ACC backdown welcomed

An article from the Manawatu Standard by Janine Rankin

Sexual abuse survivors denied help under tough new rules introduced last October can look forward to better services in future now that ACC has backed down on the changes. Palmerston North counsellor Paulette Berryman says she is battle-weary but elated that ACC has accepted a caning from an independent panel condemning its approach and forcing a back-down.
The New Zealand Christian Counsellors' Association representative on the sensitive claims group told the Manawatu Standard that the quality of help available for survivors could become better than ever once all of the panel's recommendations were put into place. She said her hard work in protesting against the changes, including taking two of her clients to Wellington to provide evidence about the harm the changes were causing, had paid off. "For almost a year we have been fighting, but it's been worthwhile, with positive changes for sexual abuse survivors," she said.
The review found that the changes, which required clients to gain a diagnosis of mental injury before they could get treatment, were introduced "prematurely and precipitously". The ACC changes had discouraged survivors from seeking help and caused a halving in the number of claims submitted in the first three months of the cuts. Delays were unacceptable and ACC's communications with sexual abuse survivors and providers had often been "inappropriate and inadequate". The panel recommended fast-tracking of the introduction of 16 sessions of support for new clients ahead of the full report's release last week.
Mrs Berryman said the 16-session scheme was a "welcome measure, in the right direction", but the response from potential clients had been low key. She remained concerned that people who could benefit still had not realised how easy it was to contact an ACC treatment provider directly to begin the healing process. Mrs Berryman is continuing her fight to ensure survivors of sexual abuse get the help they need, and is involved in consultation in how other recommendations can be implemented. These include recognising alternative ways for diagnosing mental injury, dealing with the particular needs of children, providing support for Maori and helping people with complex health needs.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/4142528/ACC-backdown-welcomed