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Individuals linked with the Criminal Justice System in the ACT, particularly people with lived experience of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) dependence, are vulnerable to relapse and recidivism without appropriate, person-centred care. Such populations experience intersectional barriers, challenges and stigma in seeking care, therefore strong collaboration between the AOD sector and ACT Corrections staff is key to ensure that individuals are supported by trauma informed, specialist therapeutic care and AOD counselling.
Karralika AOD Counselling Service provides community-based AOD counselling for individuals associated with the criminal justice system in the ACT. CHN funds Karralika Programs to support the employment of one Counsellor to deliver the service. Karralika is addressing specialist AOD use needs for those in contact with the justice system through flexible models of care. Karralika Programs, supported by CHN, continues to employ a specialised AOD Case Manager who has provided invaluable, holistic support to program participants that extends beyond therapeutic counselling. The service continues to experience high demand, with a notable consistency in referrals in each quarter. Over the last year, 153 clients associated with the criminal justice system were supported by Karralika to access AOD counselling services based on harm minimisation and reducing recidivism.
The Karralika AOD Counselling Service has established a strong collaborative relationship with ACT Corrections staff in the community and the Alexander Maconochie Centre and continues to provide programs and support to vulnerable individuals. Both new and existing clients receive ongoing support, through a mix of face-to-face, telehealth and online support to meet their individual needs and circumstances.
Client story
The client is a 39-year-old male, who has had issues with alcohol consumption for over 10 years. This has impacted on his physical and mental health, employment, family relationships and led to the most recent criminal charges. Following a referral by his Community Corrections Officer, he has received treatment from Karralika’s Non-Residential Withdrawal (NRW) and Justice Counselling services. Both services worked collaboratively with the client to assist him with his alcohol abstinence goal. Karralika’s NRW Registered Nurses provided treatment for his alcohol withdrawal at his residence, and he received phone support from the Justice Services Counsellor. This was the client’s first-time receiving treatment, and he stated that he found the service very convenient and felt comfortable.
Following on from his 7-day NRW treatment, the client received ongoing phone support from the Justice Counsellor. The Counsellor worked with the client to enable him to maintain his goal of abstinence. Weekly phone sessions with a focus on relapse prevention enabled him to work through difficult emotions that often arose during this period.
8 months after the initial engagement the client has maintained his goal of abstinence. He continues to have monthly check-ins to maintain motivation and build his resilience. He is working full-time and starting to repair family relationships. He reports his physical and mental health are the best they have been in years. The support provided by Karralika has enabled him to find a way out of his despair and into an empowered and productive life.