What programs are provided to offenders?

EQUIPS

EQUIPS (Explore, Question, Investigate, Practice, Succeed) is a suite of therapeutic and educational programs developed by CSNSW to reduce the risk of re-offending.  It is designed to increase participation opportunities for offenders in both custody and community settings. The five programs in the suite are:

• Maintenance
• Foundation
• Aggression
• Addiction
• Domestic and Family Violence

Alcohol and/or drug treatment

The Intensive Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program (IDATP) targets sentenced inmates whose alcohol and other drug use has been identified as a contributing factor of their offending behaviour.  This cognitive behavioural program offers group work, peer support, educational and employment training as well as reintegration services.

Sex offenders

There are three programs available to treat sex offenders:

• High Intensity Sex Offender Program (HISOP)
• Moderate Intensity Sex Offender Program (MISOP)
• Deniers Programs

HISOP and MISOP are custody based therapeutic programs for men who have sexually abused adults and/or children. The Deniers Program is for men who have been convicted of sexually abusing adults or children yet have maintained that they were wrongfully accused.

Violent offenders

The Violent Offenders Therapeutic Program (VOTP) provides offenders with the opportunity to understand the factors surrounding their offending behaviour, challenge cognitive distortions, identify their offence cycle, risk factors, warning signs and develop self-management plans.

High Intensity Program Units

High Intensity Program Units (HIPUs) are located in seven correctional centres across NSW for inmates sentenced to shorter custodial sentences, who are assessed as a higher risk of re-offending. Programs which are delivered include:

• EQUIPS suite
• A cultural strengthening program for Aboriginal offenders
• Parenting programs for men and women
• Programs to help female victims of domestic violence
• Driving programs to address impaired driving and related risk taking behaviour

Short Sentence Intensive Program

The Short Sentence Intensive Program (SSIP) is a services and programs package delivered in seven correctional centres across NSW for inmates with less than five months to serve when sentenced.