Clinical Service Innovation: Rapid Access Family Therapy (RAFT)
Presented by Martin Pradel and Ellen Welsh
Contributors: Kate Cordukes, Dr Zoe Cloud, Jacqueline Cleary, Professor Jenn McIntosh
Abstract
The Bouverie Centre has a rich 70-year history of innovative family therapy service delivery for families facing significant adversity. In early 2024, the Bouverie Centre embarked on a ‘whole service’ change process that integrated past and present aspects of the service. Specifically, this involved the interweaving of our systemic family therapy, single session family therapy and more recently, the Walk-In Together service, into a newly formed Rapid Access Family Therapy (RAFT) service. This novel service launched in February 2025. The core principle of RAFT is to provide timely, accessible, inclusive and high-quality family therapy to families significantly impacted by mental-ill health, drug and alcohol use and complex trauma.
This presentation will include the following: the defining historical moments of our service, core elements of service integration and innovation, the RAFT service pathway from first phone call to closure session with case studies included, research-evaluation plan and preliminary relational outcomes from families. Further development and vision for the RAFT service will also be outlined. The presentation will conclude with a meta-reflection on service innovation leadership covering insights, pitfalls and learnings.
Presenters
Martin Pradel
With around 30 years of experience in youth and family services as a clinical social worker and family therapist, Martin brings a wealth of knowledge to this vital role. Whilst working at the Bouverie Centre, Martin has undertaken roles in both the clinical and academic programs as a therapist, team leader, trainer and master’s student group supervisor. He has also taken on the Walk-In Together Project Lead role and contributed to the implementation of clinical research across the Bouverie Centre.
His career experience prior to working at Bouverie includes Coordinator Lead, the Royal Children’s Hospital – Eating Disorders Service (2014-2023) and Eating Disorders Clinician (2009-2014) at the Victorian Centre of Excellence for Eating Disorders. His other relevant clinical and work experience is in generalist child and adolescent mental health, adolescent and adult sexual assault and refugee family health and trauma. His career experience has also included leadership participation in service development and research design and implementation.
Ellen Welsh
Ellen holds a Master’s in Engineering, has a background in Software Development, and is currently the Digital and Clinical Operations Coordinator at the Bouverie Centre. Ellen has extensive experience in identifying a need for, developing and implementing digital systems in healthcare and research organisations. Ellen is currently undertaking a PhD in Digital Mental Health, designing a family-based platform. Ellen is passionate about improving access to mental health services through considered implementation and evaluation of contemporary and fit-for-purpose digital technology.
Useful links
Bouverie Centre: Family Therapy Services
For more information
Contact: Martin Pradel
Email: m.pradel@latrobe.edu.au