Future Directions in Corrections

• NCJ Number: 194133
• Author(s): Leo Keliher
• Date Published: October 2001
• Length: 9 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy 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 provides an overview of the direction of New South Wales (Australia) corrections regarding the management and treatment of Aboriginal offenders, with attention both to the past and the future.

Abstract

The first coordinated approach to caring for the needs of Aboriginal men and women in custody in New South Wales did not come until 1995, when the government launched the Indigenous Offenders Action Plan. This plan, which was launched in December 1996, was developed by the Director of Indigenous Services, with consultation that involved senior departmental staff and key representatives of the Aboriginal community. The plan covered initiatives for the better management of Indigenous inmates, indigenous cultural awareness, and specialized training for staff. The Plan calls for the involvement of Indigenous people in the planning and implementation of Department of Corrective Services policy, services, and programs; a reduction in the rate of imprisonment of Indigenous people and, where possible, diversion of such offenders from the criminal justice system; an increase in the representation of Indigenous staff; increasing staff awareness of Indigenous culture and the elimination of discriminatory and racist behavior; and meeting the special needs of Indigenous offenders. Recently opened correctional centers cater primarily to Aboriginal inmates and emphasize Aboriginal culture and heritage. Alcohol and drug treatment programs have been established specifically for Aboriginal inmates; they are operated by Aboriginal staff in correctional centers with high Aboriginal populations. Education and vocational training initiatives have been introduced with an emphasis on Indigenous issues. Prerelease and post-release programs have been developed for Aboriginal inmates; they provide targeted support, guidance, counseling, assessment, and referral services for Aboriginal inmates. Future efforts at reducing the imprisonment rate of Aboriginal offenders must be comprehensive and coordinated so that the social, economic, and cultural conditions that thwart the positive development of families and individuals in Indigenous communities are addressed and the resources are made available to facilitate these communities taking responsibility for their own destinies.