ACSO

From the entire team at ACSO, happy holidays!
Thank you all for an incredible 2023, and we wish everyone an enjoyable, safe and restful holiday season.

The Rockliff government has committing to raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 with no exceptions, meaning Tasmania is set to become the first Australian jurisdiction to ensure no child under 14 years old will grow up in prison.

ACSO firmly stands behind the decision to raise the age of criminal responsibility to at least 14 years, and congratulate Tasmania on this landmark decision.

MEDIA RELEASE: Landmark Win as Tasmania Commits to Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility to 14 — Raise The Age Tasmania is set to become the first Australian jurisdiction to ensure no child under 14 years old will grow up in a jail cell, in an announcement welcomed by the National Raise the Age campaign, a coalition of more than 130 organisations. In its Youth Justice Blueprint report released on Tuesday, t

In our latest 'Humans of ACSO' series, we'd love for you to meet Chloe, our new Copywriter from Victoria: https://www.acso.org.au/individual-stories/chloe-copywriter/

She says, "One of the many reasons I was so excited to join ACSO is because of the work we do to support people with disability. As a proud q***r and disabled person, it’s phenomenal to work for an organisation that not only talks the talk when it comes to intersectional inclusivity, but genuinely walks the walk."

For more information about our programs and working with us, visit: www.acso.org.au/work-at-acso

Over the weekend we observed Human Rights Day, which was the 75th anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

How much do you know about the human rights and protections of incarcerated people?

Today, all Australian Federal, State and Territory Attorneys-General came together to discuss their plans to address the minimum age of criminal responsibility. ACSO firmly stands for raising the age to at least 14 years.

You can read our position paper on raising the age here:https://www.acso.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Age-of-Criminal-Responsibility-Position-Paper.pdf

Absolutely fantastic to see the celebratory ribbon cutting for the Benalla, Wangaratta and Mansfield Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Benalla!

The doors of the new Local officially opened on Tuesday, and will offer free mental health, addiction and wellbeing services for the local community. The incredible new Local is a partnership with Wellways and Albury Wodonga Health — an enormous thank you to all the dedicated staff involved in this important milestone.

This week, all Australian Federal, State and Territory Attorneys-General are coming together to discuss their plans to address the minimum age of criminal responsibility.

ACSO firmly stands for raising the age to at least 14 years. We encourage Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take their time to absorb the large amount of evidence that supports this change, and urge them to act in best interests of Australian children and families.
• The current age (10years) is inconsistent with research on brain development of a child.
• Children under 14 lack both the necessary components of criminal responsibility: behaviour control and moral awareness.
• Being in the criminal justice system can have significant negative long-term effects on a child, and they are “more likely to die an early death".

To learn more about raising the age of criminal responsibility and why ACSO firmly stands for it, please read our position paper here:https://www.acso.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Age-of-Criminal-Responsibility-Position-Paper.pdf

Victorian Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes, VIC Premier Jacinta Allan MP
New South Wales Attorney-General Michael Daley MP, NSW Premier Chris Minns
Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath MP, QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk MP

"That’s my best advice: stand up and be inclusive. Let people talk and actively listen to them; let them tell their story.”

For Transgender Awareness Week, we talk to Grace (she/her), a Youth Psychosocial Recovery Worker, about her experiences working with and supporting transgender and gender-diverse youth.

Spotlight: Grace on working with transgender and gender-diverse youth | ACSO For Transgender Awareness Week this year, we talk to Grace (she/her), who has years of experience working with transgender and gender-diverse youth through

We are truly privileged to have dedicated individuals in our team, and Cass, from our Community Re-Entry Services Team in Queensland, embodies this commitment.

She said, "There is a huge gap and need and with the stigmatisation that men with a correctional history face. I am up for the challenge to advocate where I can, to encourage change and to support our clients to be given a second chance, to instil hope and empower change."

To read Cass' full story, visit: www.acso.org.au/individual-stories/cass-forensic-case-worker

For more information about our programs and working with us, visit: www.acso.org.au/work-at-acso

We're excited to announce our Boost Program has been nominated for a Youth Action NSW award for "Outstanding Work with Young People from Diverse Cultures, Backgrounds, and Experiences." We're incredibly proud and we invite you join us in celebrating and publicly highlighting the outstanding achievements of the youth sector with young people.

Learn more about the awards and reserve your seat here: https://youthaction.org.au/youth-work-conference-and-awards-2023

To learn more about our Boost program, visit: www.acso.org.au/boost-program-empowers-young-people-to-break-the-cycle-of-violence/

The First Nations Australians who campaigned for the Voice to Parliament have called for a week of silence across the country and we support this request.

As we stop and reflect on the impact of this decision, please be mindful of the cultural load that First Nations people are carrying at this time and offer appropriate supports. I encourage you to listen to them but hold off on asking any questions at this time.

If you have First Nations clients that need additional support, there are resources available to them:
❤️ Yarning Safe'n'Strong - 1800 95 95 63
💛 Dardi Munwurro - Strong Spirit Aboriginal Men’s Support Line (Victoria only) - 1800 435 799
🖤 13 Yarn - 13 92 76

Research into attitudes toward drug use in Australia show that most people support the removal of criminal penalties for personal use and possession.

Sadly, many sections of the media and our communities continue to stigmatise drug use. Many believe that shaming people with criminal penalties will change their behaviour. Research shows this is simply not true.

Evidence is clear that health-based responses (treatment and harm reduction) to drug use are the most effective.

ACSO welcomes the decision by the NSW Government to increase efforts around diversion rather than criminalization of people who use drugs however we support NADA and other AOD peak bodies around Australia in calling for improved funding of health-based responses to improve people’s access to timely treatment when they are ready.

New drug laws in NSW to see people fined for minor possession, avoiding criminal conviction The Minns government said it would introduce a bill to parliament this week, in an effort to reduce long-term drug offending.

In the realm of personal growth and transformation in our work, there are stories that stand out as inspiring examples of triumph over adversity. Alex's journey from a tumultuous past to a future filled with promise is one such story and is captured in the thankyou letter he sent to the team.

“I would not be here if not for a place like this. The connections I’ve made, the skills I’ve developed, my entire life, me as a person, the foundation of my core was made here.”

The YRR team played a significant role in nurturing Alex's potential and facilitating meaningful change in his life. While Alex's intrinsic drive would have eventually steered him towards personal growth, the YRR support system helped him channel his focus and cultivate his independence.

"I feel so lucky to have such wonderful caring people by my side. I have a long way to go but you’ve all made my journey so much easier.”

Read more about Alex and his story on our website: www.acso.org.au/referrals/youth-residential-rehabilitation-yrr

If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people, learn more about our youth programs: www.acso.org.au/program-referral-type/youth/

Teaghan started her student placement with us in February 2023 and in June this year, it evolved into a role as a Research Officer in the Service Development and Impact Team, a part of the larger Strategy Unit.

She said “I am working on an evaluation of ACSO's Residential Service. The aim of this evaluation is to find out the strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improvement into the future. This has involved close consultation with the General Manager, interviews with residents, and surveys for all the residential service team members. I have really enjoyed being involved in the collection and analysis of this data – it has given me a detailed understanding of all the incredible work the residential team does!

“During my placement, I had the opportunity to shadow outreach programs, such as CSP and ReStart, and spend time with the Mental Health and COATS teams. The breadth of experiences I had during my internship gave me a great understanding of the organisation at large. It has informed the work I do now.

“Understanding the flaws of the 'justice' system through sociology and criminology subjects, paired with the stories and voices of those caught in its nets, has ignited a drive within me to be a part of positive, meaningful change. It is amazing to see the difference ACSO is making in this space and to know I can play a small part in working towards solutions.”

Interested to see where a student placement could take you? Visit our website to learn more: www.acso.org.au/work-at-acso/student-placements/

Researching the facts about the upcoming referendum? Stay informed and engage in thoughtful conversations about this important issue.

This R U OK?Day we took the opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health, wellbeing, and the power of checking in.

We extended our R U OK? Day initiatives across the week to allow time for important conversations about how our people can continue to support each other's wellbeing year-round.

We had the fabulous Azani Dawn return to host a webinar during which she reminded us of the importance of first checking in with ourselves, to ensure that we have the capacity to extend our support to others. The session finished with a reflective meditation, encouraging all of us to reflect holistically on the question: R U OK?

Flowing on from this, the importance of self-care was recognised with the opportunity to finish the day 30 minutes early to engage in a self-care activity. As you can see from the photos included, many of us took that opportunity to get outdoors and spend some extra time with our favourite furry friends!

At a local level, individual teams and hubs also hosted afternoons teas, lunches and activities to slow down and connect with each other.

Our extended R U OK? Day activities will concluded today with a special version of ACSO TV. Our CEO, Vaughan Winters, sat down with some our dedicated frontline leaders and employees from CREST and YRR who shared their tips and advice on how they keep the R U OK? Day conversations going within their teams throughout the year. There was talk of BBQ's, bingo, footy with family and friends.

A big thanks to everyone who got involved throughout the week, and more importantly to our ACSO people for ensuring that the spirit of R U OK? Day lives on in the way we listen, understand, and support each other. Not just today, but every day.

We've extended R U OK?Day to include the whole week as the wellbeing of our clients and team members is an everyday conversation for us.
What better way to start than bringing in Sparkles, Jules from People Experience's family dog, into the Bendigo hub for a visit! Jules said, "having a dog in the hub gives everyone the biggest smile". Having Sparkles visit is one way at ACSO Australia we embed wellbeing into everything we do.
For conversation resources, visit: www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Every year on 31st August, International Overdose Awareness Day sheds light on the tragic reality of overdose deaths and the importance of raising awareness about this preventable issue. This year, HRVIC (Harm Reduction Victoria (Australia)) hosted a series of events and training sessions to commemorate the day and emphasise the significance of harm reduction techniques.

One of our team members expressed their astonishment at the depth of connection they felt during the training sessions. "I didn’t realise that the workers were in active addiction or recovery, and on them being so open and honest about it, it just made the whole experience feel so intimate, personal, and real," they remarked. This sentiment echoed the overall atmosphere of the event – a safe, warm, and accepting space where participants felt fully engaged and present in the discussions. The openness and transparency of the speakers resembled a friend sharing something deeply personal, making the experience all the more meaningful.

Our team members echoed the sentiment that raising awareness about overdosing is pivotal in preventing needless deaths and alleviating suffering for families and communities. By addressing stigmatisation and promoting harm reduction techniques, communities can work collectively to reduce the risk of overdose-related fatalities.

As we commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day, HRVIC's efforts remind us that change starts with awareness, education, and empathy. By sharing knowledge and fostering safe spaces for open conversations, we can work towards a future where overdose-related tragedies are minimised, and lives are saved.

For more information about HRVIC and resources for harm reduction, visit

Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic)/Melbourne/Home Harm Reduction Victoria is a community based, not-for-profit organisation. Our membership, staff and supporters include current and former people who use drugs.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.

Did you know?
👉 In Australia, there were 1842 overdoses in 2020, which is more than 5 overdoses per day.
👉 The majority of these overdoses were unintentional.
👉 Overdose deaths are a worldwide concern and have been increasing in recent years.
👉 Prescribed psychiatric medications are identified in over 50% of overdose cases.
👉 There is a heightened risk of overdose in forensic settings due to reduced physical tolerance to the effects of the substances.
👉 The risk is most significant at points of transition, such as release or discharge, or having increased community access.

To learn more and find useful resources, visit the Penington Institute website about overdose: www.overdoseday.com

💜 What a day Wear it Purple was at ACSO! 🌈
There was so much happening this year to recognise and support LGBTIQ+ young people and by extension the wider LGBTIQ+ communities.

Members of the Strategy Unit's leadership team travelled interstate to join in on the fun at two of our residential houses where we were invited to contribute to an art project to show unity and support of LGBTIQ+ communities. One of our programs had decorated the house and residents got involved by colouring their hair and making purple pancakes! The bake-off continued at Richmond hub where there was a morning tea with baked goods a plenty! There were also discussions at a team level that linked with this year's theme of visibility, community and acceptance.

At ACSO we have seen incredible movement towards cultural responsivity and that is thanks to the continued reflection and hard work of our board, leadership team and those like Tam on the front line who, every day strive to create inclusive and empowering environments for all our LGBTIQ+ clients and employees.

Tam said “Being a visible, proud advocate for the LGBTQ+ community has given them the strength to embrace their identities with confidence. It’s a reminder of the power of representation and the positive influence it can have on the lives of others.” Read more of their story here: www.acso.org.au/individual-stories/tam-intake-and-brokerage-coordinator

A massive thank you to everyone who gets involved and carries that spirit into their everyday lives.

Noel is one of our original members of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), which is celebrating 13 years using their experience of the criminal justice system to advocate for meaningful change. As Noel's story captures, "we know what people need when they come out. We can give advice and suggest things."

LEAP meets monthly to contribute to various activities such as co-designing and evaluating ACSO programs, assisting with recruitment to our operational services, consulting on strategic planning and supporting external requests for consultation and co-design.

To read more about Noel and his story, visit: www.acso.org.au/individual-stories/noel-leap-member

To learn more about LEAP, visit: www.acso.org.au/engage-with-our-lived-experience-advisory-panel

In late 2023, Australians will vote in a referendum to establish if First Nations people have the right to speak directly to Parliament on matters that affect them.
ACSO is committed to cultivating a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and the upcoming referendum will be an important part of that journey in Australia’s history.

Read our full statement: www.acso.org.au/fostering-unity-acsos-commitment-to-first-nations-self-determination/

🎉 Celebrating 13 Years of Empowerment and Advocacy 🎉

Today, we're honoured to mark a remarkable milestone – 13 years of ACSOs Lived Experience Advisory Panel's unwavering commitment to transforming the criminal justice system in Australia!

For over a decade, this incredible panel has been the heartbeat of change, giving a powerful voice to those who've navigated the intricate paths of the criminal justice system. Through their stories, insights, and dedication, they've sparked a revolution that transcends barriers and ignites hope.

From sharing personal narratives to championing vital policy reforms, these dedicated individuals have shattered stereotypes and opened the doors to understanding. Their lived experiences have paved the way for a more empathetic, just, and compassionate society. And now, As we celebrate this milestone, we’re thrilled to announce a significant expansion of the panel impact. Their expertise and wisdom will be extended beyond their already impactful role, reaching external organisations and individual speaking opportunities.

Their stories and insights will resonate in even wider circles, fostering understanding, empathy beyond the criminal justice system itself. By sharing their experience with a broader audience, they will not only continue to drive change but also inspire a new era of collaboration and transformation.

To engage a member of the panel, visit:

Engage with our Lived Experience Advisory Panel | ACSO We understand the importance of hearing diverse perspectives and the power of lived experience in shaping meaningful change. That’s why we invite you to

The Boost program received a special invitation from Anna Watson MP - Member for Shellharbour to visit the NSW Parliament House during a parliamentary session. This unique opportunity allowed the program's young participants, along with their mentors and program manager, to embark on an eye-opening tour that offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the daily operations of this important institution.

The attending young individuals displayed genuine curiosity about the roles and responsibilities of our politicians, seeking to understand the significant impact they have on society. As they observed the legislative council in action, finalising a bill that was under consideration, they gained firsthand insight into the legislative process. Moreover, they had the chance to explore exclusive areas designated for politicians, including media spaces that play a crucial role in shaping public discourse.

During this visit, the young participants openly shared their personal journeys within the Boost program, shedding light on the context that led them to seek its support. Remarkably, all three of these young individuals had successfully completed a six-month engagement with the program. Their achievements were a testament to their dedication, as they proudly revealed that they had not violated their Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs), reconnected with education in some capacity, and experienced an overall improvement in their personal well-being.

The day concluded with a heart-warming afternoon tea arranged by Anna Watson, MP. Anna's gracious gesture underlined her recognition of the significant strides these young individuals had made within the Boost program. Her commitment to advocating for the program's continued support underscored her determination to extend these positive transformations to other young people who can benefit similarly.

As the host of this memorable experience, Anna Watson proved to be an exceptional guide, expressing genuine interest in the stories and achievements of the young participants. This day undoubtedly etched a lasting memory for both the young individuals and their mentors, serving as a reminder of the potential for positive change and the value of dedicated advocacy.

To learn more about our Boost Program and why we're seeking funding to extend this exceptional program, visit: www.acso.org.au/boost-program-empowers-young-people-to-break-the-cycle-of-violence

We're lucky to have people like Dan. He cherishes the moments when he can bring laughter into the lives of people who have experienced significant trauma and hardship.

In 2022, he faced a personal hurdle that tested his resilience like never before. This is his story about returning to work after a stroke:
www.acso.org.au/individual-stories/daniel-forensic-residential-support-worker/

We're so grateful for Anna Watson MP - Member for Shellharbour support for our Boost program. The funding for this life-changing program runs out this month, but we're feeling hopeful that the positive impact our mentors made with the young people will continue.

To learn more about Boost, visit our website: https://www.acso.org.au/boost-program-empowers-young-people-to-break-the-cycle-of-violence/

This afternoon I had a lovely visit from Beth Moon, Program Manager, Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) to discuss the BOOST program which is a mentoring program specifically designed for young people aged 14 to 17 who have breached or are at risk of breaching an existing Apprehended Violence Order (AVO).

This pilot program provides a promising solution to address the root causes of violent behaviours and will finish at the end of August.

I have lobbied our State Ministers to consider the continued funding of this essential program that has the full support of Department of Communities and Justice and NSW Police.
Kate Washington MP Jihad Dib MP Daniel Mookhey MLC

Homelessness significantly impacts individuals who have been in contact with the Justice system, as studies reveal insufficient housing options for this group.

Having the right housing can help improve a person's mental health, well-being, physical health, and job opportunities. It can also make it less likely for them to re-offend, go back to prison, and cost the government more money.

There are many barriers to housing for people seeking bail or exiting prison, ACSO delivers a range of supported housing to its clients within our programs and via our subsidiary company McCormack Housing.

To learn more about our residential and outreach programs, visit: www.acso.org.au/program-referral-type/residential-outreach-services

Or learn more about our registered housing subsidiary McCormack Housing: www.acso.org.au/mccormack-housing

Homelessness Australia

Our Senior Forensic AOD Clinician, Janye, has worked many different roles at ACSO, and one thing that never ceases to amaze her is the resilience that people show in the face of adversity.

"The thing that keeps me in this role is my passion for people. It makes me so disappointed that some people can sit outside of someone’s storybook, not even flip the front cover or try to understand their story, and pass judgement and reinforce shame and stigma. I never want to be that person. I want to understand someone’s story and help them write the next page or even the next chapter. Sharing this passion and belief in humanity with colleagues is magic – it makes me so hopeful for the future and how we can evolve to best support the people we work with." Read more of Jayne's story, here: www.acso.org.au/individual-stories/jayne-senior-forensic-aod-clinician

To learn more about working with us, visit: https://www.acso.org.au/work-at-acso/

Our Senior Practice Advisor, Jemma, started with ACSO in 2012 and has worked in various roles across AOD and mental health.

"Seeing the positive and negative impacts of the forensic, AOD and mental health systems, the experiences and effects on those in contact with these systems, professionally and personally, pushes me to continue to be a part of the solution, to be a positive in someone’s journey and always strive for better." Read more of Jemma's story: www.acso.org.au/individual-stories/jemma-senior-practice-advisor/

To learn more about working with us, visit: www.acso.org.au/work-at-acso/

📸Jemma with her brother Tim

ACSO has successfully piloted a youth mentoring program with promising outcomes. However, with the current pilot program set to conclude in August 2023, the future of Boost hangs in the balance.

We know a strong link exists between adolescent offenders involved in Domestic and family violence (DFV) and their likelihood of becoming adult offenders engaged in similar violence. The young people we work with come from challenging environments and deserve continuity of care, not just a quick fix. Trust-building and facilitating lasting change are processes that require time and dedication, which our mentors have been able to provide.

We deeply appreciate the Commonwealth for its initial funding of the Boost program, enabling its design, establishment, and engagement with numerous young individuals. However, the allocated timeframe of 12 months does not fully meet the needs of these vulnerable youth. Their complex situations require extended support to make a lasting impact. We must allow sufficient time to collect comprehensive data and refine the program accordingly.

We urge the government to consider extending the program's duration, ensuring these young individuals receive the sustained support they desperately need.

Boost was developed in collaboration with NSW Police Force, NSW Youth Justice, and the UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia. It is an innovative mentoring program designed for young people aged 14 to 17 who have breached or are at risk of breaching an existing Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) and the program has been shown to reduce breach rates. To learn more, visit: www.acso.org.au/boost-program-empowers-young-people-to-break-the-cycle-of-violence

Please take note:
Dept of Communities and Justice NSW - safer together
Dept of Communities and Justice NSW - stronger together Department of Justice NSW
Corrective Services NSW

Boost Program Empowers Young People to Break the Cycle of Violence Boost’s innovative mentoring model, developed in collaboration with NSW Police, NSW Youth Justice, and the University of Wollongong, tackles the issue of DFV...

🌟 We had a fantastic time at the Melbourne Career Expo this past weekend, engaging with aspiring individuals and discussing the incredible opportunities of working at ACSO!

🎉 Our diverse team members, representing various programs such as alcohol and other drugs; casework; client services; and residential care, were there to share their invaluable experiences.

🗣️ We were delighted to have team members, both long-standing and recently joined, who were enthusiastic about spreading the ACSO love. Their passion and dedication truly showcased the fulfilling work environment we offer.

🤝 At ACSO, we believe in fostering a supportive community where everyone can thrive and contribute to making a positive impact. Join our dynamic team and be part of something truly special. To learn more about our current opportunities, visit: www.acso.org.au/work-at-acso

💜🌈 Today, on Non-Binary People's Day, we reflect on how we honour and uplift the voices of non-binary individuals, especially those impacted by the criminal justice system in Australia.

We recognise the unique challenges faced by non-binary individuals within the criminal justice system and stand in solidarity with those who have been marginalised and unheard.

Today and every day, let's:
Amplify non-binary voices: Share stories and experiences of non-binary individuals. Highlight their resilience, achievements, and the need for meaningful reform.

Champion inclusive policies and practices: Acknowledge and address the specific challenges faced by non-binary individuals within the criminal justice system. Advocate for gender-affirming policies, access to appropriate healthcare, and fair treatment for all.

Educate ourselves and others: Learn about the intersectionality of gender identity and the criminal justice system. Challenge biases, promote understanding, and engage in conversations that foster empathy and inclusion.

Today, we celebrate the resilience and strength of non-binary individuals, especially those impacted by the criminal justice system. Let's work together to dismantle barriers, challenge systemic injustice, and create a society that uplifts and supports all. 💜🌈