ReGen celebrates win at Robin Clark Memorial Awards

Melbourne, VIC, 3rd September 2013 – UnitingCare ReGen, the lead alcohol and other drug treatment and education agency of UnitingCare Victoria & Tasmania, today celebrated its victory at the 2013 Robin Clark Memorial Awards. Recognising service quality and leadership in the Victorian child and family service sector, the awards identify services and individuals that significantly improve the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families.

This year, ReGen’s Youth and Family Services Team shared the Making a Difference with Children, Young People and Families Award with Maree Corbo (Kildonan UnitingCare) for her work addressing family violence through the agency’s Men’s Behaviour Change program.

In accepting the award, ReGen CEO Laurence Alvis said:

This is welcome recognition for the tremendous work our Youth and Family Services team does in supporting families affected by problematic alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and bringing about real change in the lives of all family members. Congratulations too, to Maree Corbo and Kildonan UnitingCare. Our shared success tonight underscores the great work being done within the UnitingCare network of community service agencies in supporting vulnerable Victorian families.

ReGen’s Family Services Program promotes cross-sector partnerships and incorporates the agency’s clinical, professional development and advocacy services to provide a systemic response to the needs of affected individuals and families.

Since commencing in 2004, UnitingCare ReGen’s Family Services Program has become a multi-disciplinary, agency-wide program. The program takes a systemic approach to individual, family and the wider community needs, incorporating specialist services (such as Intensive Playgroup, family counselling and family support groups), the integration of Family Inclusive Practice within established AOD treatment services, workforce development for AOD and related service sectors and public advocacy to reduce stigma and increase community access to treatment and support services.

Our focus on AOD workforce development and integrated service delivery in partnership with child and family services promotes a sustainable, strategic approach to consistent and co-ordinated cross-sector Family Inclusive Practice. We hope that the recognition that this award provides will assist our efforts to improve both the accessibility and effectiveness of AOD treatment services in Victoria and to continue to increase our capacity to provide meaningful supports to affected families.