A successful residential diversion program for Aboriginal male offenders is set to be expanded thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Corrections Ben Carroll today announced an additional $440,000 for the Ngarra Jarranounith Place program.
The funding will enable Aboriginal service provider Dardi Munwurro to open a third residential property in Melbourne’s north.
It will also allow Dardi Munwurro to employ two more intensive case managers and an extra family engagement safety worker.
Key supporters of the program include the Collingwood Football Club and Melbourne Storm.
The program – part of the Labor Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence – is a residential healing and behaviour-change program for Aboriginal men who have been convicted of family violence offences.
The 16-week program is achieving a 90 per cent completion rate and is helping create safer communities by rehabilitating offenders and providing support to impacted family members.
Men accepted into the program are required to:
- Live independently in one of the residential properties
- Work with a case manager to make positive changes in their lives
- Participate in a structured list of activities, including group behaviour change sessions and volunteer work
- Work with a family engagement safety worker who supports affected family members.
Dardi Munwurro also delivers a range of other programs, with almost 500 registered clients currently receiving assistance.
Quote attributable to Minister for Corrections Ben Carroll
“The Ngarra Jarranounith Place is changing lives by providing behaviour change programs for family violence offenders and helping support affected family members.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
“This additional funding will allow Dardi Munwurro to expand its vital work and deliver on a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Family Violence.”
Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green
“By helping these men turn their lives around, Dardi Munwurro is helping create safer communities in our growing outer suburbs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020