In 2023 DVSM was awarded an exciting new pilot program - Accompanied Children's Support Services (ACSS).
The ACSS program aims to improve client outcomes for accompanied children and young people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and and who are experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic and family violence.
The program is person-centred and trauma informed and is provided in DVSM’s refuges and in outreach settings, depending on the needs of the children and young person.
A person-centred approach focuses on the child or young person’s life experience, age, gender, culture, heritage, language, beliefs and identity. Support will focus on achieving the person’s aspirations and be tailored to their needs and unique circumstances.
A trauma informed approach will ensure the victim survivors are not further traumatised or blamed for their behavior and reactions to trauma.
The eligibility criteria of accessing the program is for children and young people who are:
- Accompanied by an adult (i.e. parent, older sibling, family member, kin etc.) who is receiving support from the specialist homelessness service piloting this service and consents to the child or young person receiving the service AND
- Experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness AND
- Experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic and family violence.
If a young person is unable to be accommodated in a refuge or crisis accommodation with their family members due to their age and/or gender, support will still be provided to them in an outreach capacity.
OUR SERVICES
Refuge Outreach Action Response (ROAR)
(Western Sydney)
Moving Out Moving On (MOMO)
(Inner City Sydney)
Wilcannia Safe House (WSH)
(Far West NSW)
Domestic Violence After Hours Service (DVAHS)
(Western Sydney)