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Department of Justice Corrections Victoria, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program

Department of Justice Corrections Victoria, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program. Melbourne Drug and Health Alliance: 23 February, 2012 Jo Famularo, Corrections Victoria ABI Clinician, Disability Pathways Tel (03) 8684 7168 Fax (03) 8684 6681 Mob. 0459 057 085.

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Department of Justice Corrections Victoria, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program

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  1. Department of JusticeCorrections Victoria, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program Melbourne Drug and Health Alliance: 23 February, 2012 Jo Famularo, Corrections Victoria ABI Clinician, Disability Pathways Tel (03) 8684 7168 Fax (03) 8684 6681 Mob. 0459 057 085

  2. Victorian Forensic Service Context Offenders with an acquired brain injury are part of a continuum– underdone? • Police (e.g. Ready Reckoner) • Courts (e.g. Courts Intervention Support Program, Assessment and Referral Court ) • Non-government services(mainly specialist case management services and assessment services funded by DHS as well as big generic welfare providers) • Corrections (access to modified programs)

  3. Previous Research into Brain Injury in Corrections • General prevalence • Australian rate 2.2% (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2007) • Prevalence Studies in custodial settings • TBI prevalence • 33% to 100% (Slaughter et al., 2003; Barnfield & Leatham, 1998; Bach-Y-Rita & Veno, 1974; Turkstra, Jones & Toler, 2003; Hawley & Maden, 2003; Butler & Milner, 2003; Schofield et al., 2006a; Lewis, Pincus, Feldman, Jackson & Bard, 1986; Schofield et al., 2006b; Sarapata et al., 1998, Blake, Pincus and Buckner (1995)). • Many of these studies have the methodological issues with small samples, self-report and have not interrogated frequency or severity of the injury

  4. Prevalence and Severity of ABI MalesFemales (n=31) (n=14) Prevalence 42%33% Mild 55%72% Moderate 39%21% Severe 6%7%

  5. Corrections Victoria ABI Program • Development of Service Model informed by expert consultation • One position located in Victoria • Multi-focused role ‘borrowed’ from Department of Human Services initiative in the AOD service sector

  6. Role of the ABI Clinician • Provide primary and secondary consultation to Corrections Victoria (CV) staff within the prisons and community • Establish and develop a process for treatment once an ABI has been identified. • Facilitate links between CV and the ABI/AOD service sectors • Have a direct treatment coordination role for offenders with ABI • Provide ABI training

  7. CV ABI Program Outcomes Positive outcomes within Prisons • Identification of ABI • Formal diagnosis of ABI • ABI screening • Behavioural management plans • External behavioural management plans implemented • Offenders medicated correctly • Prison Officers received training • Total caseload – identifying 50% Motor vehicle accident (MVA) Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Positive outcomes withinCommunity • Neuro-psychological assessments completed in Community Correction locations • Family reunification • Referrals to the Assessment Referral Court List • Housing - offenders linked into supported housing, OoH applications completed • ABI case management (1) with non-government service • Successful Disability Support Pension applications (a number of) • Indigenous folk linked into Victorian Aboriginal Health Service

  8. Challenges • Clamour for neuro-psychological assessments • Inappropriate referrals, for example from clinical professionals • Questionable application of the ‘rules’ in spite of knowledge of ABI • The requirements of duty of care do not allow for more ‘left field’ interventions • Improved community-based services

  9. Mr X is a 50-year-old male 18 years for murder with a non-parole period of thirteen years referral from Corrections Victoria Sentence Management due to prison history of assaults – verbal and physical long-term in management regime Injury due to gun shot wound to the head but also history of boxing and meningitis as a child Neuro-psychological assessment confirmed ABI. short term memory loss, aggression (?), PTSD, ID moderate range Approach regular catch-ups with Mr X to involve in plan communication about consistent approach (write down – three times so all parties on same page!) training of custodial staff in two units Outcome moved units – greater out of cells hours in 6 months of time of referral no assaults for over 18 months working as a trainer in the gym better presentation - “happier”, physical appearance – not pale/sickly informed of family situation met Parole Board face to face Next Due release 2014! Case Study

  10. Further Information Feel free to contact me: Jo.Famularo-Doyle@justice.vic.gov.au http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/jus lib/DOJ+Internet/Home/Prisons/Research+and+ Statistics/ JUSTICE Prisoners+with+Disabilities+Research http://www.emeraldinsight.com Vol.2 Issue 3, Journal of Learning Disabilities and Offending Behaviour. Practice, policy and research

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