1. 1 Link Out Making Better Connections Annie Trainor Program Manager Link Out / Konnect atrainor@asco.com.au

2. 2 Link Out Link Out – the program Profile of participants Release Plans Presenting Issues Future health project Exit Outcomes Case Study

3. 3 Link Out – the program Link Out is a pre & post release voluntary intensive transitional support program for men exiting Victorian prisons. The program is provided by the Consortium of ACSO, the Brosnan Centre, the Salvation Army & VACRO and is funded by the DoJ It is aimed at men who are assessed as being moderate to high risk of re-offending without support in the community.

4. 4 Participant profile The age of our participants ranges from early 20’s to late 50’s with the majority being between 26-34 years of age. They have had multiple incarcerations or long term prison sentences usually for drug related offences Minimal or no supports in the community

5. 5 Release Plans Case Managers commence pre release support 8-10 weeks prior to release Release Plans are developed during this stage & are reflective of their individual presenting issues. Reviewed at 3 monthly intervals post release for up to 12 months depending on the individuals needs

6. 6 Link Out – Presenting Issues

7. 7 Participants with Drug & Alcohol issues in the Community To date 357 participants have been released into the community. 91% have reported drug and alcohol related issues of these: - 58% have also reported a mental health condition - 40% have reported a medical condition - 22% have reported a disability

8. 8 Participants in the community with diagnosed mental health issues

9. 9 Participants in the community with non diagnosed mental health issues

10. 10 Participants with medical problems in the Community

11. 11 Future health project Linking our participants to local GP’s Routine standardised health checks Basic health & nutrition education

12. 12 Link Out – Exit Outcomes From Dec 2007- June 2009-210 participants have been exited from Link Out: 170 participants reported having Drug and Alcohol related issues, of these: 84% were provided with, and engaged with support. Supports provided including Pharmacotherapy, Rehab, Detox & Counselling 33% reported having improved mental health 31% reported improvements in their medical health

13. 13 Link Out Case Study