Sasha had experienced a long history of drug and alcohol abuse which lead to a cycle of crime, prison and homelessness over a 10 year period. Sasha first experiences of homelessness was when

Sasha had experienced a long history of drug and alcohol abuse which lead to a cycle of crime, prison and homelessness over a 10 year period. Sasha first experiences of homelessness was when she was 32 years of age due to escaping domestic violence. Prior to this Sasha had been using alcohol and drugs since the age of 15 when her mother was first incarcerated. Due to her ongoing challenges with addictions housing options were trialled on several occasions which were not successful longer than a period of 3 months. During these times, reports were made of property damage and theft.
Due to the influence of her addictions Sasha’s behaviour was regularly aggressive and violent. She became synonymous with the local Police and retail security staff at the nearby shopping centre and frequently displayed anti-social behaviour which included; Sleeping in shop doorways, begging, verbally abusing customers and consuming alcohol on the street.
Due to a series of offences and Sasha’s unwillingness to engage with support services, she was barred from two of the city’s leading homeless drop in centres and her name added to a local program which works to deal specifically with rough sleepers who are refusing appropriate help.
Sasha was admitted to Hospital having experienced an alcohol related seizure.
This presented an ideal opportunity for the Hospital Outreach Staff to engage with Sasha while she was in a sober state of mind.
Sasha was at a point in her life where she was able and willing to take on board the advice of outreach staff that have shared similar life experiences, and spoke to her about her medical history, future aspirations and current situation. These conversations encouraged Sasha to take up a place at Residential Recovery Centre which provides support for individuals who are experiencing serious problems with drugs and alcohol.
-Identify Sasha’s trauma-related needs.
-Develop strategies to address Sasha’s specific needs incorporating principles of trauma-informed care.
-Refer to your strategies to assist Sasha; how will you implement your strategies using trauma-informed care practice, ensuring the safety of Sasha and yourself?