Middletons’ client, Caraniche has be awarded a Victorian Department of Justice contract to develop and provide alcohol and other drug (AOD) programs for Victoria’s public prisons.
Up until now, Caraniche has provided evidence based alcohol and other drug treatment services to over 2,000 prisoners a year across seven locations within the Victorian prison system. These services are facilitated by a team of more than 25 psychologists and social workers.
For all Victorian public prisons, Caraniche programs will focus on reducing the harm associated with AOD use, and reflecting contemporary research. The programs will adhere to harm minimisation principles and in a way that supports prisoners who enter the system with existing and entrenched drug use behaviours. The programs will include a range of initiatives designed to minimise the harm of any drug use that may occur in prison and provide incentives for prisoners to stop using drugs. The goal is to help prisoners establish healthier lifestyles both within prison and after release from custody.
Caraniche managing director, Jacinta Pollard said, “We offer a comprehensive assessment process which identifies an offender’s treatment readiness, collects information about their risk of re-offending and determines the level of treatment, directing them into the most suitable treatment program. These programs are divided into five levels of treatment ranging from information provision and harm reduction programs through to high intensity treatment programs.”
Jacinta added, “Everyone at Caraniche is passionate about good mental health and this is a very exciting opportunity for our team to make a real difference.”
Middletons lead partner on the bid, Cattie Burdett said, “Having advised and acted for both the public and private sector on large procurement and outsourcing projects including projects delivered as public private partnerships, I would have to say that this was one of the most challenging tenders I have experienced. A very satisfying outcome for a long standing client who I truly believe in and deserve this contract for the great work they do.”
The Victorian adult corrections system includes more than 50 community correctional facilities and 13 prisons and one transition centre across the state, each catering to the specific needs and requirements of its prisoners.
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