Mother Seeking Safe Home: Aboriginal Women Post-Release

Abstract

The NSW Government has recently announced the establishment of a number of accommodation and reintegration services for offenders leaving prison and for others subject to non-custodial or parole orders. This shift recognises the established importance of post-release accommodation and individual case management for ex-prisoners as important steps towards addressing the high rates of re-incarceration of people in NSW. However, like the vast majority of such services, this latest measure does not sufficiently respond to the specific issues facing Aboriginal women, who are experiencing the fastest rate of increase of all groups of prisoners across Australia. Aboriginal women have higher rates of return to prison, higher rates of social and physical disadvantage, and higher numbers of dependent children than their non-Aboriginal counterparts. Their specific experiences of intersectional discrimination on the grounds of their race and gender remain largely invisible to policy makers. This article draws on the principles of decolonisation, human rights and social justice alongside relevant research on post-release services and support to propose the development of an Aboriginal-women specific transitional model to assist in redressing the cycle of reincarceration for Aboriginal women in NSW. †

Do programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people leaving prison meet their health and social support needs?

“…Substance use disorders were seen to play a large role in poor health, recidivism, homelessness and family disruption in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people after release …”

“…Many studies reported very high levels of mental health problems among Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people in prison and after release, were seen as linked to the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system . Mental health was identified as affected by trauma stemming from child abuse, violence and coming from families affected by the ‘Stolen Generation’ .…”

“…People released from prison had excess hospitalisation and mortality rates compared to the general population, and mortality rates appeared higher for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ex‐offenders in some studies . Wellbeing after release was affected by the high rates of social adversity on release, such as homelessness, unemployment, emotional stress and inadequate access to services …”

“…Publications reporting on social support needs at release predominantly focused on instrumental resources, although emotional and informational support were also discussed . The burden of poverty and the need to enhance employment prospects for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ex‐offenders were identified, but the most commonly reported social support need in the literature related to housing.…”

“…The burden of poverty and the need to enhance employment prospects for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ex‐offenders were identified, but the most commonly reported social support need in the literature related to housing. Poor housing experiences after release, including homelessness and high mobility, have been repeatedly shown to be a key concern for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people leaving prison and to be associated with reincarceration . Women leaving prison may face particular difficulties having their social support needs met, compounded if women have dependent children or plan to regain custody of their children …”