Improving family and carer inclusion in AOD practice
Tracks
Monarch Room - In-Person Only
| Thursday, May 28, 2026 |
| 11:05 AM - 11:25 AM |
Overview
Lukas Hofstaetter, Carers NSW
Details
Three Key Learnings
1. Family and carer inclusive practice is important to support carers of people using AOD services.
2. Carer inclusion and recognition need to be ingrained in everyday practice.
3. A dedicated carer support program improves health and wellbeing of carers of people using AOD services.
1. Family and carer inclusive practice is important to support carers of people using AOD services.
2. Carer inclusion and recognition need to be ingrained in everyday practice.
3. A dedicated carer support program improves health and wellbeing of carers of people using AOD services.
Speaker
Dr Lukas Hofstaetter
Manager Research And Development
Carers NSW
Improving family and carer inclusion in AOD practice
Abstract
This contribution presents first insights from a project undertaken by Carers NSW and the Buttery, an alcohol and other drug (AOD) and mental health service provider on the NSW North Coast, to improve carer recognition, inclusion and support in alcohol and other drug services.
Family members and friends who care for someone addicted to alcohol or drugs are often severely affected by a person’s AOD use. Carers are often involved across the recovery journey and support their loved one’s recovery alongside services as “partners in care”. Federal and state legislation, as well as clinical guidelines and quality standards mandate the recognition and support of carers by service providers in their own right, however this is often not reflected in practice.
To improve carer recognition and support, the Buttery and Carers NSW have undertaken a practice review of family and carer inclusive practices in the Buttery’s service provision, including its Family Carers and Friends Support Service.
This presentation will present insights from a document audit and consultations with staff, carers and clients. The results of this review will inform the development of a sector development toolkit to support the AOD workforce in better working with families and carers. These resources will be completed in July 2026.
Family members and friends who care for someone addicted to alcohol or drugs are often severely affected by a person’s AOD use. Carers are often involved across the recovery journey and support their loved one’s recovery alongside services as “partners in care”. Federal and state legislation, as well as clinical guidelines and quality standards mandate the recognition and support of carers by service providers in their own right, however this is often not reflected in practice.
To improve carer recognition and support, the Buttery and Carers NSW have undertaken a practice review of family and carer inclusive practices in the Buttery’s service provision, including its Family Carers and Friends Support Service.
This presentation will present insights from a document audit and consultations with staff, carers and clients. The results of this review will inform the development of a sector development toolkit to support the AOD workforce in better working with families and carers. These resources will be completed in July 2026.
Biography
Dr Lukas Hofstaetter is the Manager Research and Development at Carers NSW, the peak body representing family and friend carers in New South Wales. In this capacity he manages Carers NSW research and evaluation projects and collaborations, and leads the National Carer Survey. He holds a PhD in Sociology from Goethe-University Frankfurt and Macquarie University Sydney (cotutelle), and is an Honorary Industry/Professional Fellow at the IMPACCT Research Centre at the University of Technology Sydney.
