Justice Our Way/Aboriginal-led Throughcare expansion

Following the insights gathered from the Justice Our Way Review (2023), ongoing program delivery by Waminda at Silverwater and Dilwynnia Correctional Centres, and extensive stakholder consultation, 2 additional correctional centres were identified for throughcare provision to Aboriginal people. Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service (Durri) and Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (WACHS) have now been funded to deliver culturally safe, Aboriginal-led throughcare to Aboriginal women on remand and incarcerated at Mid North Coast and Wellington Correctional Centres respectively. WACHS has also been funded to pilot a throughcare program for incarcerated Aboriginal men at Wellington Correctional Centre. This culturally grounded model of care takes a strengths-based and holistic approach to address the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the justice system and reduce recidivism by supporting participants before, during and after their incarceration. It draws on key protective factors that support healing from trauma and violence, including connection to culture, Country, family and community.

Formalised governance arrangements for this project includes a Steering Committee to guide project goals and objectives, provide oversight and risk management, offer opportunities for escalation of issues, and facilitate stakeholder communication. It also includes a Community of Practice (CoP) to facilitate shared learning, problem solving and program enhancement. The Steering Committee is comprised of representatives from NSW Health, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Corrective Services, the ACCHS, and other key stakeholders, including a representative from the AH&MRC. The CoP will be comprised of Aboriginal Family Wellbeing workers from Waminda, WACHS and Durri. The program includes an Action Research Evaluation study, led by an Aboriginal led evaluator, with results expected at the end of 2026.