KOORI WOMEN'S DIVERSION PROGRAM

The Koori Women's Diversion Program assists with diverting Koori women from deepening contact with the Criminal Justice system.

The program provides referral pathways into programs and services to reduce Koori women offending, reoffending or having contact with the Justice System as well as supporting Koori Women on justice orders.

Koori women are assisted to navigate the justice system and broader service system by delivering an intensive case management model.  Each individual has the opportunity to discuss her individual needs, which may include:

• Homelessness and/or unstable accommodation
• Drug and/or alcohol abuse/misuse
• Mental illness
• Family violence
• Child abuse and/or neglect
• Lowe levels of education
• Unemployment
• Lack of income security
• Disconnection from family, culture and community.

Each participant will have a case plan developed and will be assisted in connecting with the right programs for their needs.

The Koori Women's Diversion Program also offers an Art Healing Program called Wittha.  This program was developed to assist with grief and loss through art.

Those participants on Community Corrections Orders can do this program as part of their community work and donate posts to the graves of community members who don't have a headstone, as part of a process of giving back and showing respect.