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POST RELEASE OPTIONS PROJECT. Providers of Intensive Transitional Support Pre and Post Release for Men Leaving the Prison System in Southern Tasmania . Research.
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POST RELEASE OPTIONS PROJECT Providers of Intensive Transitional Support Pre and Post Release for Men Leaving the Prison System in Southern Tasmania
Research The Australian Government Report on Throughcare (2005) concluded “the lynchpin of throughcare delivery is collaboration between government and non-government services – this means limited funds are employed to their best advantage, because service duplication is minimized.”
Referral Eligibility Criteria of Clients Voluntary Medium to high risk of reoffending Male Recidivist or long term inmate Motivated or readiness to embrace change
Our Vision Every client released into the community will have the tools and skills needed to succeed To be instrumental in the development of an effective throughcare model for Tasmania Corrections
Incarceration Loss of employment or opportunities for employment Loss of stable accommodation Stress on relationship Stigma of being an inmate or ex-inmate Loss of social standing and rights as a citizen
Pre-Release Release anxiety Complex needs Pro-criminal associations Juvenile history ‘Going Straight’ seems impossible Learning to Trust
Barriers to Reintegration Stigma/Labeling Institutionalization Loss of family and community support Broken relationships Employment problems
Barriers to Reintegration Low literacy and numeracy rates Perceived lack of opportunities Impulsivity Hopelessness
Methodolgy Intensive Case Management Liaison with other government and non-government agencies (always with client consent) Streamlining of service intervention Non-duplication of information Collaboration Throughcare
Methodogy Identify risk/needs pre-release Address areas of risk pre-release Indentify criminogenic needs Liaise with custodial case officers Liaise with case coordinator
Methodogy Liaise with family or collateral contacts Provide feedback to referral source on release and at various stages post release Recognizing the high risk transition period 0-3 months
PROP Strategies Collaboration and partnerships with GOs and NGOs Sharing information Transition based on Evidence-Based practices Drug and Alcohol counselor
PROP Strategies Individualized Transition Plans Accommodation Career counseling Sourcing a GP to set up a Mental Health Plan with each Client –beginning in Pre-release and continuing in Post Release as long as necessary
COLLABORATION PROP Now Collaborates with 45 Agencies We have established Memorandums of Understanding with 3 Agencies We are in Partnership with 1 Agency
Results PROP Recidivism Rate is 23% compared to a 43% Recidivism Rate for the State Only 9 clients have been returned to prison – of those 9 - 7 have returned for a lesser offence Developing a professional relationship with the necessary agencies provides support, acceptance and understanding necessary for our clients to begin to piece together a sense of self worth The clients are equipped with skills to cope with any problems troubling them
COLLABORATION Example Art Classes – Reclink Literacy and numeracy – Choose Employment Employment Agency – Choose Employment AA Job Capacity Assessment - Centrelink
COLLABORATION GP AoD Counselling – DHHS Housing – PTAP Sports & Recreation – Non-Licensed Sporting Venues
Results When addressing criminogenic needs the what , where, when, why and with whom is explored It helps the clients to clarify their attitudes and beliefs Collaborating with other agencies provides a consistent transition pathway for our clients Having all this in place reduces the fear and anxiety associated with leaving prison and helps to reduce the recidivism rate
Impact on the Community Reduction in crime Safer Community Fewer Victims Better Citizens Returned to the Community Fewer Returns to Prison Reduce Costs to the Community
Goals for the Future Greater collaboration to achieve better outcomes Expansion of Services - Women - North and Northwest of the State Greater community awareness of the issues facing ex-inmates Increased community involvement Continued focus on community involvement Long Term Funding