DVA clients are more likely to benefit from peer-to-peer help and support than civilian rehabilitation clients. The close-knit military culture means there can be a lack of trust of ‘outsiders’, whereas rapport is often established quickly with other former ADF members.

There are dozens of ex-service organisations that can provide a sense of purpose and social connection for DVA clients, and many run health and social programs at little or no cost.

The following websites list various ex-service organisations:

If a recommended psychosocial activity requires special equipment—such as course materials, sporting equipment or musical instruments—hiring or leasing the equipment should be considered in the first instance. This is to both reduce costs in case the client decides not to continue the activity and to reinforce that the aim of rehabilitation is self-reliance, rather than ongoing dependence on external support.

Background

‘Psychosocial rehabilitation’ is a broad term used to describe a set of rehabilitation interventions which may improve a client’s quality of life and in so doing, support achievement of their overall rehabilitation goals. In DVA, psychosocial rehabilitation is delivered as one element within the continuum of support—which may include treatment, vocational rehabilitation and medical management—to help meet a client’s health and wellbeing needs.

As former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), DVA clients often have different needs from the ‘typical’ rehabilitation client. Their employment not only gave them an income and meaningful work, it also provided housing, healthcare, recreational facilities, social networks, training, and a structured career path. In addition, the ADF often require members to relocate every few years, so their community and family support networks outside the ADF may not be well-established.

This chapter covers clients with liability accepted under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA).

Psychosocial rehabilitation activities need to be flexible, customisable and responsive because recovery is too complex to be predictable from one client to the next.

A focus on return to work activities too soon in the rehabilitation process can be counterproductive, and can often extend the length of a rehabilitation program. Each person’s circumstances must be taken into account, when considering the rehabilitation activities to be undertaken.