The Integrated Trauma Recovery Service Model is designed to orient readers to the specialist work done by the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture (VFST, also known as Foundation House). It describes the integrated nature of our approach to working with and for survivors of torture and other traumatic events who come from refugee backgrounds.
Working with our clients towards recovery requires a framework of understanding which brings together awareness of historical, political and social influences, both past and present, which affect lives on a daily basis. Our conceptual framework for trauma recovery is based on an understanding that survivors’ wellbeing is affected by a complex interplay of their history of torture and other traumatic events, the risk and protective factors they encounter in Australia (the host country), and cross cultural factors at play in a new settlement environment. It is underpinned by four recovery goals which result from an analysis of the impact of torture and other traumatic events.
This trauma recovery framework guides our work with survivors of torture and trauma and assists our multi-disciplinary team of staff to use consistent practices based on common understanding,
drawing on the strengths of different professional disciplines. The framework generates a shared vision across the entire organisation, regardless of specific program areas or work roles.
