10 August 2024
In a letter to NDIS CEO Rebecca Falkingham and Minister Bill Shorten, Dr Carla van Laar, Convenor, PACFA College of Creative and Experiential Therapies (CCET) urged the NDIS to update its policies regarding the qualifications and registration requirements for Creative Arts and Experiential Therapy professionals.
The letter, dated 12 July, highlights PACFA's rigorous registration process and suggests that the NDIS should include PACFA registration as a requirement for hiring these therapists, as was done by the Victorian Government for school mental health services in 2022.
Key Advocacy Points
- Recognition of PACFA Registration: The letter requests that the NDIS formally recognise PACFA registration as a standard for Creative Arts and Experiential Therapy professionals, ensuring that only qualified and registered practitioners are employed.
- Inclusion in NDIS Policies: The letter encourages the NDIS to update their position descriptions, policies, and practices to include “Professional Registration with PACFA” as a requirement for relevant roles.
- Adopting Professional Standards: The letter highlights the importance of adhering to PACFA’s rigorous professional standards to maintain high-quality therapeutic services within the NDIS framework.
Precedent and Progress
The letter also references the Victorian Government’s 2022 decision to recognise PACFA-registered Creative Arts Therapists as suitable for delivering mental health services in schools, setting a precedent that we hope the NDIS will follow.
Finally, the letter asked Ms Falkingham to consider PACFA’s suitably qualified members as service providers for any current and future Creative Arts Therapy and/or Experiential Therapy roles within the NDIS.
We will keep you informed of any updates regarding this advocacy effort.