BACKGROUND
In April 2013, the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council SA (ADAC), Aboriginal Health Council of SA (AHCSA) and Aboriginal Family Support Services (AFSS) formed a consortium to establish a therapeutic community model of care service to address the AOD needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people in the north west region of South Australia.
The three partners are also all state wide community organisations with member organisations in all communities within South Australia.
Established under the auspice of the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council SA, the North West Regional Residential Service, known as Footsteps – road to recovery, is the only alcohol and drug residential rehabilitation facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region.
Established at Port Augusta, SA, Footsteps supports individuals and families with after care and case coordination, to strengthen their capacity to address alcohol and drug problems and reconnect with their families, communities and cultures.
Footsteps is a proud employer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and regards its human resources, cultural integrity and service partnerships as key components to the success of its service.
PHILOSOPHY
Footsteps adopts a harm minimization approach under a therapeutic community model to reduce the impact of alcohol and drug usage on our community. At the same time Footsteps recognises and supports abstinence based approaches and will strive to represent the interests of all in working to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol and drug usage within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of South Australia by;
- Promoting awareness and understanding of alcohol and other drug issues and substances affecting people and communities
- Promoting positive alternate life ways to harmful alcohol and other drug (AOD) use
- Enhancing the capacity of communities to identify and respond to rapidly emerging trends in licit and illicit substance misuse
- Developing policy and plans to address identified community AOD service needs
- Provide education and training opportunities to AOD staff and community members
- Representing and advocating community needs and interests to key stakeholders at local, regional, statewide and national level.
AIMS
As a residential rehabilitation service based on a therapeutic community model, Footsteps aims to:
- Improve the capacity of individuals and families to address alcohol and drug problems
- Support individuals to reconnect with their families, community and culture
- Provide individuals and families with after care support and services
- Be a proud employer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
VISION
Inspire and empower Aboriginal people to live free of the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs
MISSION
To provide and deliver a culturally appropriate, healing, residential therapeutic community that is holistic, effective and creates a better everyday life for Aboriginal people with alcohol and other drug problems, in the NW region of South Australia.
TARGET GROUP AND AREA
The service receives referrals for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women aged 18 years and over.
The catchment area for clients coming to Footsteps covers almost 900,000 klms and includes;
- Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yangyantjara Lands + communities
- Maralinga Tjarajara Lands + Oak Valley
- Scottdesco
- Ceduna + 11 homelands Marree Port Augusta Whyalla
- Coober Pedy Oodnadatta Port Lincoln Yalata Community
- Konnibba Penong Roxby Downs
OUR SERVICES
Footsteps operates a 12-bed short term residential accommodation for referred men and women from the region. Separate accommodation is available for 8 men and 4 women proportionate to community demand.
The service operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The Administration Office operates normal office hours 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Services include:
- Community Reconciliation, Advocacy, Education and awareness initiatives, service provider links
- Health Assessment, Education and Promotion
- Referrals Coordinated case management
- Counselling A range of therapies suitable for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients
- After care support Access to short term accommodation, social supports, re-engagement with community
- Cultural programs & activities Utilising traditional healers, elders, cultural mentoring and leadership
- Programs and Activities Therapeutic community model that utilises holistic programs, skills development and group therapies
Our Governance and The Consortium
The Consortium consists of ADAC, AFSS and ACHS representatives to provide direction, support and advice to the establishment of the service.
The Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council as the lead agency which auspices Footsteps, is responsible for the day to day management and operations of the service.
OUR COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS
As part of its whole of community and holistic approach, Footsteps works closely with a number of organisations and committees
AGENCY
Aboriginal Family Support Services
Aboriginal Community Health Council
Red Cross
Mission Australia
Employment Services
Centacare
Aboriginal and Primary Health Care Services and hospitals
Port Augusta Correctional Services
Bangala
Well Women’s Centre
SA Alcohol and Drug Network
Australasian Therapeutic Community Association
Various therapeutic community & residential rehabilitation services across Australia
Drug and Alcohol Services SA (incl day centres, sobering up units, mobile assistance patrols)
Family Violence Legal Service
Medicare Local
Alcoholics Anonymous
Community Councils
Alzheimer’s Association
Centrelink
WHERE
Regional
Regional
Port Augusta & NW region
Port Augusta, Whyalla, Port Lincoln,
Roxby Downs
Regional
Regional
Ceduna, Whyalla, Port Augusta, Coober Pedy,
Port Lincoln
Port Augusta
Port Augusta
Coober Pedy, Port Augusta, Ceduna, Adelaide
Port Augusta
Regional
Port Augusta, Whyalla, Coober Pedy
Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Yalata
For more information, call the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council (SA) Aboriginal Corporation. on (08) 8351 9031
Contact Footsteps Direct during office hours - Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm: -
(08) 8641 2116
After office hours or weekends -
Please use the contact form provided.
Fields marked with a * are required.
If you want help getting a referral to Footsteps, Click Here for a referral contact form.
For More Information
Download Our Newsletters and Annual Report
2014 Annual Report
2015 Annual Report