Project Description

Adult Residential Program

The Adult Residential Program, is a modified Therapeutic Community (TC), and has structures and processes in place to address the emotional and spiritual dimensions of substance use, with the use of the community to assist in the healing process of individuals and to support the development of behaviours, attitudes and values of healthy living (Australasian Therapeutic Communities Association 2010). Additionally, a range of special services and interventions for broader population groups including those with mental health issues and those utilising pharmacotherapy etc. are also integrated and/or supported to enhance the traditional or generic theoretical framework of Therapeutic Community.

The TC perspective on recovery, right living and the ‘community as method’ approach is integrated and includes the basic components such as the staged approach, social organisation, work structure, and the daily schedule of meetings, groups, and seminars etc.

  1. Karuna – Short Stay (Including orientation to the TC)
  2. Treatment Stage – comprising Treatment Stage 1 and Treatment Stage 2
  3. Commitment/Re Entry

The Program

Our multidimensional approach to treatment involves therapy, education, values, and skills development. The structured environment has a set of rules and guidelines establishing the basis for residents to achieve the desired goals of personal growth/development and behavior change. Karralika TC offers a unique combination of therapeutic involvements between residents and staff and among residents (especially among senior and junior residents) through their various daily interactions whilst living in a caring and challenging community.

We work with or are partners with a range of specialist community agencies including: Hep C Council, CARE Financial, Legal Aid, Care and Protection agencies, Gugan Gulwan, Outward Bound, Winnunga Nimityjah, Communities@work, Isabella Medical Centre, and ACT Dental and Health services.

Residential Services Team

We have a multidisciplinary staff team including:

External Services

Residents can access a range of external services whilst in Program, which include:

  • Childcare and school
  • Dental and Medical services
  • Counselling
  • Financial/Budgeting support and assistance
  • Hepatitis education
  • Parenting programs
  • Community based self-help groups
  • Recreational activities

Activities

Residents can participate in a range of activities which include:

  • Attendance at art exhibitions and workshops with Tuggeranong Community Arts Centre
  • Drumbeat is an alternative therapy, facilitated through weekly groups, and offers a range of learning opportunities for participants to develop skills and knowledge in a range of areas. The purpose of the program is to allow our clients to connect and work together as a team through music and expressing themselves in ways that harmonise with others.
  • Women: Choice and Change is a six-week program for women who are in or have been in an abusive relationship. It provides women an opportunity to meet with others who have similar experiences, talk through issues, and look at positive choices and strategies for the future.

Types of Interventions

Clinical practice within the therapeutic community is underpinned by evidence informed methods including Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) which are utilized to effectively support and facilitate a residents’ recovery journey.

Typical Daily Routine (weekday)

Morning – 7am Lunch – 12 noon Afternoon – 1pm Evening – 6pm
  • Wake up,
  • morning jobs,
  • get ready for the day, medication,
  • community jobs, morning meeting, morning tea,
  • morning group
  • Community lunch and wash up.
  • Group
  • Supported social activities.
  • Personal time for washing, resting, reading, writing tasks,
  • Community jobs
  • Community dinner and wash
  • Children’s/personal phone calls.
  • Community Check-in and socialising.
  • Tidy up and night medication.
  • Personal time – writing tasks,
  • 10.45pm – Lights out
Morning – 7 am
  • Wake up,
  • morning jobs,
  • get ready for the day, medication,
  • community jobs, morning meeting, morning tea,
  • morning group
Lunch – 12 noon
  • Community lunch and wash up.
Afternoon – 1 pm
  • Group
  • Supported social activities.
  • Personal time for washing, resting, reading, writing tasks,
  • Community jobs
Evening – 6 pm
  • Community dinner and wash
  • Children’s/personal phone calls.
  • Community Check-in and socialising.
  • Tidy up and night medication.
  • Personal time – writing tasks,
  • 10.45pm – Lights out

*Weekends have a semi-structured program.

*AA/NA meetings attendance after the first 2 weeks in program.

Do you need help?

Every journey begins with the first step. We have fully trained staff ready to speak to you about your dependence or about someone you may care for.