The Unity Project and the Department of Communities and Justice: A Partnership for Transformative Care

Anybody striving to grow as a person and build a meaningful life will know how important it is to have a strong support network. At some stage, everybody needs someone or something they can rely on. But for people transitioning out of the criminal justice system, being surrounded by the right level of support becomes even more critical.  

Having compassionate care that recognises the impact of a person’s past and focuses on creating a more positive future can be transformative. In many cases it can make the difference between being caught in a cycle of repeated interactions with the criminal justice system and successfully creating a more constructive and fulfilling life.    

However, for care managers, supports workers, support coordinators, and other professionals working with people with complex needs, finding adequate support can be a complicated task, especially when the person’s history has been layered with trauma and hardship. That’s where The Unity Project and the Department of Communities and Justice come together to uncover effective solutions.  

This partnership is grounded in a shared purpose; finding ways to effectively support those who have been left on the fringes of traditional support systems, and helping them find the safe, stable and nurturing environments needed to flourish in the long term.

‍

Understanding Our Partnership

The Department of Community and Justice’s mission is to create stronger, safer and more inclusive communities. They are dedicated to supporting people who face significant challenges, particularly those with complex needs or who have been involved in the criminal justice system.  

The Department of Community and Justice’s focus aligns perfectly with The Unity Project’s core values of delivering tailored, empathetic support to those most in need who have struggled to find appropriate care through the usual channels.

By partnering with the Department of Communities and Justice, we leverage our shared dedication to creating supportive environments for people who have often been turned away elsewhere. This partnership offers a beacon of hope for those who have struggled to find care that’s willing to accommodate the complexities of their circumstances.  

‍

A Case in Point: Derreck’s Journey

To illustrate the profound impact of this partnership, let’s look at Derreck’s story, whose name has been changed for privacy reasons. Derreck, an Aboriginal man, faced a series of overwhelming challenges throughout his life. Suffering from intergenerational trauma and battling long-term alcohol abuse, his situation worsened when he attempted to take his own life by setting fire to his home. Instead of receiving the mental health support he desperately needed, Derreck was convicted of arson and sentenced to prison.

After serving his time, Derreck faced a tough reality; he was deemed too high-risk for support by over 30 other providers. This left him trapped in the prison system, where he was later diagnosed with a terminal illness. Derreck’s story is a stark reminder of the gaps in traditional support systems, especially for those with complex needs and a history of trauma.

‍

How The Unity Project Stepped In

When Derreck was referred to The Unity Project, our approach was different. We understood that Derreck’s history of trauma and his terminal illness required a unique and compassionate response.  We took the time to listen to Derreck’s story, acknowledging his past and working with him to provide the comprehensive care he needed to move forward.

The Unity Project’s aim is not just to provide shelter, but also to offer a safe, stable environment where people can begin to heal. Our team found an occupational therapist with experience in working with Aboriginal communities who provides Derreck with drug and alcohol support and mental health care tailored to his needs.

Recognising the importance of family in Aboriginal culture, we involved Derreck’s family in developing his care plan. This inclusion not only respects Derreck’s cultural values but also ensures that the support network built around him is aligned with his personal needs.

‍

The Power of Trauma-Informed Care

Derreck’s transition into our care was handled with sensitivity. Understanding the upheaval he had experienced; we offered a supportive environment where he could gradually adjust. Our staff regularly checked in with Derreck, providing him with reassurance and engaging him in activities that helped him feel more at ease.  

The results of this approach have been profound. Derreck’s mental health and all-round well-being have significantly improved since he began receiving support that acknowledges and respects his trauma.  

Derreck’s case clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of Trauma-Informed Care, which recognises how troubling events in somebody’s past can impact their emotions and behaviour in the present.  

Simultaneously, Trauma-Informed Care teaches us to see people as more than just their previous experiences or actions. By acknowledging and addressing these complexities, it’s possible to unlock a person’s potential for healing and growth.

‍

Mark Thorsby’s Experience

Mark Thorsby works with the Department of Communities and Justice as a Social Worker at Long Bay Prison and referred Derreck to The Unity Project. He says that when it comes to finding accommodation for people exiting the criminal justice system, “getting past the first conversation is almost impossible.” He observes “in most cases, you’re just grateful if you can get a roof over somebody’s head.”  

Mark notes that “Derreck’s situation demanded much more than just accommodation. He has an intersection of physical, emotional and psychological needs, so finding someone who offered adaptable support was crucial. The Unity Project is one of the few service providers that can properly address all his needs.”  

Mark has also been impressed with how The Unity Project has been able to make the NDIS work to Derreck’s benefit. He says, “Derreck had existing NDIS funding, but his plan didn’t cover Supported Independent Living (SIL). The Unity Project have found ways to use his existing plan to offer him SIL. Without their willingness to think outside the box, Derreck wouldn’t have the quality of life that he does.”  

While over 30 other support providers were unwilling to accommodate Derreck, who was “Deemed too high risk”, Mark says that “The Unity Project were always open to finding solutions and Derreck’s history was never a barrier.” He says, “I can’t emphasise enough how rare it is to find a provider that’s so receptive to the nuances of one person’s case.”

‍

Our Broader Impact

The Unity Project’s partnership with the Department of Communities and Justice is not just about individual success stories; it’s about creating a system where every person, regardless of their past or the complexity of their needs, has access to the support they deserve.  

We work purposefully to address the specific needs of each person, giving them a safe and nurturing living environment, as well as the tools and support needed to process the past and take control of the present. This means we find effective solutions for even the most challenging cases, ensuring fewer people are left behind. By collaborating with the Department of Communities and Justice, we’re able to scale our impact and bring stability to the lives of those who need it most.

Discussing the collaboration’s broader impact, Mark says, “For many of these people, it keeps them from finding themselves homeless or returning to prison. There’s a bank of research demonstrating that many people who exit the criminal justice system without a home and reliable support network inevitably find themselves back in prison. On the other hand, people who are given a supportive environment are much more likely to stay on the right path and make a positive contribution to their community. For everybody involved, it’s a win-win.”

Mark believes there needs to be more support providers open to helping people with complex support needs. He says, “At the moment, the list of organisations I can call and get a welcoming response from is far too short. If more support providers were willing to do what The Unity Project does, we’d all be well on our way to solving some of Australia’s most pressing issues.”  

Find Strength in Unity

If you’re facing the challenge of finding suitable care for somebody with complex support needs, The Unity Project can help. We turn these challenges into opportunities by offering adaptable solutions tailored to each person’s unique situation.  

Just as we did for Derreck, we can find ways to effectively support people even when all other options are exhausted. By offering safe environments and wrap-around support, we help people make peace with the past so they can build a brighter future.    

To find out more about our services and how we can accommodate even the most complicated circumstances, contact one of our experts today:  

Email Us: info@theunityproject.au

Contact us: https://www.theunityproject.au/contact-us  

‍