In this section:

› Introduction

› The EIP Assessment

› After an Assessment

› Children and Adolescent

› Referrals

› Partnerships and Training

Introduction

STARTTS Early Intervention Program (EIP) was established in 1998 through funding provided by the Australian Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.

The EIP Program aims to assess the needs of refugees soon after their arrival in Australia, and to ensure they are connected to appropriate services to address those needs.

The EIP Program focuses on early intervention because current research indicates that the earlier problems associated with torture or trauma are identified, the more likely successful recovery. This is also true of other health, psychosocial and welfare issues which may affect resettlement.

The EIP Program is offered to all arrivals to New South Wales under the Australian Refugee and Special Humanitarian Program within their first six months in Australia.

The EIP Program Assessment

The EIP employs qualified Counsellors who together with the clients, carry out comprehensive client need assessments. Using the Refugee - Comprehensive Assessment Tool (R-CAT) Counsellors assess client's:covers client’s:

	physical health needs
	psychological health needs
	general settlement needs, such as: housing employment welfare

An EIP Program assessment may take several sessions and is:

	totally voluntary
	completely confidential
	impartial
	free of charge

After an Assessment

Where a client's needs are not primarily related to torture or trauma, appropriate referrals are made to address the needs identified or a case management strategy is negotiated with an appropriate service provider.

Where a client has primary needs arising from torture or trauma, they are seen by an EIP Counsellor. Short to medium term counselling is offered to assist them deal with the effects of torture and trauma experiences. If appropriate, clients may also be offered group work intervention.

Relevant referrals are made where clients require assistance with settlement related matters. Clients needing longer-term intervention may be referred to STARTTS General Services.

Children and Adolescent

All EIP Counsellors work with families, however the EIP Program also employs a specialist Counsellor who works specifically with children and adolescents and develops links with other children's and youth services.

Referrals

If you want more information about the EIP Program or you want to make a referral please contact the EIP Intake Officer on (02) 9646 6666. When making a referral to the EIP Program you will be asked to provide basic details, including:

	name of the client
	date of arrival in Australia and visa class
	date protection visa granted
	address and telephone number
	country of origin
	need for an interpreter
	basic details of other family members

Partnerships and Training

Developing effective partnerships between STARTTS and other agencies working with refugees is an important element of the EIP Program. One aspect of this is the training and support offered to others working with refugees. The Early Intervention Program also provides training and support to regional and rural areas. Training and information sessions available through the EIP Program cover:

	common refugee experiences
	the impact of torture and trauma
	strategies for working with refugees, including children and youth
	education and refugees
	health services and refugees

Content of EIP Program training is often tailored to the needs of the particular organisation such as:

	institutions involved in adult and child education
	government services
	community-based agencies
	hospitals
	community health centres

For more information about training through the EIP Program contact the EIP Training Officer on (02) 9794 1900.