Page 1569 - Week 04 - Thursday, 29 March 2012
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I am pleased to advise that the alignment of ACT Mental Health with alcohol and drug services under one governance structure appears to be assisting in improving integration and coordination of care for people with co-morbidity in the AMC context.
A number of facilities and maintenance issues have been addressed. This has seen new children’s play equipment installed; new, more vandal-proof TV boxes installed; secure fittings reviewed and replaced as necessary; and maintenance issues with drink and confectionery vending machines sorted out.
Positive action on specific detainee issues has also been addressed and includes obtaining a podiatrist’s advice on shoes available for issue; detainees being able to purchase shoes in the buy-up scheme; and detainees being able to access their own shoes from their personal property.
Corrective Services has also reviewed detainee pay rates, which, although relatively high compared to other jurisdictions, are regarded as adequate in their current form.
Concerns from female detainees about items available on the buy-up scheme have been addressed. To date, no additional issues have been identified. Review of items available on buy-ups is a constant process in all correctional centres, but the use of detainee feedback forums is allowing any issues to be handled quickly and transparently for all concerned at the AMC.
Detainee concerns about heating and cooling have also been addressed; again, no further concerns have been expressed by detainees.
Detainee access to programs and education, including access by intellectually and cognitively disadvantaged detainees, has been considered across the board. This has been and will continue to be managed in light of detainees’ specific rehabilitative and educational requirements. Data is now being collected in relation to rates of detainee enrolment, participation in programs and completion of programs.
Attention has also been given to the availability of specialist services such as an intensive support case manager role that is currently being trialled and the need for a dietician and a principal psychologist.
Maximising the use of the therapeutic cottage has been addressed by revising the program duration down to four months from six and ensuring that all participants are actively case managed through their term. It is pleasing to be able to report that the therapeutic cottage is operating at capacity, although this creates issues of its own—as a consequence of which options for this service are also being considered in the feasibility study into requirements for the AMC to meet potential future demand.
Attention has also been given to the involvement of external emergency management agencies in training drills, and this will continue to be an active ingredient in the risk management strategy for the AMC.
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