Alcohol and Other Drug, HIV, Health Promotion Service (AOD&HHPS)

• NCJ Number: 194139
• Author(s): Les Bursill; Zoe deCrespigny
• Date Published: October 2001
• Length: 3 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description; Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Paper presented at the Best Practice Interventions in Corrections for Indigenous People Conference, Sydney, Australia, October 8-9, 2001; downloaded February 5, 2002.

Annotation

This paper describes some of the efforts of the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services (DOCS) to provide Indigenous inmates with programs that reflect the most effective and culturally appropriate drug, alcohol, HIV, and other health information available.

Abstract

The DOCS established the Alcohol and Other Drug, HIV, Health Promotion Service (AOD&HHPS) in 1990. The AOD&HHPS has six specialist Indigenous positions, and 16 Indigenous personnel are on the staff. The initial focus of the Indigenous element of the program was to provide Aboriginal counselors in the correctional centers with a high Indigenous inmate population. This objective was met by the end of 1995. The AOD&HHPS has developed specific Aboriginal programs for delivery by these counselors. By 1996 specific drug, alcohol, and health programs had been developed by Indigenous staff for Aboriginal inmates. These programs have differentiated between men's and women's health needs and have used teaching methods that are most effective with Aborigines, such as visual images, interactive exercises, small groups, and one-to-one counseling. The program interweaves cultural information with general or specific health messages. Programs have included Aboriginal video material in specific subject areas. Further, presentations use colors that are significant to Aboriginal culture. The AOD&HHPS is now developing cross-cultural programs that use Aboriginal colors, characters, and concepts intermixed with some western cultural items and characters in an image-based format. Other efforts have included the development of an Aboriginal women's sexual health booklet, plans for addressing traumatic family events, and programs to instruct non-Indigenous corrections staff in culturally based communication techniques.