Background

Alternatives to Custody (ATC) offer a non-custodial, culturally appropriate environment for the delivery of targeted and tailored programs that meet the needs of individual clients, groups and communities. Each ATC is unique, and development is led by local Aboriginal people. ATCs are a deliverable under Aim 1 of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement.

Current requirements

To develop and operate a Cultural Rehabilitation Centre (CRC) Alternative to Custody on Groote Eylandt where clients will have access to tailored rehabilitation services that target the risk factors that contribute to contact with the justice system in a culturally led and responsive environment.

Immediate priorities are:

• In collaboration with the Groote Eylandt Community Justice Group and the Law, Justice and Rehabilitation Steering Committee, design and develop, a client focused, therapeutic community model of operation and program delivery that is principled on an appropriate Groote Eylandt cultural framework.
• Identify services and providers to deliver individual and group therapeutic, psychological, educational, medical and cultural programs to ATC clients and develop service delivery MOUs.
• Develop engagement, consultation and communications plans to ensure community and stakeholders are involved and remain informed about the program.
• Develop a referral process to the CRC including cultural considerations and risk management for clients referred to the program.
• Develop case management processes to support the needs of individual clients and that strategically align with the social and economic future of Groote Eylandt including working with stakeholders to identify and support employment / skills pathways.
• In concert with the Aboriginal Justice Unit develop a monitoring and evaluation framework for the CRC.
• Develop and deliver a six-month non-residential trial of programs and case management for select individuals on Groote Eylandt to test the concept and evaluate organisation capacity and capability.
• Develop plans and policies for the effective management of residential operations including the facilities with 32 rooms, laundry facilities, common user kitchen, common user areas and a caretakers / staff residence and office.
• Deliver residential programs and case management for select individuals on Groote Eylandt.