WELCOME

Here is some useful information about the Aftercare Resource Centre. ARC provides a service to people who are former residents of Queensland institutions or former children in care.

WHAT ABOUT THE STAFF?

Our staff are professional, approachable and understanding. They are highly qualified and experienced professionals from fields including social work, psychology and social science. Our staff draw upon a wide range of life experiences including first hand experience of being a child in care. It is a minimum requirement that people joining our staff have appropriate tertiary qualifications. Each staff member is required to participate in on-going training and professional development.

MAINTAINING PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

To keep both our staff and services at the highest possible standard, we encourage you to give us feedback about your experience.

We take complaints seriously. If you have any concerns about the service you receive, please telephone the Manager (07) 3255 2848, or express your concerns to the CEO of Relationships Australia - Lot 13, 107 Miles Platting Road, Eight Mile Plains, QLD 4113.

You may also wish to consider contacting:

• Human Rights Commission - 1300 656 419
• Ombudsman - 3884 7000

WHAT HELP CAN WE OFFER?

We can:

• Offer you the opportunity to talk with someone who understands, and who can support you.
• Assist you with educational opportunities, including literacy programs
• Provide advice regarding access to your records
• Provide specialised counselling services for survivors of abuse and can arrange appropriate counselling services for indigenous survivors
• Put you in contact with support groups
• Assist you with family reunions
• Provide these services to people living anywhere in Australia

WHAT ARE OUR VALUES?

ARC is one of a range of family support services operated by Relationships Australia, which is a community based, non profit, non government organisation. Relationships Australia provides this service with funding from the Qld Department of Communities.   We have no religious affiliation. ARC seeks to enable and empower people who have experienced past childhood abuse to live their lives in the present, rather than continuing to experience today as an extension of their traumatic past.

WHO CAN COME TO ARC?

Our services are available to anyone who spent time as a child in an institution, orphanage, detention centre, residential or foster home in Queensland. We are able to offer you and your family members a range of services. We co-ordinate these services from our premises in West End, Brisbane.

WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF BRISBANE?

Whilst we are located in Brisbane we are able to offer a range of services to people throughout Australia via our 1800 toll-free number. We can also help to connect you with a branch of Relationships Australia near you, or with helping professionals in your area.

APPOINTMENTS

Our Staff are busy and need to work to appointments. To ensure you receive the attention you require and are not disappointed, it is important that you make an appointment and confirm it with our Receptionist in advance. If you cannot come at the agreed time it is important that you let us know. If you do not do this, or come along without an appointment, you may not be able to see someone or you may have to wait a long time.

TRANSPORT AND PARKING

ARC is situated within walking distance of South Brisbane and Southbank train stations. We also have limited parking facilities on site. When making your first appointment, please ask the Receptionist for details.

IS THE SERVICE CONFIDENTIAL?

Relationships Australia offers you all the confidentiality which the law allows. Every one of our employees has signed an Oath or Declaration of Confidentiality. In some cases, such as when there is an immediate threat to a person's safety, or when there is knowledge of current child abuse, the law requires these matters to be reported. All other information is strictly confidential, and can only be released if ordered by a Court.

MOBILE PHONES

While they can be convenient, they can also be distracting. We ask that mobile phones be turned off while you are on our premises.

VIDEO

At Relationships Australia it is important to us that our service is of the highest professional standard. Occasionally, we may require staff to provide video tapes of some of their work. This helps us to make continual improvements to our services. Naturally there is no obligation, but if you agree to a video tape of one of your sessions, your consent is given subject to very strict conditions that will be explained to you. And remember, you can always say no.

HOW CAN YOU CONTACT ARC?

Address:	26 Merivale Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101
Telephone:	(07) 3255 2848
Free Call:	1800 501 560
Fax:	(07) 3255 2258
Email:	arc@relateqld.com.au

Hours:	Monday	8:30 - 4:30
	Tuesday	8:30 - 4:30
	Wednesday	Closed
	Thursday	8:30 - 4:30
	Friday	8:30 - 4:30