Applying to become an Authorised Report Writer
At present, Victims Services is not accepting applications from those persons interested in becoming an Authorised Report Writer (ARW). Victims Services has reviewed the ARW service and found the capacity of the current ARWs meets our needs (1 July 2012).
An ARW prepres an objective medico-legal report for victims of crime claiming compensation for the injury of psychological or psychiatric disorder. The role of the ARW is to diagnose any psychological or psychiatric injury (disorder) and assess any disability resulting from the act of violence. The compensation assessor determines, with the assistance of the ARW report, whether the injury claimed is established.
Criteria
Applicants who wish to be placed on the list of ARWs must meet the following criteria:
Psychologists
1. Post-graduate degree in clinical psychology from a recognised university followed by 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) supervised practice.
2. Currently registered with the NSW Psychologists Registration Board.
Psychiatrists
1. Member of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) or an equivalent college.
Additional criteria for Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists
1. Demonstrated report writing skills.
2. Demonstrated evidence of continuing professional development.
3. Two written references attesting to the above criteria.
4. Be willing to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Victims Services for the provision of reports.
Professionals applying to become an Authorised Report Writer should submit:
- a current curriculum vitae
- two written references attesting to report writing skills and continuing professional development
And, the following documents which are obtained from Victims Services:
- a signed and witnessed Memorandum of Understanding
- a completed Contact Details Sheet
- Prohibited Employment Declaration
- Criminal Record Check Consent Form
- GST/ABN Information Form
- Direct Credit Authority
To obtain an information package about applying to be an ARW please contact Victims Services: (02) 8688 5409
The Approval Process
Your application will then be considered by the Professional Advisory Panel which is convened on a regular basis to assist the Director, Victims Services in implementing the relevant parts of the Victims Support and Rehabilitation Act 1996. Membership of the Panel includes the following organisations:
- NSW Psychologists’ Registration Board;
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
- Mental Health Branch, NSW Department of Health
- Australian Association of Social Workers
After the Professional Advisory Panel has considered your application and made its recommendation to the Director, you will be advised in writing of the Director’s decision. Should you be successful, you will be sent the Handbook for Authorised Report Writers which contains the template for ARW reports and general information. You will also be sent the signed copy of the MOU for your information. At the same time, your name will be placed on the list of ARWs on the website.
Closing date for applications
As the Professional Advisory Panel meets on a regular basis, please submit your application as soon as convenient.
See also
Handbook for Authorised Report Writers (pdf 398Kb)
Applying to be an Approved Counsellor
Publications for Service providers
List of ARWs outside NSW
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