Implementing a Trauma Informed Framework in a Disability Non-government Organisation

In July 2013 the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was launched, pledging to “revolutionise disability services.” The full national rollout of NDIS is due to be completed in 2019 at an estimated cost of approximately $37billion (Daley, McGannon & Hunter, 2014). The advent of the NDIS heralded a revitalisation of the disability service industry’s modus operandi. The scheme signalled a ground-shift in the disabilities landscape and it consequently underwent a renaissance. During 2015 and 2016, House With No Steps (Southern Region) undertook a bold and courageous move to begin work towards integrating a trauma informed framework into their day-to-day practices at two trial sites. Implementing an innovative framework was always going to be a high-risk endeavour, however, the underlying perception was that the benefits outweighed the risks. The gamble was offset by the intended quality of life outcomes for customers and staff, and the need to position House With No Steps (Southern Region) as a forerunner in the industry with the impending NDIS rollout in 2017. In 2015, the Regional General Manager (Southern Region) initiated the Trauma Informed Framework trial and received endorsement from the Executive General Manager and Chief Executive Officer. The Regional General Manager (Southern Region) then secured research funding from the Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC), Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) for Western Sydney University (WSU) researchers (Gray and Tracey) to investigate the impact of an innovative framework for supporting Australians with an intellectual disability. The trauma informed framework was designed to address the multilayered level of distress experienced by people with an intellectual disability, whilst simultaneously attempting to improve their safety and quality of life. A systemic or ecological approach was adopted, whilst trialling an innovative support framework focused on trauma outcomes and prevention strategies. Implementation was achieved by combining existing community services including: House With No Steps (Southern Region); Statewide Behaviour Intervention Service ADHC, FACS, and the ADHC Illawarra Shoalhaven District, and through the employment of a Trauma Informed Practice Specialist to implement the strategic direction of the Senior Management team at House With No Steps.