caseworkers and child support workers. For young people aged 12 to 25, a youth connections worker addresses their specific needs. Adult women receive support from primary caseworkers. This approach ensures that each family member has a dedicated caseworker who understands their unique needs and provides tailored support. This coordinated effort ensures that every family member's voice is heard and their needs are addressed within the family context.
Building a supportive community
An integrated approach, involving a community of supportive services, can help rebuild connections and provide the safety and stability needed for families to thrive.