Recommendation 70

This recommendation is assigned to CSNSW and Justice Health NSW.

Recommendation

That organisations developing policies and programs addressing Aboriginal alcohol issues:

(a) Recognise the inadequacy of single factor explanations (such as the disease model of problematic alcohol use) of the causes of alcohol dependence and misuse among individuals; and

(b) Take into account the fact that multiple explanations are necessary to explain the causes of alcohol misuse and related problems at the community level. It is therefore inappropriate to focus too strongly on any one explanation to the exclusion of others.

Context

The Royal Commission referred to a summary  on the current state of knowledge on theories of individual alcohol use, misuse and dependence. It was generally agreed that there is not one single cause for the development of alcohol problems among individuals. Multi-causal factors of alcohol dependence were acknowledged with integrated models for addressing those causal factors gaining support. Recommendation 70 is directed at ensuring policies and programs to address alcohol issues are underpinned by the latest evidence.

Detail of implementation

All CSNSW criminogenic programs are run considering the responsivity needs of the offender, this includes culturally sensitive delivery of interventions. 

Current criminogenic programming aims to holistically address underlying factors and drivers of addiction including alcohol misuse, not using a single factor explanation.

Excerpt from the CSNSW Offender Behaviour Change Compendium

All CSNSW criminogenic programs are based on a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach which has been demonstrated as the most effective modality for reducing re-offending (Skeem, Polaschek, & Manchak, 2009). In all criminogenic programs, offenders will complete an event or offence map linking their choices and behaviour to their offending. They will also complete a self-management plan to assist them to manage their risk of future re-offending and live a positive, prosocial life in the future.

Many of the criminogenic programs ‘speak to’ each other. For example, each of the moderate intensity EQUIPS (Explore, Question, Understand, Investigate, Practice and Succeed) programs follow the same structure and flow. The five programs in the suite use the same language and model of change e.g. cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). The principle is that for each of the specific 20 session programs, the same concepts are repeated to reinforce and build on skills across all the programs. Moreover, the underlying principle of all criminogenic programs is for offenders to learn and use the same core skills to manage any problematic behaviours in their lives (e.g. aggression or addictive behaviour). The goal is to be able to generalise these new skills across contexts and across any problems they may face in future which may decrease their risk of re-offending. This principle also extends to the high intensity programs in respect of consistency in language and concepts so there is further opportunity to reinforce similar ideas and skills if greater intensity treatment is required.

The Criminal Conduct and Substance Abuse Treatment provides a long duration, high intensity intervention addiction-based program that addresses the link between criminal conduct and AOD use. 

In CSNSW, it is generally referred to as the 'Pathways' program from the title of a previous program by the authors called 'Pathways to Responsible Living'. 

Because of its length, it is most suitable for use in residential settings where it can be guaranteed that offenders will be available to attend the entire program.

Pathways has three phases:

1. Challenge to Change
2. Commitment to Change
3. Taking Ownership of Change

The Gundi Program

The Gundi employment project aimed to help Indigenous ex-offenders gain valuable vocational skills and experience in the building and construction industry sector. The Gundi Program, supporting Indigenous inmates by giving them practical skills and formal TAFE qualifications in a range of construction-related jobs, such as Cert II and Cert III in Building & Construction, forklift operation, dogman (crane assistant) and asbestos removal.

The Gundi program is a partnership between the state's Aboriginal Housing Office and Corrective Service Industries (CSI). The program aims to boost the job prospects for offenders when they are released and provides post-release support to gain and maintain jobs. It also addresses a serious housing shortage in remote areas, where a lack of qualified tradespeople has contributed to overcrowding for many Indigenous families. It is saturated with cultural expertise and cultural programs. Inmates are able to address trauma, healing and misuse of substances.

Justice Health NSW Input

All Justice Health NSW Drug and Alcohol programs are delivered in response to the patients’ health needs, which includes cultural and social determinants of health during the provision of services. Existing drug and alcohol health programs comprehensively addresses the biopsychosocial reasons for substance and alcohol use disorder among patients, which acknowledges multi-factorial explanations regarding misuse and dependence. A preventative health and harm reduction approach is implemented, to improve patient health outcomes, while in custody, as patients are diverted from custody and as they transition into treatment and care in the community.

Evidence

• CSNSW Offender Behaviour Change Compendium on criminogenic programs (PDF, 883.1 KB)