Auckland Sexual Abuse HELP
Philosophy and Policy regarding Students

Auckland Sexual Abuse HELP is committed to being involved in training others:

-We have a unique contribution to offer due to the specialist nature of our work and the political platform from which we work.
-We believe that there is great value to survivors in as many people as possible in the helping professions having some knowledge in the area of sexual assault and sexual abuse.
-We recognise the need for people to get experience somewhere.
-We also value the stimulation that those in training can bring through their exposure to new academic models and in bringing their own fresh perspectives.

As part of training in a placement, work is done for the agency. We are not able to offer monetary payment for this due to our financial situation. Therefore, both parties need to be satisfied that the arrangement is mutually beneficial in other ways. For example, in return for the work of the student, the agency would normally offer one to one supervision and training, access to resources and access to any in-house training which occurs at the time of the placement.

Due to the sensitive nature of the work that we do, there are several rights which we reserve:

-To interview candidates for placement as we would for a person coming for paid employment.
-To restrict the work done in the course of the placement to that which we consider the student to be ready for - with full discussion if there is any disagreement on this issue.
To expect full disclosure in supervision of clinical work planned and done.
-To prematurely terminate the placement if performance is not seen to be satisfactory.

We also expect placements to be conducted in a professional manner by both parties. A contract is to be filled out, and confidentiality agreement and declaration of criminal convictions signed.