these services, and the fact that they are often
fragmented and hard to navigate, can make it
extremely difficult for Koori women to get support
in a timely way and for the length of time needed to
make a difference.
are particularly serious. Our research found that
many struggle to coordinate and access the
services they need, or which they are compelled
to attend as conditions on bail, Community
Corrections Orders or parole. An inability to benefit
from these services can ultimately result in the
women reoffending.
system need to be urgently addressed, potentially
through a justice reinvestment framework.
identified shortcomings when Koori women come
into contact with the criminal justice system at the:
programs to address the risk factors for
offending, such as drug and alcohol misuse,
exposure to family violence, family breakdown,
experiences of out-of-home care and
homelessness
programs, transitional houses and the Criminal
Justice Diversion Program (CJDP)
Corrections Orders and supported residential
options
programs and post-release accommodation.
with numerous examples of diversion options and
programs that would best support the needs of
Koori women.
residential programs for those on Community
Corrections Orders or leaving prison. They told us
that secure accommodation, free from the threat
of violence, was crucial so that women felt safe to
address the issues in their lives that put them at
risk of offending.
around and should underpin all interventions and
receiving support in their important role as mothers
was among their top priorities. They told us that this
should include dealing with experiences of trauma
and helping them reconnect with their culture,
which many had lost through being placed in out-
of-home care as children.
participants identified are already operating in
Victoria. However, these programs such as the
Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place are for Koori
male offenders only and would need to be adapted
to meet the needs of Koori women.
experience of prison had taken away their sense
of independence and that, when they leave prison,
they lack confidence in basic life skills and their
ability to navigate day-to-day life when released.
have suffered from panic attacks and
have ended up reoffending as I can't
cope with the outside world.
transition and preparing for release much earlier
than is currently the case. They also wanted
continued support and coordinated services when
they exit prison.
where they could build positive relationships
with service providers and be more likely to stay
engaged and motivated. To be effective, these
services should be developed with the input of
Koori women.
is essential in supporting Koori women and that,
where mainstream service providers are involved
in working with them, it is important that they
provide this.
justice system often have complex and intersecting
issues, so different interventions will be needed at
different times and will vary between individuals. A
one-size-fits-all approach will not work.
interventions, including prevention, diversion and
post-release programs, should:
· draw on community knowledge in their design
Focus group participant, Dame Phyllis Frost Centre,
14 December 2013.