New England - Clinical placement of the Moree/Narrabri Sexual Assault Counsellor
The Sexual Assault Counsellor completed a one week clinical placement at Childrens' Hospital Westmead. The sexual assault counsellor reported that she was able to access information and network with staff from the Adult and Child Sexual Assault service.
During her placement she was able to review policies and practices, assess the usefulness of particular resources, participate in discussions about casework and group work, discuss at length the process of forensic examinations with GPs, attend a Protection Planning meeting at DoCS and participate in case conference discussions.
Additionally, the counsellor was able to participate in discussions about current issues; eg, the use of photography of recent injuries. The counsellor valued the opportunity to meet and establish a professional support network with a number of sexual assault workers and GPs. Since returning from her placement, the counsellor has incorporated her learning in working with parents of children who have been sexually assaulted.