BackThe Victorian Ombudsman is seeking information from Victorians about their recent experiences with the provision of alcohol and drug rehabilitation services following contact with the criminal justice system.
Of particular interest to the enquiry are the experiences of ex-prisoners and others in contact with the justice system who have engaged, or sought to engage, with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) rehabilitation services. Family members of such individuals are also encouraged to take part in the enquiry.
The enquiry will shape the Victorian Ombudsman’s consideration of the key issues in the sector to enable her to decide whether a formal investigation is warranted. The confidentiality and anonymity of submissions will be respected within the provisions of the Ombudsman Act.
The enquiry will examine:
- The experiences of former prisoners referred to community based alcohol and other drug (AOD) services particularly in rural and regional Victoria
- The efficacy of community based AOD services across Victoria in preventing AOD users in coming into contact with the justice system and in addressing recidivism.
The enquiry follows the Victorian Ombudsman’s 2015 Investigation into the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners in Victoria. That investigation highlighted that prisons are obliged to ensure prisoners are linked to community based AOD services to provide ongoing support post-release. The Ombudsman’s prisons report found 75 per cent of male prisoners and 83 per cent of female prisoners reported previous illicit drug use.
Source: The Victorian Ombudsman - AUSTRALIA
