Empowering Literacy for All
Frequently
Asked Questions
Why is communication a focus for JCA?
Communication is central to JCA’s mission because many people in the justice system face challenges such as trauma, learning difficulties, and language barriers. By improving communication, JCA helps individuals understand their rights, express themselves, and participate effectively in restorative and rehabilitative processes.
Who benefits from JCA’s services?
JCA’s services benefit a broad range of people, including individuals involved in the justice system (current and former), migrants and refugees learning English, and professionals such as prison staff, allied health workers, and community service agencies. They also support policymakers through consultancy and advocacy.
What does Justice Communications Australia (JCA) do?
JCA supports people involved in the justice system—such as incarcerated individuals, former inmates, migrants, and refugees. JCA provides communication and literacy support, mentoring, parenting programs, and advocacy. Their work focuses on building awareness and communication skills to promote rehabilitation, reintegration, and social inclusion.
What is the Circle of Security Parenting™ Program?
The Circle of Security® program is designed to help parents build strong, secure relationships with their children, which promote healthy emotional regulation and communication skills. By fostering these secure attachments, the program supports children’s language and literacy development, empowering families long-term.
How can I participate in a Circle of Security Parenting™ Program?
Speech Pathology Tasmania runs the program online over 8 weeks, with sessions held in the evening. Participants will receive guidance on using Microsoft Teams and program materials before the first session. You can register directly via the provided link.
How is the Circle of Security Parenting™ program run?
The Circle of Security Parenting™ program sessions run once a week for 8 weeks. It’s an online interactive workshop with a small group of people (10 or less).
Currently SPT facilitates a Circle of Security Parenting™ program on an evening at 8pm-9:30pm, when children are most likely in bed asleep. However, other programs run at different times as required.
Participants are given all the information via email including a Microsoft Teams link to join prior to each session. At the conclusion of the program certificates are issued to participants who complete 7-8 sessions and a partially completed certificate is awarded to participants who complete 5-6 sessions.
What type of online device is best to use to join a Circle of Security Parenting™ program?
To join online it is best if participants use a larger screen like a tablet, laptop or desktop computer screen due to being able to visually see things easier. However, we are happy for participants to use a phone if that’s the only screen device they have.
How do I sponsor someone to complete the Circle of Security Parenting™ program?
Sponsoring a parent in need (unknown to you) to participate in the Circle of Security Parenting™ program is easy. Simply fill in the Individual Sponsorship form HERE and make the payment. You will be sent a receipt and a letter of gratitude for your generous contribution. The sponsorship ticket will then be allocated, at the discretion of the Circle of Security facilitator, to a parent/carer in need. Your sponsorship will remain anonymous to the recipient.
What happens if I need to cancel my COSP registration?
We understand that plans can change. Refunds for COSP registrations will depend on when you cancel.
Our Refund Policy (Agreement) is as follows:
- 10+ days before start: Full refund minus $25 processing fee.
- 5–10 days before start: 50% refund + 25% discount for a future COSP program.
- 0–5 days before start: 25% refund + 10% discount for a future COSP program.
Please note:
- Missed sessions cannot be made up or refunded, as each session builds on the previous one.
- Refunds are not available in these cases where confidentiality has been breached.
- If SPT cancels the program, you’ll receive a full refund or credit toward the next COSP group.
What will my business receive by sponsoring a community or charity group to participate in a Circle of Security Parenting™ program?
To sponsor a whole group of parents to participate in the Circle of Security Parenting™ program simply fill in the “Full Group Sponsorship” form HERE. You can decide to choose what specific group you would like to sponsor and make the payment or request an invoice. You will be sent a tax invoice and a letter of gratitude for your generous contribution.
Community Group Sponsors will have the choice to remain anonymous (out of the public eye) or benefit from public recognition through the following:
- Your business logo or name will be featured on our website
- Promotion on Facebook and Instagram, as well as inclusion in our SPT newsletter.
- Your business/name and logo recognised and included in any associated media releases/interviews.
- You will receive a certificate of appreciation.
How do I request a customised professional development package for my organisation?
To request a customised training package, simply fill out our online enquiry form HERE with your organisation’s details and the training topics you’re interested in. We’ll work with you to create a program tailored to your specific needs and provide a quote based on your preferences for in-person or online training.
Can the training be delivered online as well as in-person?
Yes! Our in-person professional development training packages can be delivered either face-to-face or online through Microsoft Teams. We offer flexibility in delivery methods to accommodate the unique needs of your organisation and ensure accessible learning for all participants.
What types of professional development training packages do you offer?
Our training topics cover leadership, communication skills, literacy development, mental health and wellbeing, trauma-informed communication, and specialised speech and language interventions, ensuring each session is relevant and impactful.
Who are the parent and teacher resources designed for?
Our resources are designed for parents, carers, and teachers who are supporting children in their speech and language development. Whether you are working on literacy skills, addressing speech sound issues, or fostering communication growth, these tools are tailored to meet diverse needs.
How do I access the helpful handouts and videos?
You can easily download the ‘Helpful Handouts’ directly from our website. The ‘Helpful Videos’ are also available online for free, providing guidance on topics such as reading strategies, language development, and recommended literacy apps.
What types of resources are available for teachers and parents?
We offer a variety of free downloadable handouts and helpful videos created by specialised Speech Pathologists. These resources cover topics like Language Disorders, Speech Sound Disorders, Memory Strategies, and more to help support children’s communication, reading, writing, and comprehension development.
What happens if I miss an appointment?
If you miss an appointment, you or your NDIS plan-manager will be charged the full fee for the missed appointment. If the appointment missed is not at our clinic you will be charged the full travel time as well as the full appointment fee.
If you need to cancel an appointment, please ensure you call or email reception 24 hours before the scheduled appointment, please also outline the cancellation reason. If you have called or emailed reception 24 hours before the scheduled appointment you will not be charged a fee.
My child has difficulty with reading and/or spelling, why have I been referred to a Speech Pathologist?
Speech Pathologists support a wide range of skills beyond just speech production. They are essential in literacy intervention, as they have the expertise to improve sound awareness. Many reading and spelling difficulties stem from inadequate phonological awareness. A Speech Pathologist can assist children in accurately identifying sounds in words, which helps them achieve greater success in mastering phonics.
How do you know when speech therapy is needed?
It’s never too early to ask questions or seek guidance. Feel free to call us to discuss your concerns—we’re happy to provide free advice on whether an assessment or treatment is needed, or if monitoring alone will suffice.
Speech Pathology may be helpful if:
- Other people struggle to understand your child’s speech.
- Your child has difficulty following instructions or learning new information.
- You often find yourself repeating or rephrasing instructions for your child.
- Your child’s vocabulary and sentence formation lag behind peers of the same age.
- Your child stutters.
- Your child speaks too loudly, too softly, or has a harsh or husky voice.
- Your child is falling behind in school or has below-average reading and spelling skills.
- Your child struggles to communicate appropriately in social situations.
Can I use NDIS funding for speech therapy?
Yes, you can use NDIS funding for speech therapy. Please note that whilst you can use NDIS funding, we only accept NDIS self-managed clients.
You will be given a service agreement to sign that outlines the costs and processes for the duration of your plan, and you must also sign an attendance sheet for each session your child attends.
For self-managed plans, you will pay for each session your child/dependant attends and receive a receipt. You will then need to enter the information into the NDIS portal yourself.
Do I need a referral to use private health insurance or claim Medicare rebate?
You do not need a referral to access speech pathology services. You will, however, need a doctor’s referral if you are planning to claim a rebate through Medicare.
Private health insurance usually covers speech pathology services under “extras” or “ancillary” options. Your eligibility for rebates will depend on your coverage level, and reimbursement amounts vary by fund and service type. For specific details on your rebates, please reach out to your health fund directly.
You may also be eligible for rebates for up to five (5) appointments each calendar year through the Medicare Allied Health Initiative. To qualify, your doctor must complete an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) form before your speech pathology appointment. Payment for services is required at the time of your visit, and we can assist you with processing the Medicare claim for reimbursement.
Additionally, some clients may qualify for extra rebates through the “Helping Children With Autism” package.
We are NDIA registered. For inquiries about our fee structure for NDIS clients, please contact us by phone at (03) 6234 5717 or email reception@spt.com.au.
How do I make a speech therapy appointment and what will it cost?
Contact Speech Pathology Tasmania by phone on (03) 6234 5717 or email reception@spt.com.au. A receptionist will take your details, discuss our services and any questions or concerns you may have.
Our fees vary depending on the type of service we provide and the length of time we spend with you. We offer a range of services including assessments, reviews, treatment sessions and programming. These services will be tailored to your individual needs. Please contact us to clarify what may apply in your individual circumstances.
My child has difficulty with reading and/or spelling, why have I been referred to the Orton-Gillingham Educator at Speech Pathology Tasmania?
The Orton Gillingham Language Approach is used as an intervention alongside individuals and groups with various learning difficulties including Dyslexia.
Our OG Language Approach Educators are qualified as Practising Members of the OG Language Approach with many years of experience helping students and adults to develop literacy skills.
The sessions are tailored to individual needs and literacy levels, and include:
- Goal setting
- Interactive activities
- Home work
- And ongoing advice to parents, teachers and carers.
Orton-Gillingham Language Approach is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association.
How much does it cost to do the Orton Gillingham Language Approach (OG) Training?
- OG Language Approach Basic Training (5 days) $2150 including GST
- OG Language Approach Advanced Morphology Training (1 days) $715 including GST
Who is the Orton Gillingham Language Approach Training for?
Orton Gillingham Language Approach Training is for:
- Teachers, Teacher Assistants and Educators across all year groups and literacy levels
- Allied Health Workers and Speech Pathologists
- Parents, carers and foster carers
- Home school parents/carers
How do I register to attend an Orton-Gillingham Language Approach Training?
You can register for an Orton-Gillingham Language Approach Basic Training and the Advance Morphology Training through our event ticketing on our website HERE. (LINK)
Schools and businesses can register staff for the training via our website HERE or request an invoice by emailing programs@spt.com.au
Likewise schools and organisations wanting to book a private Orton-Gillingham Language Approach Training, specifically for their group or staff members, can enquire by emailing programs@spt.com.au
