Casework Frameworks
Guiding Change: A Deep Dive into The Haven's Casework Frameworks
Welcome to "Heart of The Haven," an educational series focused on domestic and family violence and the transformative support provided by The Haven. This article delves into the heart of change, exploring the guiding principles that shape The Haven's casework.
Foundational Practice Framework
The Haven embeds everything they do in their foundational practice framework. This refers to the theories and ways of working to ensure continuity of service and care to all clients coming through The Haven. The practice frameworks are person-centred, strengths-based and trauma-informed. These frameworks are applied to everyone including newborns, children, teenagers, young women, and women who are retired.
Person-Centred Approach
A person-centred approach tailors support based on individual needs and experiences. This approach recognises that each woman or child entering The Haven has a unique background shaped by their own encounter with domestic and family violence. The goal is to empower individuals to rediscover themselves and lead the change they seek.
"We approach every casework goal or plan on a person-centered basis. It's about motivating and empowering people to find again who they are, what they've experienced, and how they can lead the change they want to make," explains Sam Campbell, Executive Officer, Client Services.
Strengths-Based Approach
Sam highlights the strengths-based approach as a key component of The Haven's framework. In a society often focused on deficits and weaknesses, this approach empowers individuals by recognising and building upon their strengths. The goal is to counter the deficit model that survivors of domestic violence often carry with them.
"We work from the core of what somebody's strengths are, not what their deficits are. It's about empowering someone to believe in themselves and their ability," says Sam. “We had one woman who, despite her initial belief in having no strengths, was revealed to be a resilient and supportive force within her family. This discovery led to her undertaking TAFE studies and having a meaningful career in the community sector, showcasing the transformative power of a strengths-based approach.”
Trauma-Informed Approach
The Haven operates as a trauma-responsive service, ensuring that every interaction, whether verbal, non-verbal, or spatial, considers the client's trauma history. Often clients have complex backgrounds, being isolated and denied basic rights, as well as those who have experienced war, fled persecution, or faced challenges related to their identity.
Often women must carry the burden of not only repairing and healing themselves, but also the family. They're the ones who must find a safe home, ensure kids are going to school, see a counselor to support their healing, as well as support their children through emotional regulation. This is a lot to manage, so at The Haven, we have set up our staffing structure to have specialist children's workers, youth workers, and family workers. This takes some of the pressure off mums and allows them to heal from their trauma without expecting to be responsible for healing their children too.
Outcomes and Long-Term Impact
To measure the success of this framework, The Haven follows an outcomes model, using tools like the Empowerment Star to track clients' growth in various aspects of their lives. Sam said, “It’s important to emphasise and demonstrate this growth to clients, providing a tangible representation of their achievements during their time at The Haven.”
One notable statistic The Haven is proud of is that 99.5% of women who have come through our doors have not returned to a relationship with the abusive partner. This statistic is a testament to The Haven's impact in breaking the cycle of domestic violence and fostering long-term safety and independence for survivors.
Through the practice framework of being person-centred, strengths-based and trauma-informed, The Haven strives to create a supportive environment for those escaping domestic and family violence. By demystifying what The Haven does, "Heart of The Haven" aims to encourage individuals in need to seek help and support. If you or someone you know requires assistance, please click here for a list of available services.