Introduction

Family A family member of a participant accessing the Social Mission Department Services for support

Cultural Safety An environment that is safe for people, where there is no assault, challenge or denial of their identity, of who they are and what they need. It is about shared respect, shared meaning, shared knowledge and experience, of learning, living and working together with dignity and truly listening.

Cultural safety also refers to creating an environment that:

• Empowers individuals to actively participate in activities believing they are valued, understood and taken seriously • Supports individuals to carry out culturally significant tasks as part of their involvement in activities or programs run by or on behalf of The Salvation Army

LGBTIQA+ An evolving umbrella term that includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, pansexual, asexual and queer communities and is used to describe experiences of gender, sexuality, and physiological sex characteristics, including common experiences of marginalisation due to dominant social norms.

Disability Disability refers to any physical, psychological, sensory, intellectual or medical condition that make it difficult for an individual or group to participate in certain activities (activity limitation) and to have full participation in society, often as a result of environmental and institutional barriers.

Intersectionality The ways in which different aspects of a person’s identity, including social categorisations such as race, class and gender, can expose an individual to overlapping, complex and cumulative systems of discrimination and marginalisation and disadvantage.

Self-determination A person making informed decisions on their own behalf.

Wellbeing A complex combination of a person's physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social health and is strongly linked to happiness, healing and life satisfaction. It is how a person feels about themselves and their life, including their sense of dignity and sense of being valued.

Engagement A reciprocal relationship, involving two-way conversations, consultation and joint decision-making between TSA and participants and stakeholders.

Informed consent Giving consent/permission in full knowledge of the possible consequences, including the possible risks and benefits of giving consent/permission. Lived experience The experience, expertise and strengths of a person who has directly experienced the issue at hand. For example, when considering family and domestic violence research, practice and policy, lived experience would refer to a person or family who is a victimsurvivor of family violence.

Personal capacity The capability and resilience to do and sustain cognitive or practical tasks. This includes making a decision, taking some action and comprehending both the nature and consequences of that action.

Evidence of increased personal capacity includes but is not limited to:

• Recognising and regulating emotions • Building positive relationships • Taking responsibility for decisions • Making safe, healthy decisions • Increased resilience

Workforce A person who may be an officer, employee, volunteer, a contractor or subcontractor, employee of a contractor or subcontractor, employee of a labour hire company, trainee or student on placement that is engaged in any Social Mission Department or is a Board or Board Committee member.

Reimbursement The payment to a person as part of authorised participation activities so that the person is not out of pocket. Reimbursement of expenses may include but not limited to reimbursement for travel, accommodation, meals, and other expenses deemed necessary and that have been agreed to before spending occurs.

Acknowledgements

The Salvation Army National Social Mission Department thanks the following participation groups and services for their contributions, expertise and support in the development of this resource:

• The Social Mission and Policy Department National Lived Experience and Participation Working Group • The Lived Experience Consultation Members

Mission, vision and values

Our mission

The Salvation Army Australia is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus.

We share the love of Jesus by: • Caring for people • Creating faith pathways • Building healthy communities • Working for justice

Our vision

Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight, alongside others, to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus.

Our values

Recognising that God is already at work in the world, we value: • Integrity • Compassion • Respect • Diversity • Collaboration

We will live, love and fight together.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters throughout Australia.

We pay our respect to Elders and acknowledge their continuing relationship to this land and the ongoing living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. We also acknowledge future aspirations of all First Nations peoples.

Through respectful relationships we will work for the mutual flourishing of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

We commit ourselves in prayer and practice to this land of Australia and its people, seeking reconciliation, unity and equity.

Our commitment to reconciliation

Our vision for reconciliation is to be a faith movement committed to social justice, equity and freedom.

We aim to respect, value and acknowledge the unique cultures, spiritualties, histories and languages of the oldest surviving culture in the world, and to engage in a unified and positive relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities.

The Social Mission Department is committed to delivering The Salvation Army’s National Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.

Our commitment to inclusion

The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders past, present and future.

We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.

Our commitment to child safety

At The Salvation Army Australia, we seek to create environments where children and young people thrive and feel safe, valued and empowered. We are working hard to hear the voices of children and young people and use their wisdom to enhance our services, facilities and programs. The Salvation Army Australia has a strong and ongoing commitment to safety, and takes a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and harm. All Salvation Army personnel are accountable for ensuring the safety of children and young people and are bound by a Code of Conduct that places children’s safety first.

Who is the Social Mission

Department?

The Salvation Army’s Social Mission Department is committed to fulfilling The Salvation Army’s mission, vision and values through provision of quality, non-discriminatory social services. Social Mission focuses on four priority areas which form specialist streams within the Department:

• Alcohol and other drugs • Domestic and family violence • Homelessness • Youth

Alcohol and other drugs

As one of Australia’s largest providers of alcohol and other drug treatment services, each of our services across Australia offers a unique program for people experiencing problematic drug and alcohol issues. Our alcohol and other drug services are dedicated to creating a platform and pathways for people to build their lives in ways that are meaningful and purposeful. Harm reduction is the overarching resource of our services. Our primary purpose is to prevent and reduce harm for both individuals and the wider community and to support the reduction and cessation of use.

Domestic and family violence

The Salvation Army Family Violence Stream offers specialist programs to families and individuals who are experiencing and recovering from family violence, modern slavery and forced marriage. We hold to account those who choose to use violence or abuse human rights through support and integrated interventions. Our services focus on prevention, restoration and healing using evidence-based theories and resources. We work towards a community which is safe and free from violence and challenges systemic gendered attitudes. We offer refuge, children’s and parenting services, counselling, support, men’s programs, accommodation and advice to families and individuals who are experiencing, or who have experienced, family violence.

Homelessness

The Salvation Army is the largest provider of homelessness services across the country. We provide services to adults, and families with accompanying children. Our services include accommodation, case management, assertive outreach support, financial assistance, together with connection and referral to other specialist services. Our philosophy is that every person is afforded dignity, respect and quality of service and that no one should be without a safe, affordable and secure home.

Youth

The Salvation Army Youth Services offer an integrated suite of targeted programs engaging with young people across Australia on their journey to independence. Creating intentional avenues for young people to explore opportunities, build support networks, and access, participate and contribute to their communities, our services include housing and homelessness, driver training, education, employment and training, social and community activities, specialist therapeutic responses and youth justice programs.