Purpose & Principles

The Trauma Recovery Network Australia (TRNA)

Purpose & Principles

Purpose:

The Trauma Recovery Network Australia (TRNA) was created to offer EMDR Therapy training to the rural and remote regions of Australia impacted by the 2019/2020 bushfires. Looking ahead, we aim to continue securing funding and support to provide training for mental health first responders in Australian disaster zones as declared by local government areas (LGAs) and the Australian Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs. Additionally, we plan to collaborate with sponsoring organizations and groups identified by the Australian Rural Health Workforce Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Area (RRMA) Classification System as remote and rural zones (RRMA 3 - 7). To participate in the training, individuals must comply with EMDRAA's eligibility guidelines and be community members who are employed or run practices to serve mental health clients in the specified areas.

Training Information

The TRNA offers EMDR training conducted by trainers accredited by the EMDR Association of Australia, utilising a curriculum approved by the EMDR International Association.
 
In the case of disaster recovery efforts funded by grants or donations, our aim is to offer the training program at no or minimal cost to the participants. This is made possible with the assistance of local community members who help organise venues and administration, while participants are expected to arrange their own accommodation and meals.

Participant's Obligations:

Mental health clinicians interested in the training must adhere to the eligibility guidelines set by the EMDR Association of Australia. They are expected to contribute to data collection and research support, as well as commit to assisting the TRNA and others via peer supervision, study groups, and continuous development.
 
Furthermore, all trainees must either reside in or be employed in a capacity directly connected to the government-designated disaster zone.

The Trauma Recovery Network Australia (TRNA)

Guiding Principles

Equal Employment Opportunity

The TRNA upholds the principle of equal employment opportunity for all trainers, facilitators, consultants, administrative staff, and volunteers, ensuring a workplace devoid of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on organisational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without discrimination based on race, colour, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by laws or regulations in our operational locations. We seek to include a staff that represent our varied population. TRNA will not condone discrimination or harassment for any of these reasons.

Access and Equity

Committed to human rights principles, particularly access and equity, TRNA enhances EMDR Therapy training availability in rural and underserved regions. We foster community resilience by providing training programs in areas designated by the Department of Health and Aged Care, enabling clinicians to receive training within their communities. We deliver EMDR Training to mental health first responders in national disaster areas as declared by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, with funding from charitable donations, grants, and other financial resources. Localising training allows communities to build resilience and meet their future needs, especially where there is a shortage of clinicians trained in evidence-based trauma treatments.
 
We also offer advanced programs for rural clinicians to attain EMDR consultancy status and lead their communities. Our training includes discussions on EMDR for clients from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, focusing on those experiencing ongoing trauma from discrimination, bias, and prejudice. EMDR therapy is client-led and avoids cultural biases in diagnosing psychological conditions.
 
Our programs aim for equity, assessing and addressing any barriers or needs of participants, providing extra support or services when necessary. Tailored to the distinct needs of trainees, our programs consider age, gender, cultural or ethnic background, disability, sexuality, language proficiency, unemployment, or geographic isolation that may impede access. Our community-focused programs provide ongoing support to promote unity.
 
Participants receive information and are encouraged to express concerns to improve accessibility. Registration forms request details on special needs, such as physical accessibility, dietary preferences, and support services.

The Trauma Recovery Network Australia (TRNA)

How we handle complaints

TRNA Complaints Handling Process

The TRNA is committed to fair, effective and efficient complaint handling. We will

Promote a culture that values complaints and their effective resolution by:

  • Being alert to complaints
  • Working to resolve them promptly
  • Make recommendations for improvement
  • Analyse data for implementing improvements

Demonstrate exemplary complaint handling practices by:

  • Treating all people with respect, including those who make complaints
  • Assist people to make complaints, if needed
  • Implement changes from individual complaints and analysis of data

Complaint Handling by TRNA

1. Receive

Unless a complaint has been resolved at the outset, we will record the complaint and its supporting information including:

  • Contact information of person making complaint
  • Issues provided by the person and outcomes they want
  • Any other relevant information; and
  • Any additional support the person making the complaint requires.

2. Acknowledge

We will acknowledge each complaint promptly, preferably within 5 working days, by, email, phone call, letter, etc.

3. Assess and investigate

3.1 Initial assessment

Upon receipt of a complaint, we will verify if the issues presented are pertinent to our training and support services. Should the complaint pertain to an individual's professional conduct or ethics, we will direct you to contact the relevant professional registration body.
 
For complaints regarding psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, occupational therapists in mental health, and general practitioners specializing in mental health, submissions may be made to the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Authority.
 
Complaints concerning social workers, psychotherapists, and counsellors can be addressed to their respective professional associations. It is important to note that investigations are limited to members of these associations. Alternatively, concerns can be brought before the Health Complaints Commissioner of your State or Territory.
 
We will take into account the desired outcomes of the complainant and, in cases where multiple issues are identified, assess if each should be addressed individually. In managing a complaint, we will consider:
  • How serious, complicated or urgent the complaint is
  • Whether the complaint raises concerns about people’s health and safety
  • How the person making the complaint is being affected
  • The risks involved if resolution of the complaint is delayed, and
  • Whether a resolution requires the involvement of other organisations.

3.2 Investigating the complaint

After assessing the complaint, we will consider how to manage it. We may:

  • Give the person making a complaint information or an explanation
  • Gather information about the issue, person or area that the complaint is about, or
  • Investigate the claims made in the complaint.

We will keep the person making the complaint up to date on our progress, particularly if there are any delays. We will also communicate the outcome of the complaint using the most appropriate medium. Which actions we decide to take will be tailored to each case and take into account any statutory requirements.

4. Determine outcome and provide reasons for decision

Following consideration of the complaint and any investigation into the issues raised, we will contact the person making the complaint and advise them:

  • The outcome of the complaint and any action we took
  • The reason/s for our decision
  • The remedy or resolution/s that we have proposed or put in place, and
  • Any options for review that may be available to the complainant, such as an internal review, external review or appeal.

5. Close the complaint: document and analyse data

5.1 Document

We will keep records about:

  • How we managed the complaint
  • The outcome/s of the complaint (including whether it or any aspect of it was substantiated, any recommendations made to address problems identified and any decisions made on those recommendations), and
  • Any outstanding actions to be followed up, including analysing any underlying or root causes
  • We will ensure that outcomes are properly implemented, monitored and reported to the complaint handling manager, senior management or the Chair of our governing body.

To register a concern please go to Contact Us

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Your donation helps us to reach areas most in need, every community therapist we train may help up to 500 people a year, every year.

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