System failing prisoners, says counsellor

The Corrections Department is failing substance-addicted prisoners, says a counsellor, citing one man who waited 24 years for an alcohol and drug assessment, a counsellor says.

Roger Brooking, a counsellor for 10 years, says some of his cases have waited decades even though their addictions are a clear cause of offending.

He has done 51 "alcohol or other drugs" assessments in recent years, and recommended treatment for 50.

The requests for the assessments did not come from Corrections, but from inmates or their lawyers or, in two cases, the Parole Board.

Prison Services assistant general manager Brendan Anstiss said every prisoner had an industry standard screening test for alcohol or drugs. Judges can also request an assessment during sentencing.

But Mr Brooking said the system was woefully inadequate.

"Why did 50 out of 51 assessments I've done require treatment, yet the department hadn't ordered a single assessment for any of them?"

Corrections is reviewing rehabilitation and reintegration services, including addictions treatments.

CASE STUDIES

Mr A, 29 (report from May 2009)

Convictions: Failed breath-tests, dangerous driving, failing to stop, unlawfully in a building, theft, disorderly behaviour, common assault, resisting police, breach of liquor ban.

Addictions: Alcohol, cannabis.

Waited 12 years before having an alcohol or drug assessment.

Report: "One other factor which drives Mr A's continued reoffending is the continued failure of the Justice System to mandate him into an appropriate treatment programme."

Mr B, 39 (July 2009)

Convictions: Aggravated assault and murder; careless driving, assault and fighting while on parole; possession of methamphetamine and dangerous driving while on parole.

Addictions: Cannabis, methamphetamine, alcohol. Waited 24 years before having an assessment.

Report: "The failure ... of the Corrections Department to assess and treat Mr B's mental health issues and his addiction has been a significant factor in his continued offending."

Mr C, 42 (May 2006)

Convictions: 70, including drink-driving and assault. In and out of prison since 18.

Addictions: Alcohol.

Started using cannabis and alcohol from 13, when he left school.

Waited 24 years before having an assessment.

Report: "Mr C needs to attend a residential treatment programme and has needed this for over 20 years. Unfortunately ... it appears he has never been properly assessed and never been required to attend such a programme."