Practical life skills to break the prison cycle
After several stints in prison, Julie found hope with the Alice Springs Alternative to Custody program, where she build the skills for a better, safer future
“In prison, you can’t learn nothing,” Julie recalls.
Like many others, incarceration did not provide her with any tools for change. But she was determined: “I want to change, you know.”
In the Northern Territory, many women in prison are there for non-violent offences. They are often victims of themselves and like Julie, they want to break the cycle.
The Alternative to Custody program supports this change, providing the practical tools for a different life that are missing from the prison system.
The evidence shows that it is effective. Women who go through the program are three times less likely to commit another offence, compared to those send to prison.
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Julie explains the isolation of prison: “It’s like when your family is passing away. I feel really sad. What will I do outside? That’s too much stress.”
She seized the opportunity to join the program. 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.
After only a few weeks in the program, Julie already noticed a change: “This place is really helping me. They talk about alcohol and health, teach us reading and writing. They help us with housing and employment.”
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Go directly to gym
By the age of 13 Jason was a regular in the local court, charged with stealing cars, breaking into homes and assaulting people.
The threat of jail never deterred him, but when a local boxing coach encouraged him into the ring Jason found another way to live, and boxing became the only consistent positive in his life.
For up to six months women receive targeted rehabilitation based on cultural values and leadership. They are accountable for their progress throughout the program.
The program focuses on what has happened in the participant’s past and what they need to help turn things around in the future.
Women are graduating from the program stronger, happier, healthier, and better able to care for themselves and their families.
It’s a smart, common sense alternative to the revolving door of prison provides the tools for change, preventing future crimes and making our communities safer.
This place is really helping me… It helps me feel like I’ve got a bit of purpose for myself
Julie, Alice Springs ATC program participant
Today, Julie is planning a very different future.
“It helps you not to go back to prison. You feel like you’re learning stuff, you know?”
She has found solace in gardening during her time in the program: “It helps me feel like I’ve got a bit of purpose for myself” and it’s got her thinking about what’s next.
“I’m thinking of going back to my father’s family, looking after the little ones, and my grandfather’s country” she said.
It’s a smart, common sense alternative to the revolving door of prison provides the tools for change, preventing future crimes and making our communities safer