Post Custodial Support

Directions’ Post Custodial Support (PCS) has been developed in recognition that many people exiting custody who are at risk of harm from alcohol and other drugs (AOD) have increased barriers to accessing care and may experience the system as fragmented and difficult to navigate.

People exiting custody often also have intersecting vulnerabilities and complex care needs that place them at higher risk of harm in the period immediately after they are released.

Post Custodial Support services can commence up to 3 months prior to release, or within 4 weeks after being released and continue for us to 12 months post-release. We will work alongside the person to assess their needs and develop an individual support plan for the coming months.

Eligibility

A person if eligible to receive services if they are at risk of harmful alcohol and other drug use and they are in custody and due for release within three months or they have exited custody in the past four weeks and are not on bail.

Types of support

Services may include AOD-specific counselling, assertive case management and support to access safe and stable housing, mental health, primary care and other health services and education, employment and other social support services.

Where possible, our staff will visit clients prior to being released at Junee, Goulburn, Cooma and South Coast Correctional Centres at least monthly for three months pre-release. Where in-person visits aren’t possible, staff will attempt to meet with referred clients via videolink or phone.

Planning and coordinating support for the person’s release date is a really important part of our service. The more time we have to spend with the person prior to release, the better the transition to community is likely to be. Specific supports may include immediate practical supports such as organising transport from the Centre, coordinating Centrelink, housing etc.

Post-release support includes AOD counselling, intensive case management for up to 12 months including referrals to other services, AOD information, education, harm minimisation (including overdose prevention training), relapse prevention planning, support to reduce or withdraw, create new social connections and manage triggers.

One of the important aspects of the PCS service is ensuring that we have a strong connection with our clients through the development of a trusting, non-judgemental, strength-based approach with a focus on harm minimisation.