2016-03-07
MS PENNICUIK — To ask the Minister for Training and Skills (for the Minister for Corrections): In relation to the Ombudsman’s report into the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners in Victoria which highlighted concerns about group therapy programs, long waiting lists and ineffective programs:
(1) What reduction if any has occurred on waiting lists for access to rehabilitation programs for prisoners as soon as they enter prison;
(2) What reduction if any has occurred on waiting lists for access to rehabilitation programs required for parole;
(3) What changes have been made to make offending behaviour programs more effective;
(4) Will one on one therapy be made available to all prisoners undertaking offending behaviour programs;
(5) What changes have been made to ensure that prisoners on remand have access to rehabilitation programs including drug and alcohol programs; and
(6) What measures have been introduced to recruit and retain clinicians for offending programs in both metropolitan and rural locations.
ANSWER:
I am advised that:
(1) There has been a significant reduction in waitlists for access to offending behaviour programs as a result of recent initiatives.
(2) There has been a significant reduction in waitlists for access to rehabilitation programs required for parole.
(3) A number of key reforms have been implemented to the Offending Behaviour Programs Service Delivery Model to enhance access and the effectiveness of Corrections Victoria's rehabilitative effort. These are:
– expansion of the service catchment to target 100 per cent of Serious Violent Offenders (SVOs) and 80 per cent of General Offenders (GOs) deemed to be moderate or high risk of reoffending. This represents an expansion of the service by 40 per cent for SVOs and 100 per cent for General Offenders.
– introduction of a hybrid service delivery model, whereby service delivery is provided by both CV staff complemented by community based providers.
– The prioritisation of group-based services to maximise the capacity of the system to meet demand in advance of parole eligibility and positively impact on system demand and rehabilitative opportunities.
(4) Where indicated and required, individuals who are unable to participate in group based interventions will receive individual one-on-one treatment by exception. Evidence supports group-based interventions as being most effective in reducing recidivism.
(5) Prisoners on remand now have access to drug and alcohol, prison entry and skills development programs. These are designed so they can be completed relatively quickly, to meet the varying time periods associated with remand.
(6) The Department of Justice and Regulation developed a recruitment strategy to attract, select and retain suitably qualified and skilled clinicians. This included a statewide campaign promoting work with Corrections Victoria, job briefing and information sessions, and high profile advertising on a statewide basis.