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Corrections Victoria: ensuring responsive practices for offenders with complex needs
- Author:
- FAMULARO Jo
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Learning Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 2(3), 2011, pp.136-139.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This paper outlines how Corrections Victoria (CV) Australia has improved best practice outcomes and solutions for offenders in the Victorian forensic system. The acquired brain injury clinic within CV is an innovative service for prisoners and offenders with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Over the past three years, CV has made a commitment towards better meeting the needs of offenders with a disability, and specific research has been undertaken to identify the prevalence of acquired brain injury among Victoria's male and female population. This research has identified new challenges particularly evidence concerning the large-prisoner cohort with acquired brain injury. What has emerged in the first 18 months of the ABI programme is the presence of co-morbidities, including mental health and substance use issues in addition to offenders’ cognitive impairment. This complex profile confirms the need for a specialist response. The role of the clinician is multi-functional, including consultation, capacity building, information, education, intervention planning and staff training. The practical implications of this case study include a treatment plan. The authors conclude, however, there are issues with implementing this approach as it requires a long-term commitment from the correctional services system