Aboriginal health community re-entry program

• Reach:

  WA

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Status:

  Current

• Evaluated:

  No

Overview

The Aboriginal health community re-entry program aims to improve the health of Aboriginal people released from prison.

Aboriginal health community re-entry workers are employed through Aboriginal Medical Services, other non-government agencies and the West Australian (WA) Department of Health, to encourage Aboriginal men and women (including juveniles) to actively participate in their health before and after release from custody.

Key health areas are:

• chronic illnesses
• mental health
• drug and alcohol issues.

Aboriginal health community re-entry workers provide support and improve access to health services by linking Aboriginal people with appropriate health services before and after release from custody. Support is provided up to a year after release to allow adequate time for clients to establish relationships and engage with health services and programs.

Participation in the program is voluntary and referrals can be made via prison staff or through self-referral while in custody or after release.

The Department of Corrective Services is working in partnership with WA Department of Health to deliver this program.

Abstract adapted from West Australian Department of Health

Contacts

Damian Hart
Program Manager
Aboriginal health community re-entry program
Aboriginal health improvement unit
PO Box 6680
East Perth Business Centre WA 6825
Ph: (08) 6145 4115
Mobile: 0419 582 098
Fax: (08) 9226 5711
Email: Damian.Hart@health.wa.gov.au

Related publications

Aboriginal Health Community Re-Entry Program (2013)

West Australian Department of Health

This brochure provides details on the Aboriginal health community re-entry program in Western Australia (WA). The brochure provides information on:

• priority health conditions targeted by this program
• services provided by the Aboriginal health community re-entry program
• referral to the program
• service contacts throughout WA.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

• Links
• View resource: Aboriginal Health Community Re-Entry Program (PDF - 1.4 MB)
• View information: WA Country Health Service - Aboriginal health
• View website: West Australian Department of Health

Hart D (2012)

Aboriginal Health Community Re-Entry Program.

Paper presented at the 3rd Annual Correctional Services Healthcare Summit. August 2012, Melbourne

• Links
• View conference presentation: Aboriginal Health Community Re-Entry Program (PDF - 247.3 KB)
• View information: Aboriginal Health Community Re-Entry Program

Links

• View information: WA Country Health Service