Casework Program
The Casework program is the first and often the last point of contact for most asylum seekers at the ASRC. Casework provides important assessment and linkages to both ASRC services and external services in the initial stages of the asylum seekers journey as well as ongoing support during the asylum seeking process. Finally, Casework provides support with transition to mainstream services for asylum seekers who are granted permanent residence in Australia, or intensive support for people facing repatriation.
Volunteer - Ana Becerra-Riveroll
"The ASRC offers members and volunteers a safe space where differences can be put aside; where we can come together and understand each other. The Casework Program has given me the opportunity to help and get to know members. It’s very humbling to be let into someone's life and to share their stories; but the best feeling is experiencing their joy as they achieve successful outcomes."
Asylum Seeker - Kayode
"My caseworker supported me throughout the refugee determination process and explained all the services which I can access and is now helping settle in Australia now that I have permanent residency. I feel that they saved my life because before I came here I did not know what I could do and who I could turn to. At the ASRC they treat me like a brother."
Supporters - Jan and Tony
Jan and her partner Tony are passionate supporters of the ASRC, especially the casework program. Whilst Jan works as a volunteer caseworker, Tony assists by making financial contributions and does this in very practical ways. In the past he has gone shopping and contributed to the resources of the Foodbank. More recently, he has decided to purchase shopping vouchers which are distributed by casework. He believes that these enable members to retain some sense of dignity by choosing for themselves whatever is most needed to meet their immediate needs.
What We Do
The casework team currently supports over 600 asylum seekers and provides crisis intervention, intake and assessment of new clients, introduction to the ARSC, membership for clients, referrals to other programs both internal/external to the ASRC, ongoing case management, information, advice, advocacy, generalist counselling, goal setting and support around a range of welfare issues.
Caseworkers assist asylum seekers with referral and introduction to a range of internal and external services in the areas of health, housing, immigration, immigration law, social and recreational activities, financial planning and assistance, material aid, employment, education, and counselling.
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The ASRC Casework Program
Our Casework Staff
The first and often the last point of contact for most asylum seekers at the ASRC -
The ASRC Casework Program
Some of our Volunteers
The first and often the last point of contact for most asylum seekers at the ASRC -
The ASRC Casework Program
Wednesday Night Caseworkers
The first and often the last point of contact for most asylum seekers at the ASRC
