Rehabilitative needs and treatment of Indigenous offenders in ...

SummaryMany of the views expressed by ISDR participants are consistent withprevious research and findings presented in this report.It is clear that ISDR participants perceived that low literacy and numeracypose a significant impediment to Indigenous offender involvement in QCSrehabilitative interventions (such as criminogenic programs and VET) andaccess to health services in the community. Participants believed that thedelivery of culturally-sensitive interventions by culturally-competent facilitatorswould increase both the number of Indigenous persons accessingrehabilitative interventions (including literacy and numeracy courses) and theeffectiveness of these interventions. Importantly, Indigenous offendersexpressed an interest in (re-)connecting with Indigenous culture, history andheritage.It was suggested that the delivery of culturally-relevant rehabilitationinterventions could be promoted by increasing the number of Indigenousfacilitators and improving the cultural-awareness of non-Indigenous offenders.Despite positive comments regarding the Indigenous-specific EndingOffending and Ending Violent Offending programs, participants believed thatIndigenous offenders need access to more intensive Indigenous-specificprograms. It was also believed that Indigenous community members, such asIndigenous Elders, play a vital role in developing transitional links forIndigenous offenders leaving custody. It is worth noting that some Indigenousoffenders reported that they felt shame and embarrassment when talkingabout themselves in a group session. Other Indigenous offenders suggestedthat one of the benefits in participating in Indigenous-specific programs is theability to discuss personal issues with offenders with a similar background.The impact of colonialism and social/economic disadvantage on Indigenousoffending was also discussed. The displacement and breakdown of familialand community networks was viewed by ISDR participants to have significantbearing on the personal identity of Indigenous offenders and the possibility ofcommunity-based support. The high prevalence of social and economicdisadvantage within the Indigenous population was perceived to contribute tothe normalisation of imprisonment and high health needs. The inability ofcommunity-based health service providers to meet the significant healthneeds of Indigenous communities was also highlighted. These findings drawattention to the importance of strengthening Indigenous communities tofacilitate their ability to support pro-social choices among Indigenousoffenders after their release from custody.The research findings discussed in this chapter demonstrate that Indigenousrehabilitation requires a multi-tiered approach. This includes strengtheningIndigenous interventions within QCS, improving links with Indigenouscommunities and ensuring the cultural-competency of non-Indigenous QCSofficers. The need for a community-based multi-government agency approachto Indigenous offender rehabilitation is also evident.66