The Approved Counselling Scheme (ACS)
who can apply
You are eligible to claim counselling from an Approved Counsellor if:
- you are the victim of an act of violence and are injured as a result (primary victim); or
- you are injured as a result of witnessing an act of violence (secondary victim); or
- you are a relative of a homicide victim (family victim); or
- you are injured while trying to:
- prevent someone from committing an act of violence (primary victim), or
- arrest someone who is committing, or has just committed an act of violence (primary victim), or
- help or rescue someone against whom an act of violence is being committed, or has just been committed (primary victim).
However, you are not eligible for Approved Counselling where:
- the act of violence did not occur in NSW;
- it cannot be proved that an act of violence occurred;
- the application arises from a crime against property;
- the application arises from injuries caused by a motor vehicle, except in the following circumstances:
Counselling for the family of a person killed by a motor vehicle
The Victims Legislation Amendment Act 2003 has amended the Victims Support and Rehabilitation Act 1996 to enable the immediate family of a person who is killed where the use of a motor vehicle is involved to apply for 20 hours of approved counselling services under the Act if the person’s death apparently occurred in the course of the commission of an offence of murder or manslaughter.
how to apply
initial 2 hours counselling
You need to complete an Application for 2 hours of Counselling form. The two page form requires basic information about yourself and the act of violence to enable the Victims Services to assess your claim.
counselling for relatives of homicide victims
If you are a relative of a homicide victim you may be eligible to apply for 20 hours of counselling except:
- where the homicide did not occur in NSW;
- it cannot be proved that it was homicide.
Relatives of homicide victims have a separate counselling form for 20 hours of counselling.
Victims Services will endeavour to make a decision regarding your application for counselling within 48 hours of receipt of your completed application. Make sure the form has a telephone number where you can be contacted during that time.
who can help me fill out the form?
If you have any difficulty your solicitor can help you fill out the form. Please note that your solicitor is not entitled to costs from Victims Services for helping you to fill out an application form for Approved Counselling only. Alternatively you can contact Victims Services for assistance. Victims groups are also available to help you to fill out the application form.
how it works
The initial 2 hours of counselling must be provided by an Approved Counsellor. Approved Counsellors are located throughout NSW and even if you live outside NSW, Victims Services may be able to arrange an interstate Approved Counsellor. Remember that you need Victims Services' prior approval before organising an appointment with the Approved Counsellor.
what happens after the initial 2 hours?
During the initial 2 hours, you and your counsellor will decide whether or not you will benefit from further counselling. If you decide that you will not benefit from further counselling, the counsellor will provide a brief report to Victims Services. If you decide that you will benefit from further counselling, then your counsellor will submit a recommendation for further counselling in a report to Victims Services setting out a brief history of the act of violence and the assistance that counselling will provide.
You will need to provide a written request for counselling and this can be done by completing the one page form, Request for Further Hours of Approved Counselling. This form can be obtained from Victims Services or from your counsellor or you can download one from this website.
how is my application for further counselling processed?
Once Victims Services has received all the information necessary to process your application, the matter will be given to an Assessor for consideration. You or your solicitor will then be sent a letter telling you the result of your application. If your application for counselling has been approved, you may contact your Approved Counsellor to arrange an appointment.
choosing a suitable approved counsellor
Victims Services has a list of counsellors who are currently Approved Counsellors under the Approved Counselling Scheme. All of the Approved Counsellors on the list are qualified, private practitioners who provide counselling approved by Victims Services.
In order to become an Approved Counsellor, the practitioner must meet a number of criteria including a minimum of two years experience working with victims of crime as a registered provider. On a yearly basis, to maintain their Approved Counsellor status, the practitioners must meet additional criteria, including demonstrated ongoing professional development.
If you have any special requirements, for example you have a disability or the counselling is required for a young child, you can contact Victims Services staff to discuss your requirements further.
location of approved counsellors in NSW
Locate an Approved Counsellor within NSW in your area
finding an approved counsellor interstate
If you were a victim of violent crime in NSW and have since moved interstate you may be eligible to apply for counselling under the Approved Counselling Scheme. You should contact the Victims of Crime Bureau and the staff will assist you in finding a counsellor in your state to provide Approved Counselling.
applying to be an approved counsellor
Read about applying to be an approved counsellor
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