Programs
Program of Assistance for Survivors of Torture and Trauma
The Program of Assistance for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (PASTT) provides specialised support services to people who are experiencing psychological or psychosocial difficulties associated with surviving torture and trauma before coming to Australia.
Since 4 April 2011, PASTT services have been combined with the former Short-term Torture and Trauma Counselling (STTC) service administered by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. All services previously available under both programs are now available through PASTT and the program is administered by the Department of Health and Ageing. The program offers one seamless service for those requiring support.
PASTT provides:
- direct counselling and related support services, including advocacy and referrals to mainstream health and related services, to individuals, families and groups who are survivors of torture and trauma
- education and training to mainstream health and related service providers
- community development and capacity building activities
- rural, regional and remote outreach services to enable survivors of torture and trauma to access comparable services outside metropolitan areas
- resources to support and enhance the capacity of specialist counselling and related support services to deliver effective services to survivors of torture and trauma and to respond to emerging client needs.
Clients can be referred through a wide range of sources including the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Humanitarian Settlement Services, other settlement services, general practitioners and other health services, education providers, legal services, community services, family/ friends/ community members and through self referral.
Page last reviewed: 20 June 2011
