The Department of Justice welcomes an Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services (OICS) report that describes Wandoo Rehabilitation Prison as a success story for women prisoners' rehabilitation.
OICS said Wandoo, a dedicated alcohol and other drugs (AOD) rehabilitation prison for women, is one of Western Australia's best examples of therapeutic and trauma-informed rehabilitation in custody.
Since opening in 2018 as part of the Government's methamphetamine action plan to lower addiction-driven offending, the facility has been operated by the Department in partnership with AOD treatment service provider Cyrenian House.
OICS found Wandoo's "therapeutic community" model of care and the partnership continue to deliver a unique rehabilitation opportunity and positive outcomes for women residents.
The model combines an accredited AOD rehabilitation program involving therapeutic intervention and AOD psychoeducation with a holistic focus on wellbeing, safety, education and cultural identity.
The program offers participants the chance to address substance misuse and work towards a healthier way of living, supported by counselling, clinical and custodial staff and peers.
"This collaborative approach and commitment to resident wellbeing was commendable and assisted by staff working closely with Cyrenian House to provide wraparound care," the report said.
"Wandoo plays a vital role in supporting recovery, reducing reoffending and preparing women to reintegrate successfully into the community.
"Both staff and residents demonstrated strong commitment to the rehabilitative ethos."
It also noted access to health services has improved and cultural supports strengthened.
"Wandoo remains a success story - a facility where women are offered genuine opportunities for recovery and transformation," OICS said.
Department Director General Kylie Maj said the therapeutic model immersed residents in structured interaction with counsellors and peers to address causes of behavioural and psychological dysfunction.
"This collaborative and supportive care model promotes a healthier lifestyle, respect, recovery and personal growth," she said.
"We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with Cyrenian to maintain Wandoo's role as a leader in rehabilitation and remain committed to offering women residents pathways to a better future."
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said the therapeutic approach at Wandoo fosters accountability, mutual support and behavioural change.
"Wandoo's management, staff, peers and service providers have done an outstanding job in creating a safe, secure, respectful and therapeutic environment in which women residents can build resilience, take responsibility, develop life skills and break cycles of addiction and criminal behaviour," he said.
The prison's AOD program is complemented by a network of providers of numerous services including education and vocation programs, legal assistance, reintegration supports and health services.
