Activity details
Justice Health and Wellbeing Services (JHWS) support prisoners with disabilities, neurodiversity and mental health conditions. JHWS includes the Disability and Allied Health Services (DAHS) Team who are responsible for the identification and review of adult prisoners, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons with a neurodevelopmental or neurocognitive disability, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants or prospective participants, and prisoners with guardianship and/or administration orders. The team refers non-NDIS participants with disability to the Department of Communities Disability Justice Service (DJS). The team has received increased referrals for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners, and through liaising with the NDIA has assisted with commencing prisoners with disability on the NDIS. The DAHS team supports departmental staff with training and information in regards to processes and appropriate contacts to support prisoners with disabilities. Under the coordination of DAHS, Occupational Therapists provide clinical assessment and interventions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and other prisoners in specialist units.
Implementation progress update
Since 2024, there has been an increase in referrals to the DAHS team for reviews, an increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other NDIS participants, and also referrals to Department of Communities (DJS) for specialised support. DAHS has been working closely with the NDIA Justice Liaison Officers to ensure more effective service delivery and throughcare supports to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners with disability in regional areas. DAHS has increased staff training to create awareness and to ensure appropriate support whilst prisoners with disability are in custody. DAHS is working with the NDIS and DJS to facilitate more effective information sharing processes. In August 2025, the Occupational Therapist positions have transferred across to DAHS team for management and expanding the services to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other prisoners with disability.
More information
- Learn about the National Plan to End Violence against women and children 2022-2032.
- Read the First Action Plan 2023-2027.
- Browse the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan update.