The Sanctuary model encourages us to rethink the way we manage conflict and crisis intervention. It supports staff to form healthy communities and create a culture that prioritises safety and wellbeing at every level within an organisation. Sanctuary creates an understanding of how past adversity can continue to have an impact throughout life. It recognises that trauma has an impact not only on the people who have experienced it, but also on the staff who work with them and on organisations as a whole.
The impacts of adopting The Sanctuary model are observable and measurable. Results include improved communication and morale among staff, fewer incidents of client to staff violence and reduced turnover. An organisations’ clients will benefit from fewer trauma symptoms, enhanced social skills, improved judgment and decision-making, healthier relationships, and an increased ability to maintain their safety, and that of others.
How does Sanctuary Work? illustrates a step-by-step process that highlights how the model delivers results - the power of The Sanctuary model is in the process.
"In my 16 years in this organisation I’ve never seen staff at all levels nod and agree that one approach is the closest model of practice to where we wanted to be."
Sanctuary training participant, Department for Child Protection South Australia
Foundations of the model
Our faculty
Cameron Burgess
Richard Bullock
Tammy Wallace
Kate Martin
Kellie Goes
Matthew Spicer
Tenille Abell
Annaley Clarke
Molly Madigan Abell
MacKillop Family Services acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Elders in each of the communities where we work.