Transcript The Gurnang Life Challenge Oberon Correctional Centre NSW

The Gurnang Life Challenge
Oberon Correctional Centre NSW
Presented by Ruth Hodgson and Ruth Price
The Gurnang Life Challenge Males
► 18
to 25 year old males
► 16 week duration
► C2 classification
► Less than 18 months to serve is ideal
► Pre – release structure
► Principles aim to promote change and
reduce recidivism
Adventure Based Challenge Females
Profiles of YAO
► High incidence of drug and alcohol abuse
► Poor or fractured education – low literacy
► Lack of, or inconsistent, employment history
► Companions, peer pressure, poor choices
► Family issues
► Low self confidence/ self esteem / self efficacy
► Financial issues
► Ineffective communication skills
► Lack of goal seeking and low motivation
► Difficulty controlling emotions
► Impulsive
and high risk taking behaviour
The Five Elements
Identifying Dynamic Risk
Dynamic Risk Information and Planning
(DRIP)
► The
adult learning cycle
► Identifying areas of need (LSIR)
► Examine drug and alcohol use/abuse
► Choose vocational programs
► Identify personal issues
► Select dynamic risk programs
Personal Growth Sessions
► Personal
Growth sessions are based upon
cognitive based adult learning principles.
Sequenced modules which include ►
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Attitude, Individual motivation
Self confidence
Communication
Victim Empathy + Trust
Classification
Goal setting
Change and Future plans
Co-ops and
Ropes Course
Co-ops and High Challenge Ropes
Course - based upon adventure
experiential learning principles.
“I hear and I forget, I see and I
remember.
I DO and I understand.”
(Confucious)
Challenge by Choice
►Acquaintance
and De-inhibitisation
►Communication and trust
►Problem solving / decision making
►Social responsibility
►Personal responsibility
Experiential Learning Cycle
The Adult Nucleus
► Peer
mentoring
► Positive support
► Balanced perspectives
► Support program
context
► Positive role modelling
► Stop bullying
► Act as co-facilitators
Wilderness
Expeditions
►Based
upon Outward
Bound principles fundamental philosophy of
personal development
through a wilderness
experience.
►Self
efficacy
►Planning
►Self responsibility
►Respect
►Tenacity
Vocational Education
To provide basic skills that will lead to
employment…
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YAO must complete at least one course
Practical courses that aim at equipping YAO with skills that
will lead to employment
Targets industries that are easier to access such as
construction and warehousing
Liaise with employment agencies – work release
Assist with further vocational training
Basic Education
► YAO
with very low literacy identified before
coming to Oberon and attend Bridging courses
► YAO who will struggle with concepts and written
work or spoken communication targeted at OCC.
Modules complement PGS
► “Construction” maths with dual certification
► Distance Education
► Job seeking skills
► Pre release educational counselling and support
Therapeutic Programs
All programs are accredited:
Drug and Alcohol Addictions Program (DAAP)
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Highly interactive – uses a broad range of learning and engagement
styles
Based on psychological and adult learning principles
Sequenced to increase motivation, reduce denial and bring about
behavioural change
Encourages YAO to take responsibility for their behaviour and learn to
adopt strategies to bring about behavioural change
Follow up – Relapse prevention is best done in the community
Therapeutic Programs
Best Bet – Gambling Addictions
Based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Designed to help
offenders make the link between gambling, offending and
the impact on others
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Participants learn about:
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The Adult Learning Cycle
Stages of change model
Problem solving techniques
Cycle of gambling
Relaxation techniques
Therapeutic Programs
Managing Emotions (ME)
► Inmates are assessed as to suitability
► Not an anger management program
► Assists offenders to deal with emotional issues to
better prepare for dealing with life choices
► 10 session program
► Facilitator attends Oberon CC when required
Therapeutic Programs
Positive Lifestyle
► Developed
and delivered by Salvation Army
► Deals with everyday issues
► Designed to enhance self awareness and to
develop a better understanding of personal life
skills
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Styles of anger
Factors leading to depression and loneliness
Issues surrounding loss and grief
Stress management, self esteem, assertiveness, grief
and conflict resolution
Work Readiness
Develop a résumé, develop job interview skills, and complete an OH&S
Employee Responsibility program.
► Achievement of productive work over a minimum of 40 days.
Work in Industries provides an opportunity to develop a positive work
ethic by means of useful and fulfilling work that teaches employability
skills.
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Afforestation
Food Services and Laundry
Clerks, Library, Barber, Aboriginal
Delegate
Building Maintenance and Farm
Timber Packing
Cleaners
Self Responsibility
“The problem of locking up [young adult] offenders appears to
be, that in so doing, you remove the one thing that they must
at some point learn to handle for themselves – personal
responsibility”.
(Geoff Sanders, Coventry Intermediate Treatment Association)
YAO are assessed on:
► Being accountable for behaviour
► Treating all people with dignity and respect
► Attending all musters, classes and work on time
► Keeping self, room and unit clean and presentable
► Conducting self in a responsible, non threatening manner
► No consumption of illicit substances
Assessing Progress - PPI
Entry on Program
Assessed on the 5 elements and “commit” to the Gurnang Life
Challenge
C Level
Assessed on the 5 elements and Case Plans are endorsed
B level
Assessed on the 5 elements and final opportunity to “step up”
A level
Final assessment – pass, fail or back class
Application for Classification (C3) approved/not approved
Final Camp – CARPE DIEM
GRADUATION and move on…
Expected Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Gurnang
Life Challenge….
Obtain C3 – day … weekend release
► Works Release – Oberon or Sydney
► New set of life skills to take outside
► Increased motivation and coping skills
► Clear goals for the future
► Improved health and wellbeing
► Personal development leading to crime free lifestyle for
over 70% of GLC graduates (2002 to 2004)
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Questions
Thanks for your time…..
Contact details:
[email protected]
[email protected]