ACC reverses sex abuse decision

A news report from the NZPA

Victim advocates are relieved to see a reversal by ACC on its decision to cut funding for sexual abuse counselling, but the Greens say independent reviews should also follow other changes the Crown organisation has made.
Last October ACC cut counselling for victims of rape and other sexual abuse "sensitive claims", and funding was restricted to those with a diagnosed mental injury resulting from sexual abuse or assault, sparking outrage and protests from victim advocates. But it back-tracked yesterday and said from next week people with a new ACC sensitive claim, or with a new claim already in the system but awaiting a decision, would be able to access up to 16 hours with a counsellor.
ACC said the decision was made after concerns were expressed and followed advice from an independent panel appointed by ACC Minister Nick Smith to review the sensitive claims pathway in light of advice he had got from clinicians.
Dr Smith said the 16 hours was an interim provision, and a long-term plan would be made after the final report from the panel was released in mid-September. He said while he had been careful not to interfere with what was a clinical matter, he didn't think ACC had managed the issue well.
The Mental Health Foundation, Human Rights Commission and National Council of Women NZ (NCWNZ) all expressed relief over the u-turn today, although the organisations have raised questions as to whether the 16 hours will be enough for some victims.
NCWNZ national president Elizabeth Bang said the situation showed how critical it was to test new policy approaches before rolling them out. She said savings made during the nine month "experiment" would no doubt be spent on an envisaged influx of claimants. "Again, ACC will need to ensure they have sufficient staff on deck to manage the opening of the flood-gates," Ms Bang said.
Green Party ACC spokesman Kevin Hague said the u-turn "strongly suggested" that all changes ACC has made to its cover, entitlements and assessment criteria needed to be independently reviewed. "An independent review is needed to ensure ACC is doing its job and not causing re-victimisation of accident victims," Mr Hague said. He said Dr Smith had introduced other changes to ACC over the past two years which were not supported by evidence.
Labour's ACC spokesman David Parker said it was unacceptable that Dr Smith was pointing the finger at the ACC board over the sexual abuse funding issue. "The minister was repeatedly and clearly warned by clinicians and the Labour Party that his changes were so obviously wrong. Why have a minister if he will not take responsibility in the face of prior warnings?"

© 2010 Fairfax New Zealand Ltd
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/4018575/ACC-reverses-sex-abuse-decision

Reversal of ACC funding cuts for abuse victims

A press release from the Mental Health Foundation

The Mental Health Foundation welcomes Accident Compensation Corporation’s (ACC) decision to provide extra support to survivors of sexual abuse.
Since last October – when ACC cut counselling for victims of rape and other sexual abuse ‘sensitive’ claims, and funding was restricted to those with a diagnosed mental injury resulting from sexual abuse or assault – the Foundation has received many enquiries expressing concern about the negative impact on people’s mental health of this decision.
From Monday, people with a new ACC sensitive claim, or with a new claim already in the system but awaiting a decision, will be able to access up to 16 hours with a counsellor.
“For many people who have survived sexual abuse, counselling is a lifeline and taking it away left many vulnerable people with nowhere else to turn,” says Judi Clements, Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive. “Some people will need more than 16 hours counselling, but it’s great news that ACC has listened to the concerns from various groups including survivors of sexual abuse, mental health organisations, sexual abuse counsellors and the general public.”
“We applaud their decision,” says Ms Clements.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1008/S00147/reversal-of-acc-funding-cuts-for-abuse-victims.htm

Sex abuse victims 'not getting help from ACC'

An article from the Southland Times by Ceana Priest

Invercargill sexual abuse victims are not getting the help they need and now the area is at risk of losing a counsellor following changes to the ACC sensitive claims process, counsellors said.
Southland-Otago Catholic Social Services director Ian Donnelly said there had been a substantial drop in referrals since the changes were implemented last year. "Referrals for our Invercargill counsellor are down and it means women who need counselling are not getting it."
Their Invercargill counsellor worked two days each week and client numbers reduced from 16 in July last year to four in April.
Mr Donnelly said two-thirds of their clients were ACC referrals. "We now have difficulties in supporting our counsellors, the funding being paid to our counsellors is reduced. There is a risk of losing a counsellor but the worst part is people aren't getting the help they need."
Implemented in October, the clinical framework for the ACC Sensitive Claims Unit changed the way people are funded for counselling of sexual abuse.
Previously, ACC funded four sessions for counsellors to discuss clients' history and send their recommendations to ACC. Now one session is funded before the victim is referred to a specialist for a mental health diagnosis.
The new framework is under review after it was opposed by organisations including the New Zealand Psychological Society, NZ College of Clinical Psychologists and Mental Health Foundation.
ACC Minister Nick Smith announced an independent review in April and expected the group to report back this month.
His press secretary, Simon Beattie, said: "The minister appreciates concerns about the way ACC have handled sensitive claims and that is why he set up the review."
Counsellor and social worker Marion Bottle, of Invercargill, said the process intimidated people seeking help. "For most people, coming to see a counsellor is a traumatic process and it can take many years to get up the courage.
"After the first session they might not get to see that counsellor again and there is no time to build rapport or condense their history into one hour.
"Many come for an individual session then won't come back because the process is too intimidating. Some might end up in the mental health services, no-one can tell exactly what will happen to them."
Her ACC counselling hours reduced from 61 in July last year to 27 in June. "My clients were 70 per cent from ACC but now only 10 or 15 per cent. Counsellors' jobs are at risk."
An ACC media liaison officer refused to comment while the framework was being reviewed.

Copyright Fairfax New Zealand Limited 2010
http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/southland-times-the/mi_8058/is_20100719/abuse-victims-acc/ai_n54516922/