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Individuals released from correctional facilities with a history of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) addiction face an increased risk of overdose due to reduced tolerance. Without specialist, patient-centered care the risk of mortality and reoffending is concerning. Strong collaboration between the AOD sector and ACT Corrections is important to ensure individuals, who often face issues with stigma and social disadvantage, receive the support they need to reintegrate into the community.
We commissioned Karralika’s Justice Services Counselling Program to employ a counsellor to deliver this service. The counsellor is dedicated to delivering evidence-based outcomes where clients receive ongoing, person-centred support to address the impacts of alcohol and other drug use on their health, wellbeing and offending behaviour. Adoption of a flexible service delivery model allows support to be more accessible, convenient and tailored to individual needs and circumstances, with options of telehealth, face-to-face and online support.
Achievements
- 156 clients associated with the criminal justice system were supported by Karralika to access AOD counselling services.
- 100% of those surveyed positively endorsed the service.
- Partnerships with ACT Corrective Services, both in the community and the Alexander Maconochie Centre, mean individuals receive consistent support through the justice process.
Client story
Brett* (not their real name) engaged with Karralika Justice Services (KJS) counselling after successfully completing a voluntary treatment program (Solaris Program) at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC). Having spent 13 months in detention, including time at the Transitional Release Centre (TRC) where he began full-time work, Brett commenced counselling shortly after release. Familiarity with the KJS counsellor, from previous brief interactions during the Solaris Program, helped ease the transition into ongoing support.
Short-term goals for Brett included abstinence from drugs and gambling, maintaining employment, engaging with support providers and complying with parole. Long-term goals focused on sustained abstinence, reconnecting with family, mental health review, further study and purchasing a car.
Initial counselling sessions reviewed Brett’s relapse prevention plan and focused on risk management, goal setting and building protective behaviours. Flexible service delivery allowed for phone sessions after work. The trauma-informed approach incorporated psychoeducation, CBT, somatic awareness, relaxation techniques and mindful self-compassion.
Brett completed 12 sessions and 3 assessments, showing improved physical and psychological health. He maintained abstinence, was promoted at work, secured housing, bought a car, resumed a sport and reconnected with family. He completed parole and was referred to long-term counselling. Brett credited early sessions with providing a safe, structured space that fostered hope and built on trust established during his time in AMC. The strength of the KJS service lies in its continuity across justice settings and collaboration with the client’s broader support network.
