The PAST Program
Supporting safer futures for children and families
Since 2010, SASS has built extensive specialist expertise in delivering trauma-informed support to children and young people who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviours (HSB). The PAST (Prevention, Assessment, Support and Treatment) Program is SASS’s statewide early-intervention program, supporting children and young people who have engaged in HSB, and the families and carers around them. We recognise that these behaviours often occur in the context of trauma, abuse, neglect, family violence, or disrupted relationships. PAST focuses on early intervention, helping young people heal, learn safer ways of coping, and build healthier futures.
“We understand that these behaviours are often a response to underlying issues, and our trauma-informed approach is focused on helping young people recover and build healthier futures.”
Renae, State Clinical Lead, PAST Program
What is the PAST Program
The PAST Program provides specialist, trauma-informed therapy and support The PAST Program provides specialist, trauma-informed therapy and support for children and young people who have engaged in HSB, and for their families. HSB refers to behaviour that falls outside age-appropriate norms or may cause harm to the child or other children and young people who have engaged in HSB, and for their families. HSB refers to behaviour that falls outside age-appropriate norms or may cause harm to the child or others.
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What makes SASS’s PAST Program different?
You can apply to the National Redress Scheme if:
Please seek further information from us if you:
- were abused in an institution that hasn’t joined the National Redress Scheme
- are currently under 18 years of age
- have ever been sentenced to more than 5 years in jail
- have already received a payment related to the abuse
* When is an organisation responsible?
For you to access redress, the institution responsible for the abuse must have joined the National Redress Scheme.
The National Redress Scheme holds institutions accountable for child sexual abuse. For example, while in the care of an institution, child sexual abuse occurred:
- on the premises of an institution, such as a school, a church, a club, an orphanage or children’s home
- where activities of an institution take place, such as a camp or a sporting facility
- or by an official of an institution, such as a teacher, a religious figure like a priest or nun, a coach or camp leader
What are the next steps?
We offer free confidential services across all regions of Tasmania including to help people engage with the National Redress Scheme. This includes:
- information about the National Redress Scheme
- explanation on what to expect through the application process
- assistance to complete the Scheme’s application form and support through the application process
- assistance to access other appropriate services such as legal and financial counselling or other community services
- trauma-informed support delivered face-to-face and over the phone assistance to understand a redress outcome
- support to request a direct personal response from the institution
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