Disaster Response Network (DRN)

The DRN was established in response to the Black Saturday Victorian bushfires of 7 February 2009. In the days following the fires, the APS received calls from hundreds of members offering their services and support to victims. 

The APS also received a number of calls from emergency response agencies, including the Australian Red Cross, inquiring about additional support to assist with the recovery effort. The APS responded by establishing the Disaster Response Network for members to register their interest and expertise in disaster recovery. 

We work collaboratively with a number of organisation to design a service that will suit their workforce wellbeing needs. Eligible organisations will be asked to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prior to services commencing.  If you are interested in utilising the DRN contact us via  [email protected]. 

The DRN provides proactive and trauma-informed support across the preparedness, response and recovery stages of diasters and other community events which cause significant distress, collective trauma or bereavement to a community.

We recognise these events can have broad, varied, and compounding impacts which may be long-term and supports may be required at any stage of the recovery process. 

The DRN and EAP are complementary services and together provide psychological support to frontline and emergency support workers. However, unlike an EAP, DRN psychologists take a proactive approach and will reach out to your team directly to conduct independent wellbeing checks (IWCs) at a time that suits them.

IWCs are provided with a trauma-informed lens and can identify opportunities to prevent, respond to, or recover from challenges faced at work.

DRN psychologists may recommend that an individual reach out to their EAP for ongoing support or make alternative referral suggestions.

No, DRN psychologists provide one-off independent wellbeing checks (IWCs). They draw on their psychological skills and knowledge, as well as their additional training to provide support to those who work or volunteer in highly stressful or demanding roles in response to disasters, emergencies, and other community events. 

If during a IWC the need for ongoing support is identified, the DRN psychologist can provide an appropriate referral option for follow-up or ongoing psychological care.  

DRN psychologists undertake DRN services to the same professional, ethical and legislative standards as they do in their psycholgical practice outside the DRN. 

In conducting IWCs, DRN psychologists may need to provide a referral if follow-up or ongoing psychological services are required. Referrals are made in adherence with ethical guidelines regarding confidentiality and the limits thereof.  

Information disclosure only occurs when necessary and with the individual’s consent, unless they or another person are at risk, or disclosure is required by law.  

DRN psychologists keep and securely maintain accurate and confidential client records in accordance with the APS Code of Ethics and ethical guidelines.