MEDIA RELEASE
March 27, 2023
More than three-quarters of women who have completed an innovative alternative to custody program in Central Australia have successfully escaped the cycle of reoffending.
Justice advocates are calling for increased investment in smarter justice approaches in the wake of the success of the Mparntwe/Alice Springs Alternative to Custody (ATC) Program that supports Aboriginal women at risk of offending or reoffending.
Just two years into operation, the program is making a significant impact on women’s lives, with those who complete the six-month program significantly less likely to reoffend or return to custody.
Of the 20 women who completed the program between 2020 and 2022, 16 complied with their post-sentence conditions and have not returned to custody. This is in stark contrast to the high recidivism rates in the Northern Territory, where almost 60 per cent of people who are released from prison return within a short period of time.
In addition, most women who participated in the program made progress towards personal goals set during the program, with three quarters meeting goals ranging from returning to community or reconnecting with family to abstaining from alcohol or obtaining employment.
While an external evaluation into the program is still underway, there is understood to be strong evidence to support future replication of the model across other parts of the Territory.
Northern Territory Aboriginal Justice Agreement (NTAJA) governance committee co-chair, Olga Havnen, said the early success of the Mparntwe/Alice Springs Alternative to Custody (ATC) Program was further evidence that diversion was a valid substitute for prison.
“This is what smarter justice looks like: an evidence-informed program that is clearly working to address the complex factors that contribute to offending by providing drug and alcohol treatment, mental health support, behaviour change and other rehabilitation strategies in a culturally appropriate way,” Ms Havnen said.
“As a result, women are graduating from the program stronger, happier, healthier, and better able to care for themselves and their families.
“The NTAJA governance committee members are looking forward to the Government taking a close look at the success of this program and investing in similar, smarter justice approaches to help stop the cycle of reoffending across the Territory.
“This is how we create safer communities.”
An initiative of the NTAJA, the ATC Program is an innovative, community-based approach to reducing incarceration and recidivism among Aboriginal women, who are imprisoned at 14 times the rate of non-Aboriginal women.
Run by Drug and Alcohol Services Australia (DASA), the residential program delivers targeted, tailored rehabilitation programs that include individual and group therapy, medical and psychological support and life skills training.
According to DASA’s recent annual report, women under 40 made up 72 per cent of clients participating in the program – 40 per cent were aged between 30-39 and 32 per cent were aged 18-29. Almost 40 per cent were mothers, and half of those were single mothers.
DASA chief executive officer Eloise Page said the facility had 10 beds and demand was constant and increasing.
“We would love to see this program expanded because it’s providing the intensive and holistic approach to rehabilitation that just isn’t possible in the prison system,” Ms Page said.
“We treat the women like humans, not a number. Instead of asking ‘what’s wrong with you?’ we’re asking, ‘what’s happening to you and what do you need from us to help turn things around?’.
“It’s extraordinary how much women learn and grow during the time they are with us, and we see them emerge better equipped to cope with challenges or problems and much more in control of their personal triggers.”
Ms Page said several women had found employment and more stable housing after graduating from the program, as well as improved relationships with family and children.
“Not only are alternative to custody programs more effective than prison, but they are also significantly more cost-effective,” she said.
“However, increased investment is required if more people – women but also men and young people – are to benefit.”
Selina, 47, entered the program as an alternative to completing a custodial sentence in prison. She graduated in mid-January and said the intensive support she received over the previous six months had helped her turn her life around.
“I needed some help because I didn’t want to go back to drinking alcohol again,” she said.
“I got so much support when I was there. I could talk to them about my problems and share stories, and I learned how to manage myself and look after myself better, including cooking and healthy living.
“I feel so much better and healthier than before. I want to get a job now and keep busy. I feel like I have a second chance at life.”
The NTAJA, which has bipartisan support, seeks to reduce offending and imprisonment of Aboriginal Territorians, and improve justice responses and services. Numerous initiatives designed to prevent crime and divert offenders are already in operation and showing signs of being effective.
Media inquiries: Rebecca 0411 790 304
Smarter Justice for Safer Communities is a campaign that grew from the formation of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Justice Agreement – a historic commitment to improve justice outcomes and services for Aboriginal people. Smarter justice starts with acknowledging that the current system, with its overreliance on prisons, is not working. It is about rolling out and ramping up investment in the programs that do work to break the cycle of offending and contribute to safer communities.
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