Rehabilitative needs and treatment of Indigenous offenders in ...

How do program completion rates of QCS programs compare betweenIndigenous and non-Indigenous offenders? The completion rates of QCS programs vary over time, betweenprogram type, by gender and by Indigenous status. The completion rates for Indigenous offenders participating in theIndigenous-specific sexual offending program were slightly higher thanthe completion rates for Indigenous offenders participating inmainstream sexual offender programs. This finding provides someevidence to suggest that culturally responsive programs can increaseprogram completion rates for Indigenous offenders. Indigenous offenders were under-represented in literacy and numeracycourses and Vocational and Educational Training and less likely thannon-Indigenous offenders to gain and sustain employment aftercompleting stage one of the Advance2Work program.How can QCS and other government agencies enhance their responseto the rehabilitation needs of Indigenous offenders?There is a clear need for a whole-of-government approach in attending toIndigenous rehabilitation and over-representation in the criminal justicesystem. This includes raising education and vocation skill levels, providingeffective health care, ensuring appropriate housing and developingopportunities for labour market participation for the Indigenous population.Building the capacity of Indigenous communities will strengthen their ability tosupport Indigenous offenders after their release from custody. Earlyinterventions that reduce the likelihood of Indigenous offenders being placedon remand (such as bail support) are likely to decrease Indigenous overrepresentationin custody.Findings from the project highlighted the importance of: Understanding the historical and socio-cultural factors contributing toIndigenous offending and rehabilitation needs. Delivering culturally relevant rehabilitation programs that recognise andincorporate traditional Indigenous values and complement Indigenouslearning and communication styles.Delivering programs that respond to the criminogenic needs ofIndigenous offenders. For example, programs should address violentbehaviour, sexual offending and substance misuse. These programsshould ideally be high in frequency and duration. Ensuring that Indigenous offenders have access to adult education toaddress their low literacy and numeracy levels.8