Posted: July 4th, 2024

Indigenous Australians and the Criminal Justice System

Indigenous Australians and the Criminal Justice System

Indigenous Australians are significantly overrepresented in the criminal justice system. As of June 2023, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people comprised 30% of the adult prison population, despite representing only 3% of the total Australian population (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2023). This disproportionate representation stems from complex historical, social, and economic factors rooted in colonisation, dispossession, and ongoing systemic discrimination.

Social Determinants of Health and Indigenous Incarceration

The social determinants of health framework provides valuable insight into the factors contributing to the overrepresentation of Indigenous Australians in the criminal justice system. Key determinants include:

1. Education: Lower educational attainment among Indigenous Australians is associated with higher rates of incarceration. In 2021, only 66% of Indigenous students completed Year 12, compared to 89% of non-Indigenous students (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2023).

2. Employment: Unemployment rates for Indigenous Australians are consistently higher than for non-Indigenous Australians. In 2022, the unemployment rate for Indigenous Australians was 10.9%, compared to 3.7% for non-Indigenous Australians (ABS, 2022).

3. Housing: Inadequate and overcrowded housing conditions disproportionately affect Indigenous communities, contributing to poor health outcomes and increased contact with the justice system. In 2021, 18% of Indigenous households were overcrowded, compared to 5% of non-Indigenous households (AIHW, 2023).

4. Access to health services: Indigenous Australians face significant barriers in accessing culturally appropriate healthcare, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased risk of contact with the criminal justice system.

5. Racism and discrimination: Systemic racism continues to impact Indigenous Australians across various sectors, including education, employment, and interactions with law enforcement.

Current Health and Justice Statistics

Recent data highlight the ongoing disparities faced by Indigenous Australians in health and justice outcomes:

1. Life expectancy: The life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians remains significant, with Indigenous males expected to live 8.6 years less than their non-Indigenous counterparts (AIHW, 2023).

2. Mental health: Indigenous Australians experience higher rates of psychological distress, with 31% reporting high or very high levels of distress compared to 13% of non-Indigenous Australians (AIHW, 2023).

3. Substance abuse: Indigenous Australians are more likely to engage in risky alcohol consumption and illicit drug use, contributing to higher rates of substance-related offences (AIHW, 2023).

4. Recidivism: Indigenous prisoners have higher rates of recidivism, with 77% of Indigenous prisoners having a prior incarceration compared to 65% of non-Indigenous prisoners (ABS, 2023).

5. Youth detention: Indigenous youth are 17 times more likely to be in detention than non-Indigenous youth (AIHW, 2023).

Support Services at Eucalyptus Correctional Centre

Eucalyptus Correctional Centre offers a range of services to support Indigenous inmates and their families throughout their custodial journey:

1. Cultural support: Indigenous Liaison Officers provide cultural support and facilitate connections with Elders and community members.

2. Health services: The centre employs Indigenous health workers to deliver culturally appropriate healthcare, including mental health and substance abuse treatment.

3. Education and training: Vocational education programs are tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous inmates, focusing on skills relevant to their communities.

4. Family support: Regular family visits are facilitated, and videoconferencing services are available for inmates from remote communities.

5. Transition support: Pre-release programs assist inmates in preparing for reintegration into their communities, addressing housing, employment, and ongoing support needs.

External Support Services

Eucalyptus Correctional Centre collaborates with various external organisations to provide comprehensive support for Indigenous inmates:

1. Aboriginal Legal Services: Provides legal advice and representation for Indigenous inmates.

2. Aboriginal Medical Services: Offers culturally appropriate health services and support for inmates upon release.

3. Indigenous-specific employment services: Assists with job readiness and placement upon release.

4. Community-based mentoring programs: Connects inmates with Indigenous mentors to support their reintegration.

5. Residential rehabilitation services: Provides culturally appropriate drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs for inmates post-release.

Facilitating Access and Promoting Equity

To ensure equitable access to support services for Indigenous inmates, Eucalyptus Correctional Centre implements the following strategies:

1. Cultural competency training: All staff members undergo regular cultural awareness training to better understand and address the needs of Indigenous inmates.

2. Language support: Interpreters are available for inmates who speak Indigenous languages as their primary language.

3. Collaborative case management: A multidisciplinary approach involving Indigenous staff members ensures culturally appropriate support throughout the custodial journey.

4. Community partnerships: The centre actively engages with local Indigenous communities to develop and implement culturally relevant programs.

5. Post-release support coordination: Dedicated staff members work with external agencies to ensure continuity of care and support upon release.

In conclusion, addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous Australians in the criminal justice system requires a comprehensive approach that considers the social determinants of health and provides culturally appropriate support services. By implementing targeted interventions and fostering collaboration between correctional facilities and community organisations, it is possible to improve outcomes for Indigenous inmates and reduce recidivism rates.

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Labour Force, Australia, Detailed. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/employment-and-unemployment/labour-force-australia-detailed/latest-release

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Prisoners in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/prisoners-australia/latest-release

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework. Retrieved from https://www.indigenoushpf.gov.au/

Bracknell, C., Ling, R., & Fernando, T. (2022). Indigenous incarceration in Australia: Systemic racism and the imperative for reform. Journal of Criminology, 55(2), 166-184.

Shepherd, S. M., Ogloff, J. R. P., & Thomas, S. D. M. (2020). Are Australian prisons meeting the needs of Indigenous offenders? Health & Justice, 8(1), 1-12.
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Assessment Information
Choose a diverse minority group member and discuss their potential contact with the Criminal Justice System as it relates to their diversity. Describe their (potential or actual) custodial journey and the services that are in place within your organisation which can support the individual and their families.
Focus your discussion on:
• The lens of the Social Determinates of Health
• Current health and justice statistics specific to this minority (using current data and evidence).
• Your organisation’s support services and how they support this cohort (please use a pseudonym to protect your organisation)
• Services both within and outside your organisation which may be accessed to support this cohort, while in custody and upon release (This includes how you are able to facilitate access for the individual, considering equity and access of minority groups to established services)
Note:
• A pseudonym must be used for the organisation and the individual receiving care
• If you are not currently working in a custodial environment, you can use a relevant custodial healthcare model currently used in your state or country of residence (there are Models in Week 7 you can explore)
• Your assessment report is to be presented in formal academic writing style
• All referencing is to be APA 7th edition
• Please double space your work and ensure your student details are included in the header / footer

Assessment 2 – Context Specific Case Study
Assessment Type Written Assignment
Description Choose a diverse minority group member and discuss their potential contact with the Criminal Justice System as it relates to their diversity. Describe their (potential or actual) custodial journey and the services that are in place within your organisation which can support the individual and their families.
Weighting 50%
Compulsory Requirements Submit assessment item – Must submit this assessment to pass the course
Opportunity to Reattempt
Word count Students WILL NOT be given the opportunity to reattempt this assessment

2000 words (+/- 10%)
Assessment 2: Written Assessment Report Rubric

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Study Notes & Homework Samples: The Impact of Prolonged Microgravity Exposure on Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and the Potential Mitigating Effects of Resistance Exercise »TCHR5009 THEORY TO PRACTICE: Assessment Task 1 Assignment 1500 words