SafeCare's Philosophy

SafeCare Inc. is a private, non-profit organisation that provides treatment, counselling and support services to families where child sexual abuse by a family member has occurred or where it is feared that it may occur.

Confidentiality in exchange for strict child protection measures is offered to individuals voluntarily seeking treatment. Counselling, support and group treatment are also available for children who have been abused and for the partners and other children in the family. The name SafeCare joins the concepts of safety and care and reflects SafeCare’s underlying philosophy.

The following principles have been developed to guide our practice.

1. Child Protection/Intervention

SafeCare’s primary-focus is the protection of children from child sexual abuse and their healing from its traumatic effects. This occurs through the availability of a confidential, anonymous Crisis Line and the Treatment Program for families in which child sexual abuse has occurred or where there is concern that it may occur.

By providing an avenue for early intervention in previously undetected cases of child sexual abuse. We at SafeCare believe we are fulfilling a crucial role in child protection, and treatment for families.

2. Responsiblity

   Responsibility for sexual abuse lies with the adult who offends. The program assists individuals to take responsibility for their offending behaviour and to express accountability in constructive ways. They are encouraged to seek to repair the damage they have done and where possible work towards the restoration of healthy relationships in the family.

   Responsibility for addressing and healing the effects of the abuse lies with the offender and the community. Addressing the socio-cultural factors which contribute to the continuation of child sexual abuse is a community responsibility.

3. Legal Accountability

   Child sexual abuse is a criminal offence, and we at SafeCare do not believe that those who have sexually abused a child should avoid the legal consequences of their behaviour.

   SafeCare does believe however, that imprisonment and punishment do not rehabilitate and do not necessarily lead to the those who offend accepting responsibility for their criminal acts, or indeed to a change in abusive behaviour.

4. Treatment/Change

We believe that change is possible for those who offend sexually against children and an effective treatment process and appropriate support should be made available for them and other family members.

5. Professional Best Practice

SafeCare aspires to provide a professional service of the highest quality including best practice and ethical standards. SafeCare accepts that a range of professional disciplines and approaches may be effective with different offenders, victims and other family members. Group, individual, couple and family sessions form part of the treatment program.

6. Family Focus

By supporting the family as a unit, monitoring change in those who have offended or are at risk of offending and protecting the safety of victims with the aim of restoring healthy relationships, SafeCare assists families to move forward while respecting their choices as to whether to stay together or to separate.

7. Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse

Adults who offend sexually against children have often themselves been victims of physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse as children. As part of the treatment process, therefore, we believe there is a need to recognise and address their own histories of childhood abuse.

8. Community Education

   Community Education on aspects of child sexual abuse and related distortions of human sexuality is a vital aid in the prevention of child sexual abuse.

Breaking the Cycle of Child Sexual Abuse in Families

P.O.Box 1627 Fremantle WA 6959 or Clinical Director Free Phone WA Only - 1800 356 177 or 08 9335 9411