The Andrews Labor Government’s record investment in community corrections is helping to keep Victorians safe with more staff added to the ranks.
Minister for Corrections Gayle Tierney joined 38 new Advanced Case Managers at their graduation ceremony today – meaning there are now more than 900 Community Correctional Services (CCS) staff in Victoria.
Today’s graduates come from all walks-of-life with extensive case management backgrounds in the areas of disability services, child protection and mental health.
The Labor Government has spent more than $320 million strengthening and expanding CCS, adding more than 300 additional staff to respond to growth in the number of people on community based court orders.
More than 100 new Advanced Case Manager positions have been added to the community corrections system in the last year with around 40 per cent of these new roles based in regional Victoria.
The former government’s community corrections model failed with a substantial number of offenders not completing their court orders because of the Liberals under resourcing and mismanagement of the system.
There was a lack of proper risk assessment, not enough staff, and not enough training and support.
The Labor Government’s record investment helped introduce a new operating model early this year.
The new model is providing more intensive case management and better-targeted rehabilitation and support services, and behavioural programs to reduce reoffending.
The Labor Government has also opened new Justice Service Centres or CCS offices at Wonthaggi, Cranbourne, Pakenham, South Morang, Warrnambool and Derrimut with more to follow in the coming months.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Gayle Tierney
“Our record investment in Community Correctional Services is helping to keep the community safe.”
“Only the Andrews Labor Government will give the community corrections system the resources needed to keep Victorians safe.”
“We’re employing more staff than ever before which means they can reduce their caseloads to more intensely manage offenders on court orders.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020