Relapse prevention in Queensland jails
(Stock image)
A new Salvation Army program is helping prisoners reduce their risk of re-offending by offering one-on-one recovery services sessions in a number of Queensland jails.
The new service began in July 2014 in jails in Cairns, Townsville and Caboolture as well as in probation and parole centres in those areas. Prisoners and those on parole were offered an eight-week intervention program, which then evolved into an eight-hour program particularly for those serving 12-months or less and with alcohol and other drug use issues. The program then expanded to three Brisbane jails.
“We feel that it’s important to be working in this space,” says Major Lynda Bliss, the Project and Design Manager in the Territorial Mission and Resource Team – Recovery. “It’s the beginning of the transformation process.”
The programs are funded through the Queensland Department of Justice and it’s the first time The Salvation Army has operated Recovery Services within a jail setting in that state.
After its first year of operation, The Salvation Army was asked to expand the program to deliver 440 one-on-one interventions across greater Brisbane for people at risk of breaching their probation or parole and going to prison.
“These interventions will be taking place in Salvation Army premises so we are praying the corps folk will take the offenders under their wing,” says Major Bliss. “We are using trained volunteers to conduct the interventions.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Len Matthews: len.matthews@aue.salvationarmy.org or 0437 754 144
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