While support services have been available to offenders in custody for some time, several barriers exist which limit the capacity to deliver programs to offenders in prison. In 2017-18, only 6% of the high-risk offenders received programs at the recommended dosage, and treatment requirements for medium risk offenders have been declining.
A new digital pilot 'JUST Connect' is increasing access to and participation in treatment programs for suitable offenders in custody. This new digital service allows Narcotics Anonymous to schedule video conferences with offenders in custody to self-referral group therapy sessions. This service enables scheduling of Group Therapy sessions with multiple offenders in custody from any number of locations and is available to all offenders in the identified centres with no referral requirements.
It is exciting to know that additional approved agencies will be onboarded in the future to provide support services to offenders in custody. This initiative supports the NSW Premier's Priority to 'Reduce adult reoffending following release from prison by 5% by 2023'.
