Throughcare

Support through custody, release and community.

NAAJA Throughcare supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved in, or at risk of becoming more deeply involved in the criminal justice system.

Make a referral

PROFESSIONALS ONLY

Refer an adult

For professionals and service providers referring an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander adult aged 18 years or older.

Open adult referral form
PROFESSIONALS ONLY

Refer a child or young person

For Youth Justice, lawyers, schools, services and other professionals referring a child or young person.

Open youth referral form
COMMUNITY PATHWAY

Family and community referral

For people seeking support for themselves, or family and community members helping someone to ask for support.

Open family & community form

Submitting a referral does not guarantee acceptance. The Throughcare team considers eligibility, support needs, willingness to participate and available capacity.

How Throughcare works

Coordinated support shaped around the participant.

Throughcare can begin while a person is in custody or detention and continue as they return to the community. The team works with each participant to understand their strengths, circumstances, responsibilities and goals, then develops an individual case plan.

  • Safe and suitable accommodation
  • Identification, income and essential needs
  • Physical and mental health care
  • Alcohol and other drug treatment
  • Education, training and employment
  • Family, culture and community connection
  • Transport and appointment support
  • Legal matters, fines and responsibilities
  • Positive activities and support networks
Adult program

Adult Throughcare

Adult Throughcare provides intensive case management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults involved in the criminal justice system.

Preparing for release

Case managers can begin working with a participant while they are in custody. Early engagement provides time to develop a practical transition plan and coordinate support with the participant’s agreement.

Support in the community

Support can continue after release, including help to attend appointments, access accommodation and services, meet order requirements and respond to issues affecting stability.

Where organisational capacity and program eligibility allow, early intervention and intensive case management may also be provided to adults in the community who are at risk of entering, or becoming more deeply involved in, the criminal justice system.

Adult enquiries: throughcare-adult@naaja.org.au
Youth program

Youth Throughcare

Youth Throughcare supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people who are involved in, or at risk of becoming more deeply involved in, the youth justice system.

Preparing to leave detention

Early engagement allows time to build trust and develop a practical transition plan that considers housing, family, culture, education, health, legal responsibilities, positive activities and trusted support people.

Support after release

The team can continue working with a young person in the community to put their plan into practice, respond to emerging issues and maintain connections with the people and services supporting them.

Where organisational capacity and program eligibility allow, Youth Throughcare may also support children and young people in the community who need intensive support to reduce the risk of further justice involvement.

Youth enquiries: throughcare-youth@naaja.org.au

Practical support when it’s needed

We work alongside participants and families to address immediate needs, overcome barriers and create more stability in the community.

WORKING TOGETHER

Helping people navigate complex systems.

With the participant’s agreement, Throughcare may work with families, correctional and youth justice services, legal representatives, health providers, schools, housing services and community organisations.

Throughcare does not replace the responsibilities of government agencies, statutory authorities or specialist providers. Our role is to coordinate support and help participants understand, access and remain connected with the services they need.

ELIGIBILITY

Is Throughcare the right service?

A person may be considered if they:

  • are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • are involved in, or at risk of becoming more deeply involved in, the criminal justice or youth justice system
  • would benefit from intensive and coordinated case management
  • agree to participate voluntarily
  • meet the eligibility requirements of the relevant program.

Important information

Throughcare is an intensive service and demand is high. Not every referral can be accepted. Referrals are assessed according to eligibility, level of need, suitability and available capacity.

If Throughcare is not the right service, the team may suggest another service or referral pathway where appropriate.

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Freecall 1800 898 251