CASPA’s therapeutic approach to residential care generates positive outcomes for children and young people in the Northern Territory
CASPA Services Ltd, in partnership with Territory Families Housing and Communities, has been providing intensive therapeutic residential care (ITRC) for children and young Territorians since 2021.
CASPA’s Executive Director in the Northern Territory, Nathan Baunach emphasises that this initiative aligns with CASPA’s mission.
“We understand that children and young people in ITRC should be on a path to transition,” Mr Baunach said.
“Ultimately, our goal is to help rebuild connection for their safe reunification with family wherever possible, and otherwise preparing and advocating for them as they make their transition to life after care.”
The ITRC program is designed to support children and young people from disrupted home environments who lack suitable parental or guardian care to be able to live safely, securely and happily.
CASPA’s therapeutic framework practices are embedded in its program delivery, and continuity of care is also favourable for these vulnerable young people, as Mr Baunach points out.
“In the Northern Territory, we have over 200 dedicated staff who are passionate about their roles.
“Our focus on staff recruitment and retention ensures that when these young people come to us, they have a consistent and reliable team who they can trust,” Mr Baunach said.
This focus aligns with CASPA’s broader national agenda. Last year, the organisation launched a foundation aimed at supporting young people transitioning out of care – an area that CASPA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Naarah Rodwell identifies as critically underserved.
“When children and young people leave residential care, they often face challenges around housing and employment that can be deeply distressing for the young person who is already feeling vulnerable,” Ms Rodwell said.
The CASPA Foundation addresses these issues through programs such as Hammers for Hope and Lawyers for Hope, designed to support young people in need while generating revenue to sustain the foundation’s initiatives. These programs not only provide tax-deductible services through a charitable framework but also create employment opportunities for young people.
Terence’s story is a testament to the foundation’s effectiveness. After turning 18 and leaving the ITRC, Terence gained work experience through Hammers for Hope and is now pursuing an apprenticeship while working on repairs and renovations in CASPA’s residential care facilities, as well as for commercial and residential clients.
Another young person transitioned from residential care after participating in a CASPA mentor program. Through this program, she secured a rental property, undertook a Certificate IV in hospitality, and now manages the kitchen at a local café.
These success stories are what drives the staff at CASPA, and they are reinforced by the solid foundation of evidence supporting the organisation’s therapeutic approach.
CEO Ms Rodwell highlighted that establishing a research department was one of CASPA’s strategic goals, a milestone that has now been achieved.
“We collaborate with universities and offer work placements for master’s students to ensure our practices are grounded in research and evidence,” Ms Rodwell said.
CASPA’s approach is resulting in increased reunification and a reduction of incidents of poor behaviour by children and young people in residential care.
“Since beginning the delivery of ITRC in the Northern Territory, we have witnessed a number of children and young people reunite with their families,” NT Executive Director Mr Baunach said.
“By providing staff continuity, we’ve also been able to reduce incidents of property damage and aggressive behaviour.”
Through its work in the Northern Territory, CASPA has gained some valuable insights that continue to shape the organisation’s methods. As CEO Ms Rodwell reports, some of the benefits of a therapeutic approach is minimising the duration of residential care for children and young people.
“Wherever possible, we are fighting to get kids home to family. Ultimately, the best outcome is that we are all out of a job!” CEO Ms Rodwell said.
