The Transitional AOD Project is an outreach-based Alcohol and Other Drugs counselling service for all genders with a history of involvement in the criminal justice system. It provides pre-release and outreach drug and alcohol support to people exiting NSW Correctional Centres and men on remand at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (MRRC) and John Moroney CC who have complex needs, including mental illness and/or cognitive impairment. We provide regular individual counselling appointments for up to 12 months, focusing on drug and/or alcohol issues for people who have a history of involvement with the criminal justice system. The Transitional AOD Project is a confidential service.
To be eligible for the project, clients must have:
- A history of alcohol and/or drug use, and
- A history of imprisonment that is related to alcohol and/or drug use.
The following groups of people will be given priority of access to the project:
- People who have a cognitive impairment (including Acquired Brain Injury, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability and Borderline Intellectual Disability)
- People who have a mental illness
- First Nations people
- Women with dependent children
The Transitional AOD Project is funded by Central and Eastern Sydney PHN, Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Federal Health (through the NGOTGP) and NSW Health.
Outreach Work
We recognise that many people with a history of involvement in the criminal justice system find it difficult to access mainstream counselling services, so we work on an outreach basis. We can visit clients in Correctional Centres on a pre-release basis, in their own homes, at another service or in the community.
How We Work
The Transitional AOD Project works in a respectful, culturally appropriate manner. We listen to what our clients want to achieve and assist them in reaching those goals. We work with clients at varying stages – some may be abstinent from drugs and/or alcohol, others may be actively using. As long as a client is interested in talking about how their drug and/or alcohol use has impacted upon their life, we can usually offer them a service.
Referral Process
To make a referral, please contact CRC directly on (02) 9288 8700 or through our contact us page. You can also obtain an AOD Transition Program Referral Form HERE. When you have filled out this form, please email it to aod.transition@crcnsw.org.au
If you or your loved one are currently in prison and would like more information about the project, please talk to a SAPO, Parole Officer or Case Manager to organise making contact with CRC directly.