CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn is pleased to announce the launch of our new program, Stepping Stones. We know that an estimated 2.5 million Australians (13%) have experienced adverse childhood experiences and that if untreated, these can adversely impact social and physical health outcomes later in life.

 In launching Stepping Stones, children in the ACT aged 12 and under who have experienced trauma will have access to free therapeutic support. Trauma may include a single incident like a car accident or assault, or it may relate to repeated traumatic incidents such as abuse, neglect or witnessing family violence.

Utilising a trauma-informed multidisciplinary team approach, Stepping Stones will support children and their families to recover from the impacts of adverse childhood experiences (trauma) with a particular focus on the child’s mental health, well-being and development.

As part of Stepping Stones, children will receive psychological treatment for the symptoms of trauma which may include; behavioural changes, nightmares, anxiety, grief and low mood. They may also receive support to develop skills that have not developed properly due to being in a traumatic situation. Families and carers play an integral role in supporting their child’s recovery and as such, they will also play an integral role in the treatment process. Families and carers will be supported to understand the impact of trauma on their child, assisting them to develop strategies to support the child’s recovery and onward development.

Children can be referred to the service by another health professional (such as their GP or Paediatrician) or another service provider. Families can also self refer to the service. Referrals to the program can be made via the CatholicCare website www.catholiccare.cg.org.au or by calling our team on 02 61637600.