Enhancing the capacity of rural and regional respectful relationship educators

Funding

NSW Department of Communities and Justice

Aims

This collaborative project will strengthen the capability of the targeted workforces engaging with children and young people who have experienced sexual violence.

Background

NAPCAN uses a model of strengthening community networks in its work. We will be drawing on that model to develop the capacity of regional and rural workforces so they are:

• trained to deliver survivor-driven and trauma informed respectful relationships education to children and young people
• equipped to engage in effective planned/opportunistic conversation about respectful relationships, within therapeutic practice or as a trusted adult.

Project details

The project builds on findings from the project that is examining trauma-responsive sexual health and relationship education. Our role in this project for regional and rural workforces is to provide NAPCAN with expert guidance, facilitate research activities, facilitate communities of practice, and develop a series of research outputs.

Method

• Facilitate research activities to identify the needs of respectful relationships educators to implement trauma-informed relationship education; and facilitate evaluation activities of educators’ knowledge, skills and confidence, following training.

• Develop resources to support building the capabilities of educators to deliver trauma informed education.

• Develop and facilitate communities of practice for rural and regional educators of respectful relationship education.

Projected community impact

This project will lead to the development of resources and training aides to support regional and remote educators delivering survivor-driven and trauma informed education in respectful relationships to children and young people.

The overall aim is to reduce the vulnerability of children and young people who have experienced harm to further abuse.

Publications

Tuned In: a set of six online modules designed for adults working with young people in group setting. Each module is based on evidence and offers practical techniques for ensuring safe and effective facilitation. Read more on the NAPCAN Website about Tuned In online modules

We also plan to publish journal articles and guidance to support remote and regional educators to deliver trauma informed respectful relationship education.

Project timeline

Began in 2023 and in progress

Contact

For more information contact: icps@acu.edu.au