Reducing the likelihood of crime recidivism by addressing issues around substance abuse is the aim of a new rehabilitation service which is providing short-term Darwin prisoners with alcohol and other drug assessment, counselling and group work programs.
The 'Alcohol and other Drugs Prison In-Reach Program' is located at the Darwin Correctional Centre and provides intervention and treatment to the men's, women's and juvenile detention centres.
DHF Alcohol and Other Drugs Director Joanne Townsend said the new program will complement the alcohol and other drugs services currently at the prison.
"Conservatively speaking, around 85% of inmates are in prison for alcohol and other drug related offences.
"Currently, clients who are given sentences of six months or less, or who are on remand, are not offered alcohol counselling and intervention. This effectively means they don't have adequate opportunity to reflect on their actions and the relationship of drug misuse to their offence. The Prison In Reach Program will provide targeted alcohol and other drug intervention programs for this group.
"The Prison In-Reach program is working closely with the Department of Justice's existing prison programs to reduce the recidivism rates of short term prisoners by giving them the skills, strategies and links to support agencies to avoid re-offending," said Ms Townsend.
Media contact: Cameron Jackson, 0401 116 144
Release date: 28 January 2009
