CASST is a short term program designed to assist those prisoners who have served a sentence of three months or less, who have been released on remand, those who require accommodation, or those who are in crisis in the community after release.
A short term intervention is sometimes needed to address the immediate problems following release from prison.
The support that is offered includes finding and securing accommodation, liaising with Community Correctional Services, legal assistance, linking the client back with their families and friends and connecting them into services for long term support.
The CAAST Case Manager can provide this service, and the interim support needed to assist the successful transition back into the community.
This is a vital component in the plan to prevent re-offending.
The program commenced in July 07 and is funded through Correctional Services.
Story:
Victor’s family was under great stress, in that his mother had been diagnosed with a serious illness.
Because of this they felt unable to manage Victor, who was in need of surgery, and also had a history of drug and alcohol misuse. Victor was unable to understand that he could not remain at home with his family, and so an intervention order was obtained.
At this time Victor was in court because he had breached his order. This had already occurred a number of times, because he had been unable to find alternative accommodation and so continued to return home.
The CAAST Case Manager was successful in finding him secure affordable accommodation. As a result, Victor is now settled, and breaches of the order have ceased. His family visit regularly and relationships have been restored.
Because his surgery has been completed, employment is again a possibility.
This is a great outcome for CAAST, for Victor and for his family.
