By ensuring basic physiological subsistence within a framework of safety, a sense of security can be created. A person
can then work towards those needs which are placed at the
higher levels of Maslow’s pyramid.86
in the development of a relationship of trust between client
and clinician. It can be seen as a process in which different layers of the “pyramid” are approached simultaneously,
rather than simply working upwards from its base. This is
reflected in the HBF “hub and spoke” care model (illustration above).
Consideration of clients’ physical and psychological health
is similarly holistic. For example, a person who requires
documentation of physical injuries scarring may also be
observed to be suffering distress about the way in which
the injury was sustained which has led to psychological
trauma symptoms; or they may have become habituated
to supporting the injury through adoption of poor posture
or a limp.
HBF’s “hub and spoke” care model
HBF’s own care model is built upon an integrated or “holistic” response to the changing needs of its clients. In terms
of clinical delivery and time frame, the needs identified in
Maslow’s pyramid are inter-linked for each individual person87 rather than divided into straightforward layers.
To explain this further, at HBF a client will be initially assessed, and assisted through discussion to identify their
own immediate needs and how they prioritize them. This
process establishes the client’s autonomy from the outset
as well as helping them to feel that they are part of a “team”
with mutually agreed goals and expectations. HBF’s experience has shown that this integrated approach greatly assists
Advocacy
Social
Wellbeing
and
Integration
Education
HBF
Clients
Mind & Body
Therapies
Protection
Work
Healthcare
Rehabilitation
Therapies
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs;
The Hub
90
The serious practical difficulties that are experienced by
HBF’s client group means that their therapeutic care has to
extend to working in response to urgent problems as they
arise. This can disrupt formal therapeutic service provision,
however, prioritizing the practical needs of clients is fundamental to their protection and safety. Consistency of service
and a sense of security for clients is provided by ensuring
that the client-clinician relationship is at all times appropriate, and that professional boundaries are maintained. In
cases where a crisis has arisen and been dealt with, return
to a regular framework of therapeutic care is made as soon
as possible.
HBF’s practices conform to the requirements of the Istanbul Protocol88, which states that, “Wherever possible, examinations to document torture for medical-legal reasons
should be combined with an assessment for other needs”.89
This work is challenged not only by the pressure of external decision-making deadlines and stretched resources, but
also by the myriad problems that are faced by victims of
trafficking at the initial stages of their referral, and those
that can arise further on.
Manual on
the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,
“Wherever possible, examinations to document torture for medical-legal reasons should be combined
with an assessment for other needs, whether referral to specialist physicians,
psychologists, physiotherapists or those who can offer social advice and support. Investigators should be aware of local rehabilitation and support services.
The clinician should not hesitate to insist on any consultation and examination
that he or she considers necessary in a medical evaluation. In the course of
documenting medical evidence of torture and ill-treatment, physicians are not
absolved of their ethical obligations. Those who appear to be in need of further
medical or psychological care should be referred to the appropriate services.”
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