The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is concerned for the mental health of more than 7,000 asylum seekers living in the community, who from 4 June will become ineligible for a Government support program.
The Status Resolution Support Service (SRSS) program provides a basic living allowance of $247 per week, casework support and access to torture and trauma counselling and other psychological services.
Changes to program eligibility criteria will mean very few asylum seekers will be able to access the service. Pregnant women, families with young children and survivors of torture who don’t meet the heightened vulnerability criteria will be without any form of income.
The APS fears cutting off all support for these already vulnerable people will have damaging impacts on their mental health and wellbeing. It calls for continuing access to the program for all people seeking asylum until a resolution of their status is complete.
APS President Anthony Cichello says that access to prompt and appropriate mental health care is critical to ensure that the psychological issues of asylum seekers are addressed.
“Many of these men, women and children are traumatised,” he says. “The withdrawal of torture and trauma counselling from such vulnerable people risks escalating mental health issues.”
He also says cuts to the SRSS program will exacerbate the psychological distress already felt by those living with the uncertainty of temporary visas.
“Psychologists recognise the likely harm caused to asylum seekers when assessment of their refugee claim is prolonged or access to supports and services is restricted,” says Mr Cichello.
“There are obvious benefits to the whole community in ensuring that these people are well supported while their claims are being processed.”
The APS recommends that applications for refugee status be processed as quickly and fairly as possible, and that in the meantime claimants continue to be given immediate access to critical support to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Notes to editors:
APS position paper: Psychological wellbeing of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia
For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email. Find the APS Media team on Twitter: @AustPsych
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 27,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.