Addressing Critical Gaps: Protecting High-Risk Youth Through Early Interventions in Family Violence
Tracks
Room 1: In-Person and Online
| Tuesday, November 26, 2024 |
| 11:05 AM - 11:25 AM |
| Room 1 |
Overview
Carla Wilkie, Berry Street Victoria
Speaker
Ms Carla Wilkie
Specialist Youth Family Violence Consultant Team Leader
Berry Street Victoria
Addressing Critical Gaps: Protecting High-Risk Youth Through Early Interventions in Family Violence
Abstract
This presentation delves into the critical need for specialized early intervention services for high-risk adolescents involved in family violence. Highlighting the Specialist Youth Family Violence Program at Berry Street Victoria, we demonstrate how integrating the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment & Management (MARAM) Framework, Safe & Together Model, and intersectionality approaches effectively addresses the risk of harm.
Our program is uniquely positioned to address significant service gaps for young people in violent relationships. It is the only one in the region catering specifically to adolescents experiencing or using violence within intimate partner relationships, especially those in out-of-home care. By focusing on early intervention, we aim to break the cycle of violence before these young individuals reach adulthood.
We provide comprehensive support to care teams through training, consultation, advocacy, and tailored workshops. Our life reviews help professionals understand trauma histories and triggers, increasing their confidence and capacity to navigate the family violence system effectively and utilize professional judgment. This holistic approach ensures that care teams are well-equipped to support high-risk youth.
One of our key challenges is balancing the need to hold individuals using violence accountable while maintaining a trauma-informed approach. There is often a misinterpretation that trauma-informed care excuses violent behavior. Our program addresses this by advocating for accountability without dismissing the underlying trauma. We emphasize that individuals using violence must be held accountable for their actions, even as we recognize their own victimization.
Through case studies, we showcase our success in reducing risk and advocating for Intervention Orders (IVOs) to protect children in court, using evidence-based assessments to acknowledge trauma backgrounds.
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the urgent need for early intervention services for high-risk youth, the practical application of our frameworks, and the significant impact such programs can have in breaking the cycle of violence before adulthood.
Key Learnings:
1. Bridging Service Gaps: Addressing the unique needs of high-risk youth in violent relationships.
2. Building Professional Confidence: Enhancing care teams' skills through training and support.
3. Trauma-Informed Accountability: Balancing accountability with a trauma-informed approach.
Our program is uniquely positioned to address significant service gaps for young people in violent relationships. It is the only one in the region catering specifically to adolescents experiencing or using violence within intimate partner relationships, especially those in out-of-home care. By focusing on early intervention, we aim to break the cycle of violence before these young individuals reach adulthood.
We provide comprehensive support to care teams through training, consultation, advocacy, and tailored workshops. Our life reviews help professionals understand trauma histories and triggers, increasing their confidence and capacity to navigate the family violence system effectively and utilize professional judgment. This holistic approach ensures that care teams are well-equipped to support high-risk youth.
One of our key challenges is balancing the need to hold individuals using violence accountable while maintaining a trauma-informed approach. There is often a misinterpretation that trauma-informed care excuses violent behavior. Our program addresses this by advocating for accountability without dismissing the underlying trauma. We emphasize that individuals using violence must be held accountable for their actions, even as we recognize their own victimization.
Through case studies, we showcase our success in reducing risk and advocating for Intervention Orders (IVOs) to protect children in court, using evidence-based assessments to acknowledge trauma backgrounds.
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the urgent need for early intervention services for high-risk youth, the practical application of our frameworks, and the significant impact such programs can have in breaking the cycle of violence before adulthood.
Key Learnings:
1. Bridging Service Gaps: Addressing the unique needs of high-risk youth in violent relationships.
2. Building Professional Confidence: Enhancing care teams' skills through training and support.
3. Trauma-Informed Accountability: Balancing accountability with a trauma-informed approach.
Biography
Carla Wilkie is a dedicated social worker with over a decade of experience specializing in high-risk adolescents. She currently leads the Specialist Family Violence Youth Program at Berry Street Victoria, which targets young people with trauma backgrounds to break the cycle of violence before adulthood. Carla's work is driven by her passion for supporting vulnerable youth, informed by her own lived experiences. Her strong professional values, combined with her skills in program development and her relentless drive, have led to the creation of impactful initiatives and significant achievements in her field.
