drummond street services was notified of a claim to the National Redress Scheme (NRS) several months ago, whilst operating a family foster care program under our previous name: The Citizens Welfare Society (CWS) 1945-1996.

In our public statement and apology to survivors in September 2020, we expressed our shock and sadness that this organisation had potentially caused harm and has an abuse history.  However, we know this is incomparable to the experiences of survivors, their families and loved ones, who experienced abuse and harms from a system of services and institutions that were entrusted with the care and safety of children.

We have had the privilege to support so many survivors over the last several years.  We have seen their pain and their courage, as they have persisted for justice, truth-telling, healing and accountability.

We want to acknowledge survivors’ ongoing strength and resilience. The bravery of survivors who submit their Redress applications, despite its difficulties.  This includes any that name us as an institution that caused harms in our past.

The organisation and its people have helped many people and communities over the years.  This includes our advocacy for those, who far too often remain marginalised or unheard.

However, in the context of the shockingly high numbers of organisations and institutions that have been named is a sad indictment of long-held, historical attitudes and practices, which instead of care and safety was sanctioned abuse and cover-ups.

We understand that survivor communities may look at our existing Support Service through a different lens, therefore the guidance and input of survivors will be of the utmost importance in shaping our future support.

Our commitment to survivor justice and healing is resolute.  However, we need to do more to ensure their trust in us is rightly earnt.

Since being informed of the claim, we commenced the process of signing-up to the NRS, without hesitation. We informed all survivors that we support, as well as our service and community partners.  We will also establish a Survivors Advisory Council to advise us on the future of our services.

This claim strengthens our resolve and commitment to our social justice credentials. Our approach to this claim and our continued work in supporting survivors will be our true test.

As a part of sector, a system and as a community – we must continue to support any pursuit of justice and truth-telling.  This mean honouring the positive work we do, but also to own our pasts and commit with genuine actions to ensure this never happens again.

It means that we all must continue to critically reflect on our practices to ensure we continue to be safe, transparent and accountable.  This will only be achieved by listening, learning and including survivors and those we are privileged to support through genuine input and co-design of services.

We committed to make real amends for survivors, their families and loved ones, both through the National Redress Scheme and exploration of other restorative justice processes.   We also implore that any organisation that has been named to sign-up to the NRS without delay.

We will also provide updates on our website;  www.ds.org.au/citizens -welfare-services-justice-healing.  You can contact us on cwsjustice@ds.org.au or on +61 3 8548 4970 for further information.

All of us at drummond street services again say sorry, for all harms and abuse.

We believe you. We hear you.

We reaffirm our commitment to compassion, healing and the work that needs to be done. We also implore that any organisation that has been named to sign-up to the NRS without delay.

Thank you.

Karen Field – CEO

Alun Jackson – Board President

Drummond street services wish to express our wholehearted gratitude to the Victorian Government for recently introducing a Bill to outlaw damaging conversion practices and call on all Victorian MPs to support the Bill.

We want to thank Daniel Andrews and everybody who played a role in fighting for and contributing to the Bill. As an organisation who works with children and adult survivors whose lives have been gravely impacted by these outdated and harmful conversion practices, we have seen first-hand how damaging these practices are on the mental health of individuals, families, and friends. We have seen how conversion practices not only impact lives of those still with us, but also how far too many lives have been lost because of damaging practices that have been used to deter people from being who they are.

As a part of our practice, we helped reveal during the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, that sexual abuse tactics have appallingly been used as a form of conversion practices. This should never have been okay, and in 2020 it is time to do the right thing and ban all forms of conversion practices.

We believe this Bill is important and timely as it confirms that people should feel no pressure to change who they are, that they are accepted and supported and that they have a right to be their true selves without anybody trying to change that. In line with the Victorian government’s Equal Opportunity Act 2010 we affirm the right for LGBTIQA+ people have the right to safety from the discrimination inherent in conversion practices and the right for redress if subjected to them.

We call on all Victorian MPs to support this bill and pass it to help improve the lives of LGBTIQA+ and those who may be questioning their gender or sexuality. Whilst we realise that we have a long way to go to get rid of discrimination fully, this Bill is a great step towards ending the incredible harm caused by attempted LGBTIQA+ conversion practices.

Whilst we encourage members of parliament to support this bill, we must also express disappointment that forced medical interventions on people born with intersex variations is not included as a form of conversion practices and encourage this to be included as an amendment to the bill as the rights of people with intersex variations should not be excluded.

Sincerely,

Karen Field

CEO drummond street services & queerspace

A report commissioned by Respect Victoria has found that LGBTIQ+ Victorians, particularly those experiencing health, social and economic inequalities, have faced increased challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the risk of family violence.

Conducted by drummond street’s Centre for Family Research and Evaluation in partnership with The Gender And Disaster Pod (GAD Pod) the research was commissioned to gain an understanding of the impact of disasters on LGBTIQ+ communities with a focus on family violence prevention.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams said the Andrews Labor Government was proud to support the research.

“It’s vital we understand the impacts of such disasters on different communities so we can better tailor our support and systems in the future,” she said.

“We must work together as a community to call out homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and the harmful attitudes and behaviours that can lead to family violence.”

The research was carried out between June and September 2020 and encompasses interviews with LGBTIQ+ community members and service providers.

“LGBTIQ+ people are experiencing multiple and compounding forms of discrimination during the pandemic,” said drummond street Chief Executive Officer Karen Field.

“This project responds to a gap in knowledge around the impact of disasters on marginalised communities and is designed to support the development of family violence primary prevention policies, programs and resources to support LGBTIQ+ people in disaster and emergency situations,” Ms Field said.

The study found that LGBTIQ+ young people are facing multiple layers of disadvantage, particularly those who moved home with family due to economic circumstances.

One participant said: “Being stuck at home, it’s been challenging because I live with my family – and I’m not out to all of my family members. It feels like I’m kind of back in the closet.”

“It’s extremely important that both family violence and disaster planning, and recovery policies and programs acknowledge the impacts of disasters on LGBTIQ+ people, including increased risk of LGBTIQ+ family violence,” said Liam Leonard from the GAD Pod.

Researchers found that trans and gender diverse people are also facing increased vulnerabilities, as are those experiencing overlapping systems of discrimination based on race, ability and age.

Issues highlighted included decreased mental health, increased community surveillance, racism, restrictions on access to gender-affirming medical services, and job losses.

“The pandemic has highlighted and amplified family violence risks globally, and this report evidences increased risk of family violence for LGBTIQ+ people,” said Respect Victoria Chair Melanie Eagle.

Family violence can occur in all relationships, including LGBTIQ+ relationships and families of origin.

“We can all take responsibility for addressing harmful behaviours that lead to discrimination and inequality,” said Respect Victoria CEO Tracey Gaudry.

“Small actions can include calling out slurs or language that stigmatise LGBTIQ+ people, addressing gender stereotypes that might exist in your home or workplace, and talking to kids early about pronouns and identities,” said Ms Gaudry.

Research participants highlighted a few silver linings, including increased access to support services online and improved connections to communities. This was particularly important for LGBTIQ+ people with disabilities and those living outside of major cities.

One participant said: “I feel really connected in, and I’m hoping that some of that can remain, because I don’t feel so alone now living in a rural town away from a lot of people.”

The report includes several recommendations to inform Respect Victoria’s work on the primary prevention of family violence in LGBTIQ+ communities.

drummond street services signs-up to the National Redress Scheme, commitment to accountability, justice and healing

September 29, 2020

It is with sadness, shock and distress, that we have been advised that our organisation, operating historically under the name; Citizens Welfare Services of Victoria (CWS) has likely to have caused harm and abuse.

This has been devastating and confronting for the organisation and the staff, but this is incomparable to the abuse, harm and distress experienced by someone and all survivors and their families.  We also want to acknowledge the strength and bravery of the survivor that has submitted an application, and to all survivors.

Throughout our 133-year history of supporting communities, the organisation has evolved to respond to the community’s changing needs, to reflect broader societal changes and movements to ensure our services remained relevant to the very people we aim to support.

In 1887, the Charity Organisation Society of Melbourne was established. Thereafter renamed – Citizens Welfare Service of Victoria (CWS) in 1947, continuing under this banner until 1996, where it commenced operating as the Drummond Street Relationship Centre, and with our current operating name – drummond street services since 2010.

Having our own long history operating in a sector and part of a welfare system, which through the Royal Commission of Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse has showed the far reaching and shocking accounts of abuse, criminal behaviour, cover-ups and utter dereliction of a duty to care.  We have seen and heard first-hand the lifelong impacts of trauma.

We have had the privilege of working alongside so many courageous survivors, their families and loved ones. We have supported survivor’s advocacy, amplified their voices, listened and learned from them and most importantly – believed them.

This includes having our Survivors Support Team with staff that have their own lived experiences of abuse and healing.  Their guidance and knowledge, along with our clients and their families, has been essential as part of ensuring a safe, respectful and empowering service. Survivor’s stories, experiences, strength and healing continue to guide our behaviours now and into the future.

Our organisation at all levels; Board, management and staff, both professionally and personally are deeply connected and committed to supporting survivors in their pursuit of justice, accountability and healing, as always defined and led by the survivors themselves.  We do this in the knowledge that for some of us, “they are us”.

We will ensure that the organisation takes all efforts to accept responsibility for this harm and be led and guided by survivors.  Currently we are in the process of signing up to the National Redress Scheme as a participating institution.   We also understand the importance for survivors to access records and historical documents and we are taking all steps to facilitate this access.  We will also develop, to the best of our abilities, a transparent and trauma-informed restorative justice process for those who are unable to access the National Redress Scheme.

We will be undertaking these processes supported by, and in consultation, with survivors, as part of our sustained commitment to centering and valuing their voices.

We understand that survivor communities may look at our existing Support Service through a different lens, which may mean that we need to change how we offer support to survivors.  What will never change – is our commitment to survivor justice and healing, and for organisations or institutions – no matter who or what they are – to sign up to the National Redress Scheme as soon as possible and to accept accountability and make real amends for survivors, their families and loved ones.

Further information on how to access information will continue to be updated on our website;  www.ds.org.au/citizens -welfare-services-justice-healing you can contact us on cwsjustice@ds.org.au or on +61 3 8548 4970.

All of us at drummond street services again say sorry, for any and all harms and abuse. We believe you. We hear you. We make a commitment to compassion, healing and the work that needs to be done.

Karen Field, Chief Executive Officer

Professor Alun Jackson, President

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government funded support scheme that is available to Australian permanent residents and citizens with disabilities to provide support in their lives. Some examples of the types of things the NDIS may help with can be from mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, scooters to home modifications such as ramps, railings, bathroom/kitchen modifications, as well as support workers to assist people to get tasks done and to support people get out and about in the community. The NDIS may also provide you with transport funding for taxis.

A review into the NDIS called The Tune Review recommended significant changes to the NDIS, which will impact how people with disabilities will be assessed for eligibility to the scheme and the supports they may receive.

It recommended people with disabilities should use NDIS approved ‘independent’ assessors. It’s important to note that the review also stated that ‘this change in approach will require consultation with participants, the disability sector, service providers and the NDIS workforce’. This consultation has not happened, and disability advocates are rightfully worried.

Currently, to access the NDIS, you need to provide evidence for your disabilities and how they impact your life. This evidence, which can be in the form of letters or reports from your queer friendly GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, mental health professionals or other specialist of your choosing. Being able to choose which type of health professional provides you with letters of support is very important. It is particularly important for marginalised people who need professionals who respect and understand their identities, cultures and how disability uniquely impacts them and the communities they are part of. The letters of support form a vital part of outlining to the NDIS who you are, what your disabilities are, and what supports you might need.

Under the new assessment model, the health professionals you might have previously chosen will not be able to support you, instead, the NDIS will fund organisations to provide these assessments. The assessors will be health professionals, such as, occupational therapists or psychologists. They will utilise standard assessment tools decided by the NDIS. The assessment will take between 1 to 4 hours, this time will also include writing up a report on you.

You will not be able to see the report or correct if they haven’t captured something about you or your circumstance correctly. This assessment determines the amount and types of support you are given; and if you are provided with access to the NDIS in the first place. This is not very transparent, or participant focused.

The catchcry of the NDIS has been ‘providing choice and control in the lives of people with disabilities’, which means that people with disabilities should be able to decide what they need, how and when. This takes away your power and places it in the hands of people who do not know the person and are not experts in their specific disabilities.

drummond street services opposes the introduction of independent assessments in the NDIS, which will come into play for anyone entering the scheme by February 2021 and people currently receiving the NDIS by July 2021. We believe this will impact marginalised people with disabilities (LGBTIQA+, POC, First Nations People) disproportionately as people who don’t know the individual, have very little to no understanding of their lived experience and the communities they are from, will be deciding what supports they receive.

Karen Field, CEO of drummond street services said “We believe the purpose of these changes are to reduce the cost of the NDIS by reducing eligibility for the scheme and pushing people out of the NDIS.  It’s always the case that when governments want to cut costs, the most vulnerable people are impacted. We need to stand against this”

Jax Jacki Brown, drummond street staff member and disability advocate said “We believe the proposed assessment process will see less people who require essential funding being provided with it. We are concerned that people will be denied access to equipment and supports which are fundamental to their wellbeing and participation in the community. We believe the process itself has the potential to be undignified, unjust and humiliating for people with disability.”

We call on NDIS Minister Stuart Robert to do everything in his power to repeal the independent assessment process and replace it with a fairer process where peoples eligibility is assessed on an individual basis, instead of a standardised process, which we have seen fail miserably in the past when it comes to disability access to Centrelink payments.

Useful Links

• Every Australian Counts. https://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/aat-ndis-independent-assessment/
• WWDA. https://wwda.org.au/2020/09/media-release-wwda-urges-the-ndia-to-halt-independent-assessments/
• Advocacy for Inclusion. https://www.advocacyforinclusion.org/afi-statement-on-the-proposed-independent-assessments-for-the-ndis/
• https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6911451/fears-new-ndis-assessment-process-will-be-traumatic-and-limit-access/
• ASAN. https://www.asan-au.org/2020/09/statement-regarding-ndia-independent-assessments/
• Occupational Therapy Australia. https://www.otaus.com.au/media-and-advocacy/current-issues/ndis
• Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service Inc and Gippsland Disability Advocacy Incorporated. http://www.villamanta.org.au/news/aat-rejects-ndis-independent-assessment/
• Carers. https://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/topic/1211096-ndis-bringing-in-independent-assessments/
• Australian Assn of Psychologists. https://aapi.org.au/Web/News/Articles/6-June-2020-Update.aspx

From July 8 – all metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire return to Stage 3 public health restrictions, until Wednesday 19 August 2020.  If you live in these areas there are only 4 reasons you can leave home.

1. Shopping for food and other essential items
2. To provide care giving, for compassionate reasons or seeking medical advice
3. For exercise (outdoor only, with one other person or members of your household)
4. To work or study, if you cannot work or study from home

drummond street services remains open- providing all our support services and programming via our online and phone.  Updates will be posted on our websites and social media channels.

As always, we remain committed to support people, led by communities and needs of individuals and of families.  We continue to adapt our programs to be creative, innovative and useful to help stay connected.  We know this important at this time, more than ever.

drummond street services continues to express our solidarity with communities living in the housing estates in hard lockdown. We recognise the strength and determination shown by the public housing residents of Flemington and North Melbourne, and across all public housing estates in Melbourne.  We have had the privilege for many years to work with these communities and residents, alongside them and for them.

This does not change.

Nor should the advocacy and the genuine listening and amplifying the voices of these communities for real and genuine change and to shape services and the support needed as part of building back better.   This includes urgent action to the public housing crisis and the investment in more social and community housing.

We maintain our connection with residents and community members, continuing to provide support with food, essential items, advocacy, along with emotional, mental health and wellbeing support for all families.

Contact drummond street services on 96636733 or at enquiries@ds.org.au  or go to our website www.ds.org.au for further information and if you need support

Contact the drum youth services through reception or at youthservices@ds.org.au. Instagram and Facebook @thedrumyouthservices

Contact WithRespect for LGBTIQ family violence support 1800 LGBTIQ

Victoria legal aid has established a dedicated line providing free legal information and advice for Victorians. Available M-F 8am – 6pm 1800 113 432 or  https://www.fclc.org.au/find_a_community_legal_centre

We will make it through this again.

Our communities have shown time and time again their resilience and strength.   You aren’t alone drummond street services isn’t going anywhere, we are here to support you, please reach out when you need it.

drummond street services want to express our deep solidarity with the communities living in the nine housing estates in Kensington and Flemington who are experiencing ‘hard’ lockdown. The introduction of this latest lockdown will be deeply distressing for so many residents, particularly for those needing essential support.

These residents are valued community members, who like so many other Victorians, have complied with public health orders. They have maintained resilience – dealing with the stresses of self-isolation, health, financial and employment concerns whilst supporting one another and their children.

They do this, despite living in crowded conditions, not having the choice to maintain physical distance, to work from home, or go elsewhere to safeguard their own and their families physical or mental health. drummond street services have also been told that current and accessible public health information on practical measures such as cleaning and sanitising shared spaces has been difficult to find or access. Residents have navigated these risks and realities the best they can.

Many of these residents are the same people who throughout this pandemic have continued to provide essential support to the Victorians – they include health and caring workers, retail workers, drivers, security personnel, cleaners and other frontline services.  We understand the Victorian Government’s intent in stopping virus transmission – however; the time, the means, the enforcement messages and the arrival of police at the high-rise estates has been very different to the COVID response so far in other communities.  This only marginalises people.

We are disappointed in the lack of time given to residents to prepare, the insufficient translated community information and the limited engagement and consultation with key community leaders and services prior to the announcement. Furthermore, we have serious concerns about Victoria Police’s enforcement and presence, given the history of negative experiences many in these communities have had with policing.

Premier Andrews has said policing for this lockdown is ‘unprecedented’, we would also like to see ‘unprecedented’ support given to these residents, both during this time and beyond. This means delivering quality support services in consultation with communities and community leaders, including; seriously addressing housing conditions and supply as well as addressing the direct impacts of this lockdown.

As many community members and organisations aim to co-ordinate and respond to COVID19 within the limits of our own resources – we ask State Government provide accessible information on urgent and important needs such as:

• accessing essential medication, services and supplies (food/material aid, child and parenting support, interpreters, mental health services, substance support, disability services, legal support etc).
• engagement with community leaders, groups and support organisations that people trust
• current and ongoing information on public health measures – testing, lockdown and service coordination
• recognition of and action to address unique experiences of distress and intimidation within communities, particularly for First Nations people, young people of colour and those who have experienced violence by authorities in their countries of origin.

Victorians have put their trust in government during this public health emergency.  We urge the government to demonstrate and maintain sensitivity, collaboration and consultation with communities.  We must learn from this health crisis and listen more to the voices of those who are too often minimised, excluded or included far too late in the rollout of government measures.  This requires reaching out to embrace communities’ strengths, knowledge and capacity. 

For residents needing support they can contact the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) on 1800 961 054.

For urgent phone advice regarding COVID lockdown enforcement call Victoria Legal Aid’s Legal Help line on 1300 792 387.

drummond street services at 03 9663 6733 or at intake@ds.org.au or enquiries@ds.org.au.

Any media enquiries contact Cheryl Miller-Yell on 0488 787 373 or Ali Hogg on 0437 017 165.

Thank you to those who have offered their time and support wanting to help in some way. If you want to register to volunteer, offer your skills or donate you can do so here https://38553.aidaform.com/Helpforlockdown

The voices of survivors are our focus. We believe you.

Following the verdict of the High Court of Australia today, resulting in George Pell walking free, we acknowledge and support survivors and their families who are saddened and devastated by the systems and institutions that have and continue to fail them.

Our hearts go out to the brave survivors, their families and loved ones that stood up for justice and accountability. This is an important time for all survivors to know that they are believed and that this verdict today does not stop the fight to ensure all institutions and perpetrators of harm are held to account.

This decision today does not bring the justice deserved to so many who continue to fight hard for their own story to be heard. What we see is the strength you have all shown in living your lives with courage. There will be no more silence and there are many who continue to support you and fight alongside you to create a safer and braver world.

Today is about your truth, your safety and your supports. Reach out to those who surround you, to those who are here right beside you, remember you are seen, you are heard, and you are believed.

For National Redress Support click here or call 03 96636733.

“The Phone hasn’t stopped!” MyMob app users demand funding be reinstated! 

A recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday September 29^th, entitled ‘Judges mandate app for separated parents” about our family community app, MyMob used by families, including separated families, to communicate with their children and for parents to share information with one another in a safer, transparent and non-reactive space.  The article points out that Stepfamilies Australia and drummond street have been forced to decommission the app unless there is government or philanthropic funding to support the necessary technical upgrades to keep it operating.

“The phone hasn’t stopped! We’ve been inundated with concerns that the app is untenable in its current form and want to know how they can support MyMob’s sustainability.” says Karen Field, CEO of Stepfamilies Australia and drummond street services.

Karen continues “Members of the community have asked if they can donate money to us to keep the app going?  This support is welcome, but even though it is not a typical ‘bricks and mortar’ type service, being virtual, it should be supported by ongoing government funding.

Governments give funding to big tech companies but still seem slow in recognising how technology can augment direct services. MyMob gives families access to information and support, as well as their ability to manage their own communication and parenting obligations, outside the business hours of services”.

Government and the community need to do more to ensure access and services need to fit into how families want to access information and support now”.

“As a not-for-profit organisation it’s a hard situation to be in. We really want to keep this app available, as we know it fulfils a need for some many children and their family arrangements, and its potential for separated parents. However, it is simply about not having enough money to keep up! Without it, we have to call it quits. It’s deeply upsetting.”

The app has features for family members to stay in touch in a child-friendly way that supports child safety. It has filters to safeguard children and parents from negative communications and allows children to share what’s happening in their life, irrespective where their parents live. It’s is interactive and allowing parents and children to share special moments in co-parenting or shared parenting arrangements.

With a significant number of MyMob users asked to use this app as a result of a court order, along with families wanting a good communication tool in their day to day lives it’s proves there is a significant need for such an app to continue.  We would love to see some financial support from government and philanthropists to keep MyMob available to Australian children and families.

For comment or for more information please call 03 9663 6733 

In 2016 drummond street (ds) services commenced collecting pre- and post- evaluation measures to assess the impact our support services make in the lives of the adults, children and young people that come to us for support.

Our evaluation was rolled out across all ds community and family service programs using a range of validated, clinical measures to assess outcomes across drummond street’s domains of wellbeing. This allows us to measure meaningful changes and demonstrate to ds staff, in addition to program funders, the efficacy in the investment in support and impacts achieved at both program and service levels.

With thanks to the practitioners and clients for participating in the evaluation process. The snapshot series will be produced annually. This report refers to the period between November 2016 and March 2019. Individual snapshots are designed to be able to be removed from this report and act as stand alone snapshots across the five main areas measured: Adult mental health and wellbeing, child and young person social and emotional wellbeing, family relationships, social connectedness and financial distress. The report will end on insights across all domains.

Annual Report – Snapshot Series CFRE