22 April 2024

TAFE NSW has launched a brand new course aimed at empowering community services workers to better identify and treat the profound impacts of trauma in clients.

In an Australian first, TAFE NSW has developed a Diploma of Trauma Informed Care and Practice amid mounting evidence of the devastating toll traumatic events can have on a person’s psyche.

According to NSW Health, up to two thirds of young people in Australia are exposed to a traumatic event before they turn 16 while up to 75 per cent of Australians will experience a potentially traumatic event in their lifetime.

TAFE NSW course coordinator Carly Hancock, who has more than 14 years’ experience in child protection practice, said the new course came amid a shift in how mental health professionals viewed the impact of trauma.

“In recent years, we’ve moved away from a diagnostic model to looking at things more through a lens of ‘what happened to you?’ rather than ‘what’s wrong with you?’,” Ms Hancock said.

“Working with vulnerable young people for many years made me realise the huge gap that still exists in trauma-informed practice.

“The community services industry has been crying out for a course like this for a long time, so it’s very exciting for TAFE NSW to be offering it.”

Starting in July, the two-year course will be offered part-time via virtual classroom, giving students the flexibility to study when and where it best suits them.

Ms Hancock said the course would benefit a wide range of professionals, including those working in the domestic violence, community services, legal, youth and health sectors.

“Anyone who works in a role that is likely to come across communities who might have experienced trauma would benefit from the course,” she said. “Students will learn to use evidence-based practice, including communication, counselling and case management.”

The new course has already been welcomed by industry leaders, with the Deputy CEO of the Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies (NADA), Chris Keyes, saying it would “empower workers and build a more healing service system”.

“We know that people accessing health and community services have often experienced one or more traumatic events, particularly those who experience alcohol and other drug issues, mental health concerns and homelessness,” Ms Keyes said.

“Training in trauma informed care is essential to build workers skills and knowledge to provide care that is compassionate, respectful and meets the needs of people accessing services. NADA applauds TAFE NSW on the development of this new trauma informed training package.

“They have listened to what the workforce needs and responded with training at a critical time for our sector."

Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, Daniel.johns9@tafensw.edu.au, 0477 722 428