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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
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Results for indigenous peoples
109 results foundAuthor: New Zealand. Department of Corrections. Policy, Strategy and Research Group Title: Over-Representation of Maori in the Criminal Justice System: An Exploratory Report Summary: This report examines the over-representation of Maori in various points of the criminal justice system in order to answer the question of why the numbers of Maori are so high. It also seeks to provide a basis upon which options to address the problem can best be formulated. Details: Wellington: 2007 Source: Year: 2007 Country: New Zealand URL: Shelf Number: 116512 Keywords: Criminal Justice SystemsIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Bryant, Colleen Title: Risk Factors in Indigenous Violent Victimisation Summary: This study examines victimization rates for specific types of violence using demographic, psychological, sociological, and cultural factors within the indigenous population. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2008 Source: AIC Technical and Background Paper 30 Year: 2008 Country: Australia URL: Shelf Number: 113254 Keywords: Indigenous PeoplesVictimizationViolent Crime |
Author: Robertson, Neville Title: Living at the Cutting Edge: Women's Experiences of Protection Orders. Volume 1: The Women's Stories Summary: This report examines the experiences of 43 Maori, Pakeha, Pasifika and other ethnic minority women who were victims of male partner violence, the impact of violence on them and their children, and their experiences of the justice system when they reached out for protection. Details: Waikato, NZ: University of Waikato, 2007 Source: Commissioned by the Ministry of Women's Affairs Year: 2007 Country: New Zealand URL: Shelf Number: 115684 Keywords: Domestic ViolenceFemale VictimsIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Robertson, Neville Title: Living at the Cutting Edge: Women's Experiences of Protection Orders. Volume 2: What's To Be Done? A Critical Analysis of Statutory and Practice Approaches to Domestic Violence Summary: This report examines the experiences of 43 Maori, Pakeha, Pasifika and other ethnic minority women who were victims of male partner violence, the impact of violence on them and their children, and their experiences of the justice system when they reached out for protection. Details: Waikato, NZ: University of Waikato, 2007 Source: Commissioned by the Ministry of Women's Affairs Year: 2007 Country: New Zealand URL: Shelf Number: 115684 Keywords: Domestic ViolenceFemale VictimsIndigenous Peoples |
Author: New Zealand. Department of Corrections. Policy Strategy and Research Group Title: Maori Focus Units and Maori Theraputic Programmes: Evaluation Report Summary: This document reports on the findings of evaluations of the Maori Focus Units and Maori Theraputic Programmes. The main purpose of the evaluation was to measure the extent of positive learning and change amongst participants in both programs. Also examined were participant and staff views about the nature and quality of the program experience, analyses of occupancy rates, and assessment of these units' adherence to prescribed operating requirements. Details: Wellington, NZ: 2009 Source: Kahui Tautoko Consultancy Ltd Year: 2009 Country: New Zealand URL: Shelf Number: 117379 Keywords: CommunitiesIndigenous Peoples |
Author: McCausland, Ruth Title: Factors Affecting Crime Rates in Indigenous Communities in NSW: A Pilot Study in Wilcannia and Menindee Summary: This pilot study set out to look at two towns with significant Aboriginal communities that are comparable in terms of geography, population, and context, but with higher or lower crime rates. The aim of the study was to identify common themes and factors that may be considered to have an impact on crime rates being higher in Wilcannia and lower in Menindee. Given that the focus was on understanding the political, social, cultural and economic dynamics contributing to crime rate, interviews were conducted with a range of community and organizational representatives and others working in relevant criminal justice and service delivery roles as a way to better understand the dynamics and experiences of the community as a whole. Details: Sydney: Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, University of Technology Sydney, 2009. 72p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 17, 2018 at: https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/FinalCommunityReportBLNov10.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Australia URL: https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/FinalCommunityReportBLNov10.pdf Shelf Number: 117101 Keywords: Aboriginal PeoplesComparative StudiesCrime RatesIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Paletta, Anna Title: Understanding Family Violence and Sexual Assault in Territories, First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples Summary: From the abstract: "research was completed on family and sexual assault offences in the territories using Crown Prosecutor files for the time period of January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2004. This study examines the relationship between the offender and the offender's personal history of violent abuse within the framework developed through the work of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, and subsequent studies undertaken based on the RCAP findings. The findings provide evidence of a relationship between offence and offender's history abuse. This report also provides details of the family violence and sexual assault offences committed." Details: Ottawa: Department of Justice Canada, 2008 Source: rr08-le Year: 2008 Country: Canada URL: Shelf Number: 114415 Keywords: AboriginalsFamily ViolenceIndigenous PeoplesSexual Assault |
Author: Morrison, Bronwyn Title: Identifying and Responding to Bias in the Criminal Justice System: A Review of International and New Zealand Research Summary: This review summarizes international and New Zealand research findings on bias against ethnic minority and indigenous people at key stages of the criminal justice system. The discretion points examined include: stop and search, arrest, charging, prosecution, conviction, sentencing, custodial sentence management decisions with the prison system, and parole. The review is based on research published during the last 40 years, and concentrates exclusively on literature from Australia, Canada, England and Wales, the United States, and New Zealand. It focuses predominantly on the adult criminal justice system and examines decisions affecting offenders rather than victims. Details: Wellington: New Zealand Ministry of Justice, 2009. 183p. Source: Year: 2009 Country: New Zealand URL: Shelf Number: 117795 Keywords: BiasIndigenous PeoplesMinority Groups |
Author: Navarrete-Frias, Carolina Title: Illegal Drugs and Human Rights of Peasants and Indigenous Communities: The Case of Colombia Summary: This study analyses the problem of illegal drugs and human rights abuses in Colombia, paying special attention to the effects of the illegal drugs industry on indigenous and peasant communities and to their responses to the industry's development. Details: Paris: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2005. 49p. Source: Management of Social Transformations; Policy Papers No. 15 Year: 2005 Country: Colombia URL: Shelf Number: 116260 Keywords: Drug TraffickingHuman RightsIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Navarrete-Frias, Carolina Title: Illegal drugs and Human Rights of Peasants and Indigenous Communities: The Case of Bolivia Summary: This study analyses the problem of illegal drugs and human rights abuses in Bolivia, paying special attention to the effects of the illegal drugs industry on indigenous and peasant communities and to their responses to the industry's development. Details: Paris: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2005. 46p. Source: Management of Social Transformations; Policy Papers No. 14 Year: 2005 Country: Bolivia URL: Shelf Number: 116259 Keywords: Drug TraffickingHuman RightsIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Navarrete-Frias, Carolina Title: Illegal Drugs and Human Rights of Peasants and Indigenous Communities: The Case of Peru Summary: This paper analyses the problem of illegal drugs and human rights abuses in Peru, paying special attention to the effects of the illegal drugs industry on indigenous and peasant communities and to their responses to the industry's development. Details: Paris: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2005. 38p. Source: Management of Social Transformations; Policy Papers No. 13 Year: 2005 Country: Peru URL: Shelf Number: 116258 Keywords: Drug TraffickingHuman RightsIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Snowball, Lucy Title: Juvenile Diversion and Indigenous Offenders: A Study Examining Juvenile Offenders in Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales Summary: This study addresses the concern that Indigenous juvenile offenders were not receiving the benefits of diversionary schemes. Previous research had suggested that Indigenous offenders are diverted at a significatnly lower rate than non-Indigenous offenders. This research, however, had not compared rates of diversion after adjusting for offender characteristics and other factors that can be taken into account when making the decision to divert. This study assesses how much of the difference in rates of diversion between Indigenous and non-Indigenous offenders remained after these factors had been taken into account. Details: Canberra: Criminology Research Council, 2008. 24p. Source: Year: 2008 Country: Australia URL: Shelf Number: 117754 Keywords: Indigenous PeoplesJuvenile Diversion (Australia)Juvenile Offenders (Australia) |
Author: Daly, Kathleen Title: Defendants in the Circle: Nowra Circle Court, the Presence and Impact of Elders, and Re-Offending Summary: This report presents a qualitative study of how Indigenous offenders view the court process and the role of Indigenous Elders, with reference to the Nowra Circle Court in New South Wales, established in 2002. Details: Brisbane: School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University, 2009. 128p. Source: Year: 2009 Country: Australia URL: Shelf Number: 118163 Keywords: CourtsIndigenous PeoplesRestorative Justice |
Author: Willis, Matthew Title: Policing Substance Abuse in Indigenous Communities: Report from a Workshop held in Mildura, Victoria, 5-6 August 2008. Summary: This report documents the findings of a conference designed to disseminate findings from tne National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund to an audience involved in implementing and managing the policing response to substance abuse in Indigenous communities. The objectives of the workshop included: establishing the key issues for police in relation to substance abuse in Indigenous communities; identifying differences in policing illicit drug use in Indigenous communities compared with other communities; and identifying where police may be able to improve their response to these issues. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2009. 29p. Source: Research in Practice; Report no. 03 Year: 2009 Country: Australia URL: Shelf Number: 115743 Keywords: -Drug OffendersDrug Abuse and AddictionIndigenous PeoplesPolicing (Australia)Substance Abuse, Police Response (Australia) |
Author: Nathan, Lavinia Title: Te Whakakotahitanga: An Evaluation of the Te Piriti Special treatment Programme for Child Sex Offenders in New Zealand Summary: This study represents an attempt to evaluate the Maori cultural component of the Te Piriti Special Treatment Unit, a unit aimed at providing a treatment program to all offenders in order to reduce sexual re-offending against children. There were two specific areas of interest: firstly, to assess the impact of the use of cultural components on the reoffending rate of sexual re-offending against children by Maori participants, and secondly to ascertain the degree to which processes and cultural systems have been successfully integrated into the program for Maori. Details: Wellington, NZ: Psychological Service, Department of Corrections, 2003. 57p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2003 Country: New Zealand URL: Shelf Number: 118748 Keywords: Child Sexual Abuse (New Zealand)Indigenous PeoplesRehabilitation, Sex OffendersSex Offenders |
Author: Pilkington, James Title: Aboriginal Communities and the Police's Taskforce Themis: Case Studies in Remote Aboriginal Community Policing in the Northern Territory Summary: The Northern Territory government built 18 new police stations in Aboriginal communities and labeled this Taskforce Themis. This report examines the impact of these new police stations on the various communities in which the stations were placed. Each of the communities was examined as a separate case study in remote community policing. Part 2 contains a detailed examination of the experience of each community with the police. The first clear conclusion from the fieldwork is that each community has had a distinct and different experience with the police presence. There are no factors in common across all the communities of Taskforce Themis; policing styles, priorities, and levels and methods for community engagement vary, as do crime levels, crime improvement and community responses to the police. Details: Darwin, NT, AUS: North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency and Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service, 2009. 198p., app. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2009 Country: Australia URL: http://www.naaja.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Themis-Stations-Report.pdf Shelf Number: 118705 Keywords: AboriginalsCommunity PolicingIndigenous PeoplesPolice-Community RelationsPolicing (Australia) |
Author: Cunningham, Chris Title: Analysis of the Maori Experience: Findings from the New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey 2006 Summary: The 2006 New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey is the first to enable a detailed analysis of the Maori experience of crime victimization. This analysis allows us to understand victimization differences both between Maori and other New Zealanders and within the Maori population in 2005. The survey presents the following findings: Maori were more likely to be victims of crime than other New Zealanders, and Maori were more likely to be multiply victimized. Details: Wellington, NZ: Ministry of Justice, 2009. 116p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2009 Country: New Zealand URL: Shelf Number: 118732 Keywords: Crime StatisticsIndigenous PeoplesVictimizationVictimization Surveys (New Zealand) |
Author: Wunderlitz, Joy Title: Indigenous Perpetrators of Violence: Prevalence and Risk Factors for Offending Summary: This report focuses on Indigenous perpetrators of violence and aims to quantify the prevalence and nature of violent behaviour as well as examine empirical evidence on the relationship between violence and its associated risk factors. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2010. 129p. Source: Internet Resource: Research and Public Policy Series No. 105: Accessed August 23, 2010 at: http://www.aic.gov.au/documents/2/A/4/%7B2A48440C-E61B-41E4-AD8D-28F536F8B586%7Drpp105.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aic.gov.au/documents/2/A/4/%7B2A48440C-E61B-41E4-AD8D-28F536F8B586%7Drpp105.pdf Shelf Number: 119202 Keywords: AboriginalsIndigenous PeoplesViolence (Australia)Violent CrimeViolent Offenders |
Author: Fitzgerald, Jacqueline Title: Why are Indigenous Imprisonment Rates Rising? Summary: Between 2001 and 2008 the adult Indigenous imprisonment rate rose by 37 percent in Australia and 48 percent in New South Wales. This paper looks at the reasons behind this rise in New South Wales. The evidence suggests that most of the increase is due to increased severity by the criminal justice system in its treatment of Indigenous offenders. One quarter of the increase has come from remandees and three quarters from sentenced prisoners. The increase in the number of remandees appears to be due to a greater proportion of Indigenous defendants being refused bail and an increase in the time spent on remand. Similarly, the number of sentenced Indigenous prisoners has increased because more Indigenous offenders are receiving a prison sentence and for longer periods. With the possible exception of offences against justice procedures, it does not appear that the increase in imprisonment is due to increased offending. Details: Sydney: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, 2009. 6p. Source: Internet Resource: Bureau Brief, Issue Paper no. 41: Accessed October 11, 2010 at: http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/vwFiles/bb41.pdf/$file/bb41.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Australia URL: http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/vwFiles/bb41.pdf/$file/bb41.pdf Shelf Number: 118555 Keywords: Incarceration RatesIndigenous PeoplesInmatesPrisonersPrisons |
Author: Justice Policy Institute Title: The Disparate Treatment of Native Hawaiians in the Criminal Justice System Summary: This project, which began as a research idea at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, grew to a collaborative research project supported by the State of Hawai‘i, House Concurrent Resolution 27, passed by the 25th Legislature on May 6, 2009. The resolution closely examines the impact of the criminal justice system on Native Hawaiians with the purpose of effecting policy change at the legislative and administrative levels, educating the media, and serving as a tool for communities to advocate for change within the criminal justice system. As the U.S. Congress considers a bill which provides a process for Native Hawaiian self determination, there is an opportunity to create a new vision for the state of Hawai‘i that takes into consideration current social challenges for Native Hawaiians. One such consideration is the enormous increase of incarceration in Hawai‘i. This report includes ground-breaking, current, research and analysis, including the voices of Native Hawaiians, about the criminal justice system and the effect it has on their lives. It is with hope that decision makers will use the information to inform and develop policy and practice that will influence in building a new nation. For the last two centuries, the criminal justice system has negatively impacted Native Hawaiians in ways no other ethnic group has experienced. The findings in this report are concerning as it tells the story of how an institution, fueled by tax payers’ dollars, disparately affects a unique indigenous group of people, making them even more vulnerable than ever to the loss of land, culture, and community. These racial disparities begin with the initial contact of a punitive system that creates over-powering barriers in changing the course of their lives and are exponentially increased as a person moves through the system. To reduce the harmful effects of the criminal justice system on Native Hawaiians and all people, Hawai‘i must take action, and seek alternative solutions to prison. Assistance and training is needed in law enforcement, holistic interventions need to be implemented and evaluated, and a cultural shift in the way we imprison a person must change. If not, we will exacerbate prison over-crowding, and continue to foster the incarceration of generations to come. Details: Honolulu: Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 2010. 104p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed october 13, 2010 at: http://www.justicepolicy.org/images/upload/10-09_REP_DisparateTreatmentofNativeHawaiians_RD-AC.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United States URL: http://www.justicepolicy.org/images/upload/10-09_REP_DisparateTreatmentofNativeHawaiians_RD-AC.pdf Shelf Number: 119928 Keywords: Criminal Justice Systems (Hawaii)Incarceration (Hawaii)Incarceration RatesIndigenous PeoplesRace/Ethnicity |
Author: Allard, Troy Title: The Use and Impact of Police Diversion for Reducing Indigenous Over-Representation Summary: This report presents the findings of a project that explored whether there was disparity in the use of police diversion based on Indigenous status and whether the impact of police diversion varied based on Indigenous status. While police cautioning and police referred conferencing are widely used throughout Australia, few studies have explored whether there is disparity in the use or impact of these diversionary processes. Limited evidence suggests that Indigenous young people are less likely to be diverted than non-Indigenous young people and that Indigenous young people are more likely to have recontact than non-Indigenous young people, regardless of the juvenile justice system response. Given that Indigenous over-representation is a perennial problem in the justice system, the current project addressed three research questions: RQ1: What is the extent of Indigenous over-representation in the Queensland juvenile justice system? RQ2: Are Indigenous young people less likely to be diverted by police to a caution or conference than non-Indigenous young people? RQ3: How effective is police diversion at reducing recontact with the juvenile justice system? Addressing these research questions will provide an understanding about whether an increased proportion of Indigenous people could be diverted and whether police diversionary practices could be used to reduce Indigenous over-representation and begin to ‘close the gap’ on Indigenous over-representation in the justice system. Details: Mt. Gravatt, Australia: Griffith University, Justice Modelling, 2009. 70p. Source: Internet Resource: Report to the Criminology Research Council: Grant: CRC 15/07-08: Accessed October 14, 2010 at: http://www.criminologyresearchcouncil.gov.au/reports/15-0708.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Australia URL: http://www.criminologyresearchcouncil.gov.au/reports/15-0708.pdf Shelf Number: 119959 Keywords: Discrimination in Juvenile Justice AdministrationIndigenous PeoplesJuvenile DiversionJuvenile Offenders |
Author: Australia. Parliament. Senate. Select Committee on Regional and Remote Indigenous Communities Title: Indigenous Australians, Incarceration and the Criminal Justice System Summary: This discussion paper has been prepared by the committee secretariat to provide the committee with an overview of Indigenous contact with the criminal justice system in Australia, including the nature of Indigenous offending, and current developments in corrective services. The first section reviews current statistics to build a picture of Indigenous contact with the criminal justice system in Australia. Approximately 25 per cent of prisoners in Australia are Indigenous, and this share is increasing over time. The rate of imprisonment for Indigenous adults is 14 times higher than for non-Indigenous adults and the gap is continuing to widen. Indigenous prisoners are overwhelmingly male, with assault being the major offence. Indigenous prisoners generally receive shorter sentences and spend less time on remand, but recidivism is much higher. The figures for juvenile detention are worse. Fifty-nine per cent of the juvenile detention population in 2007 was Indigenous. The rate of detention was 28 times higher than for non-Indigenous juveniles. The second section considers some of the reasons for Indigenous overrepresentation. The first part analyses some of the factors that contribute to high rates of Indigenous offending such as violence, alcohol, mental health issues and social disadvantage. The second part examines the response to Indigenous offending by the criminal justice system and finds that increasing imprisonment rates are in part a result of stricter sentencing policies. The third section provides information on rehabilitation programs with the potential to reduce offending and recidivism over time. Some of the most promising programs include juvenile treatments such as multi-systemic therapy, adult drug and alcohol programs and post-release support programs. Evidence based principles for successful rehabilitation programs are also presented. This section also includes a discussion of the costs of the criminal justice system in Australia, and the potential for both social and economic benefits as result of innovation in criminal justice. Finally, the results of an audit of programs and innovations in the Australian criminal justice system are presented in section four. Each state and territory was asked to provide information on current criminal justice programs and policies in their jurisdiction. There have been a limited number of evaluations undertaken across Australia. Evaluations have been included where available. Details: Canberra: The Senate, 2010. 84p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 19, 2010 at: http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/indig_ctte/Final_RRIC.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/indig_ctte/Final_RRIC.pdf Shelf Number: 120013 Keywords: Criminal Justice SystemImprisonmentIndigenous OffendersIndigenous PeoplesJuvenile Offenders |
Author: Morgan, Anthony Title: Evaluation of the Queensland Murri Court: Final Report Summary: There have been a variety of innovative court models introduced, piloted and implemented across Australia to improve the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in dealing with specific offender populations. Indigenous sentencing courts have been established in most Australian jurisdictions in order to reduce high rates of reoffending among Indigenous offenders and to provide a more culturally - appropriate criminal justice process for Indigenous Australians that increases the involvement and confidence of the Indigenous community in the courts. There are a growing number of evaluations investigating the operation and effectiveness of these court models. These are important because they can provide policymakers, judiciary and court partners with an evidence base upon which to make decisions regarding the expansion, improvement and development of both new and existing court programs. This report presents the findings from the Australian Institute of Criminology’s (AIC) comprehensive evaluation of the Queensland Murri Court, undertaken with the support and assistance of a range of stakeholders involved in the program. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2010. 158p. Source: Internet Resource: AIC Technical and Background Paper No. 39: Accessed October 25, 2010 at: http://www.aic.gov.au/documents/9/C/3/%7B9C3FF400-3995-472B-B442-789F892CFC36%7Dtbp039.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aic.gov.au/documents/9/C/3/%7B9C3FF400-3995-472B-B442-789F892CFC36%7Dtbp039.pdf Shelf Number: 120068 Keywords: CourtsIndigenous OffendersIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Canavire-Bacarreza, Gustavo Title: Domestic Violence and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from a Mixed-Race Developing Country Summary: This study investigates the heterogeneous effects of domestic violence over labor markets in an ethnically fragmented country such as Bolivia. Among developing countries, Bolivia “excels” in having one of the highest levels of domestic violence in the region. Anecdotal evidence and empirical evidence suggest that response to domestic violence is not homogeneous across different ethnic groups. Using information from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) for Bolivia, we examine the heterogeneous impacts of domestic violence over one of the key labor market outcomes such as employment. We employ a probabilistic decision model and treatment regression techniques to examine this effect. We claim that the impact of domestic violence on labor markets is limited among indigenous people, given that violence is, to some extent, socially recognized and accepted. We find that for most of the cases, indigenous women are less responsive to domestic violence than nonindigenous ones, except for groups with a high income level. Our results are robust for alternative methodologies to address possible endogeneity problems. Details: Bonn, Germany: Institute for the Study of Labor, 2010. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: IZA Discussion Paper No. 5273: Accessed November 3, 2010 at: http://ftp.iza.org/dp5273.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Bolivia URL: http://ftp.iza.org/dp5273.pdf Shelf Number: 120169 Keywords: BoliviaDomestic ViolenceIndigenous PeoplesLabor Markets |
Author: Byles, Dennis Title: Sentencing in the Koori Court Division of the Magistrates' Corut: A Statistical Report Summary: In 1991, the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody reported that Indigenous people were significantly over-represented in police custody, prisons and juvenile detention centres. Following the Royal Commission’s recommendations, the Victorian Government resolved to put into place strategies to reduce the Indigenous custody rate. One such initiative, first piloted in 2002, was the establishment of the Koori Court Division of the Victorian Magistrates’ Court (‘the Koori Court’). Through the participation of Aboriginal Elders, Respected Persons and other members of the Indigenous community in the hearing process, the Koori Court aims to provide a more culturally relevant and inclusive sentencing process for Indigenous people charged with offences. This report uses newly available data for a statistical profile of accused persons appearing before the Koori Court. The report also covers the offences heard and sentencing outcomes. Details: Melbourne: Victoria Sentencing Advisory Council, 2010. 70p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 4, 2010 at: http://www.sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au/sites/sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au/files/sentencing_in_the_koori_court_division_of_the_magistrates_court.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Australia URL: http://www.sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au/sites/sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au/files/sentencing_in_the_koori_court_division_of_the_magistrates_court.pdf Shelf Number: 120186 Keywords: CourtsIndigenous PeoplesSentencing (Australia) |
Author: Allard, Troy Title: Understanding and Preventing Indigenous Offending Summary: Indigenous over-representation is the most significant social justice and public policy issue for the Australian and New Zealand criminal justice systems. Closing the gap on Indigenous overrepresentation has been identified as a priority and promoted through the National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework and Reducing Offending by Māori Projec. This research brief reports on the data available regarding Indigenous offending patterns, and finds that over- representation is particularly acute with regard to acts intended to cause injury, public order offences, offences against justice and unlawful entry. Like other offenders, Indigenous offenders are very likely to be male, substance abusers, unemployed and poor. The legacies of colonisation, dispossession and child removal policies, such as psychological distress and social disorganisation, also appear to be risk factors. The implications of these findings for crime prevention are examined. Details: Canberra: Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse, 2010. 8p. Source: Internet Resource: Brief 9: Accessed February 2, 2011 at: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/briefs/brief009.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Australia URL: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/briefs/brief009.pdf Shelf Number: 120666 Keywords: Indigenous PeoplesMinoritiesOffenders |
Author: Williams, Mary Spiers Title: Reducing the Unintended Impacts of Fines Summary: The fines enforcement system, on its surface, treats Indigenous and non-Indigenous people equally. However the disadvantage experienced by many Indigenous people results in the fines enforcement system having disproportionate impacts upon them, including financial stress, social exclusion, driver's licence suspension, car registration cancellation, and imprisonment. This paper reports on these impacts and the efforts of justice agencies to avoid these excessive impacts. Innovations include outreach and education activities by conducted Aboriginal liaison officers, specialist courts and treatment orders. Details: Canberra: Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse, 2011. 8p. Source: Internet Resource: Current Initiatives Paper 2: Accessed February 16, 2011 at: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/initiatives/initiative002.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Australia URL: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/initiatives/initiative002.pdf Shelf Number: 120777 Keywords: Fines (Australia)Indigenous Peoples |
Author: Denning-Cotter, Gabrielle Title: Bail Support in Australia Summary: In Australia the prison population has been increasing at a rate of 5% per year since 1984, and recent figures indicate that Indigenous people comprise 24% of the prison population in Australia (ABS, 2007). In 2007 the proportion of prisoners on remand was 22% of the entire prison population (ABS, 2007). Because of the increase in the numbers of people on remand, there has been an increased interest in bail support programs for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people as a viable alternative to remand. Bail support is defined as the provision of services, intervention or support, designed to assist a person to successfully complete their bail period. These programs may be undertaken on a voluntary basis or mandated as a condition of bail. These programs usually aim to: Reduce re-offending while on bail; Increase court appearance rate; and Provide magistrates and police with a viable alternative to remand or incarceration. In the first section, this paper examines Australian and international literature to present principles of best practice; in the second section current bail support programs in Australia are identified. Indigenous-specific support programs are also discussed. Details: Canberra: Indegenous Justice Clearinghouse, 2008. 8p. Source: Internet Resource: Brief 2: Accessed February 16, 2011 at: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/briefs/brief002.pdf Year: 2008 Country: Australia URL: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/briefs/brief002.pdf Shelf Number: 12 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationBailIndigenous PeoplesPretrial Release |
Author: American Indian Development Associates Title: Strategies for Creating Offender Reentry Programs in Indian Country Summary: Strategies for Creating Offender Reentry Programs in Indian Country was written to provide guidance on promising practices and strategies related to offender reentry in Indian Country. It provides a historical overview, gives guidance in developing reentry programs, provides general reentry policy considerations and recommendations, highlights tribal reentry programs, and provides federal and other resources. Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Community Capacity Development Office, 2010. 55p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 18, 2011 at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ccdo/programs/reentry-indiancounty/508_Full_Prisoner_Reentry.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United States URL: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ccdo/programs/reentry-indiancounty/508_Full_Prisoner_Reentry.pdf Shelf Number: 120828 Keywords: American IndiansIndigenous PeoplesOffender Reentry |
Author: Bartels, Lorana Title: Diversion Programs for Indigenous Women Summary: This paper presents a brief overview of the key diversion programs for Indigenous women currently in operation in Australia, with reference to relevant developments in New Zealand and Canada. It was prepared against the background of recent research on Indigenous women’s offending patterns and their over-representation in the criminal justice system, which included the following key findings: • analysis of data from New South Wales, the Northern Territory and South Australia indicated that Indigenous women are between nine and 16 times more likely to offend than their non-Indigenous counterparts; this is a much greater over-representation than for men (8–10 times more likely); • Indigenous women generally serve shorter sentences than their non-Indigenous counterparts, which suggests that Indigenous women are being imprisoned for more minor offences, especially public order offences; and • Indigenous women are more likely than non-Indigenous women to be on remand. According to the most recent data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS 2010), there were, on average, 663 full-time adult female Indigenous prisoners in Australia in the June 2010 quarter, comprising 30 percent of the full-time adult female prison population. By way of comparison, there were 6,984 adult male Indigenous prisoners, comprising 26 percent of the adult male prison population. Although the numbers of Indigenous women in prison are clearly much smaller than for their male counterparts, they are over-represented to a greater extent. The imprisonment rate for adult Indigenous women was 394 per 100,000, having risen by 14 percent from 346 in 2006, compared with 25 for the general adult female population. The rates for the Indigenous male and general male populations in the June 2010 quarter were 4,337 and 321 respectively (ABS 2010). Indigenous women are therefore 16 times more likely to be imprisoned than the general adult female population, compared with 14 times for Indigenous men. It appears that very little has been written—and indeed done — on diversion in relation to Indigenous status and women; most of the literature focuses on one aspect or the other. For example, an examination published by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) on the impact of pre-court diversion in the Northern Territory on juvenile offending provided a breakdown by gender and Indigenous status, but no breakdown on the basis of both. In addition, where such programs exist, there is little evidence of their effectiveness and a lack of comprehensive independent evaluation. More must be done, therefore, to disseminate information about the programs currently in place and wherever possible, to evaluate such programs. Notwithstanding the dearth of evaluative evidence demonstrating the efficacy of the diversion programs, the emerging evidence base, coupled with the overwhelming — and steadily rising —over-representation of Indigenous women in the prison population indicates there is a need for further development and funding of programs that can assist in diverting more Indigenous women from the prison system specifically and the criminal justice system more generally. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2010. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: Research in Practice Report, No. 13: Accessed March 14, 2011 at: http://www.aic.gov.au/documents/E/C/7/%7BEC7ECE38-209C-4FAA-876A-246D2F6A5DCF%7Drip13.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aic.gov.au/documents/E/C/7/%7BEC7ECE38-209C-4FAA-876A-246D2F6A5DCF%7Drip13.pdf Shelf Number: 121003 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationDiversionFemale Offenders (Australia)Female PrisonersIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Kunic, Dan Title: The Aboriginal Offender Substance Abuse Program (AOSAP): Examining the Effects of Successful Completion on Post-Release Outcomes Summary: Over 90% of the Aboriginal men in federal custody require substance abuse intervention. In response to this need, CSC introduced the Aboriginal Offender Substance Program (AOSAP) in 2004. The first version (V-1) of the program consisted of 31 sessions and was field-tested from November 2004 to June 2005. As a result of feedback from field staff and program participants, a restructured and improved second version (V-2), comprising 53 sessions, was delivered to participants from June 2005 to October 2006. The final version of the program (V-3), 65 sessions in length, was launched in November 2006. All versions of the program were designed to reduce the Aboriginal offender’s risk of relapse to substance abuse and recidivism through a holistic process that examines the impact of substance abuse through the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions of the Aboriginal offender. Contemporary best-practices approaches in substance abuse treatment are also interwoven throughout the program. A cohort of AOSAP participants, who were released to the community on day parole, full parole, or statutory release, were studied for a period not exceeding the warrant expiry date to evaluate the effects of the program on post-release outcomes. If AOSAP reduced the likelihood of revocation and/or testing positive for drugs following conditional release to the community, then the program’s effectiveness with respect to mitigating the risk of revocation and/or relapse to substance abuse was confirmed. The methodology that was employed to investigate the effectiveness of AOSAP is particularly notable because it compared Aboriginal offenders who participated in AOSAP to other Aboriginal offenders who participated in the moderate (M) and high (H) intensity National Substance Abuse Programs (NSAP). Including comparisons of this nature was important because it provided a more conservative estimate of AOSAP’s effect on post-release outcomes. A total of 94 (3.5%) of the Aboriginal men in the release cohort fully or partially participated in AOSAP, and 79 (2.9%) and 344 (12.8%) fully or partially participated in the NSAP high and moderate intensity interventions, respectively. The remaining 2,178 (81%) of the Aboriginal men did not participate in institutionally-based AOSAP or NSAP interventions. Main Findings: 1. Generally, Aboriginal offenders who participated in AOSAP were returned to custody at a lower rate during the follow-up period than the groups of Aboriginal offenders who participated in NSAP-H, NSAP-M, failed to complete a substance abuse program, or did not participate in a substance abuse program prior to release from custody. Aboriginal offenders who participated in versions 2 or 3 of AOSAP were returned to custody at the same rate as Aboriginal offenders who participated in version 1 of AOSAP. There was no statistical difference between versions of AOSAP. Advanced statistical analysis, which allow for the control of offender characteristics associated with criminal behaviour, confirm these results. 2. Only 5% of the successful participants of AOSAP- V 2&3, and 6% of the participants of AOSAP version 1 were returned to custody because of a new offence or charge compared to 16% and 20% of the successful participants of NSAP-H and NSAP-M, respectively. 3. Exposure to substance abuse treatment prior to release from custody was a relatively weak predictor of relapse to substance abuse. Nevertheless, there was some evidence suggesting that successful participants of AOSAP and NSAP-M were less likely to incur a positive urinalysis result while on release than successful participants of NSAP-H. The result emerged after adjusting for the effects of other offender characteristics that are known to be associated with criminal behaviour. 4. There was some evidence that Aboriginal offenders who participated in AOSAP were less likely than Aboriginal offenders from the other program exposure categories to test positive for drugs that are considered dangerous because of the physical harms they cause the individual (e.g., cocaine, opioids) and the effects they have on significant others and the broader community. Details: Ottawa: Research Branch, Correctional Service of Canada, 2009. 89p. Source: Internet Resource: Research Report 2010 Nº R-217; Accessed March 26, 2011 at: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/rsrch/reports/r217/r217-eng.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Canada URL: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/rsrch/reports/r217/r217-eng.pdf Shelf Number: 121120 Keywords: Corrections ProgramsDrug Abuse TreatmentDrug OffendersIndigenous PeoplesInmatesRecidivismRehabilitationSubstance Abuse (Canada) |
Author: Perreault, Samuel Title: Violent Victimization of Aboriginal People in the Canadian Provinces, 2009 Summary: This report examines the violent victimization of Aboriginal people in the Canadian provinces for calendar year 2009. Highlights include the following: • In 2009, Aboriginal people were more likely than non-Aboriginal people to report being victimized. Overall, 37% of Aboriginal people self-reported being the victim of a crime compared to 26% of non-Aboriginal people. • Sexual assaults accounted for more than one-third of violent incidents with an Aboriginal victim. Aboriginal people reported sexual assault incidents at a rate of 70 incidents per 1,000 people, compared to 23 per 1,000 non-Aboriginal people. • Those aged 15 to 24 years were the victims in nearly half (47%) of incidents reported by Aboriginal people, whereas they represented 22% of the Aboriginal population aged 15 and over. • Aboriginal women were almost three times more likely than non-Aboriginal women to report that they had been a victim of spousal violence in the past five years. Aboriginal victims of spousal violence were also more likely to report that they have feared for their life or that they had been injured as a result of the violence. • Violent crimes with an Aboriginal victim were less likely than those with a non-Aboriginal victim to involve a weapon. • Violent crimes involving an Aboriginal victim (67%) were more likely than incidents with a non-Aboriginal victim (52%) to be related to the alcohol or illegal drug use of the perpetrator. • Among both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, about 1 in 3 violent incidents was reported to police. However, incidents of spousal violence involving an Aboriginal victim were more likely to be reported than those involving a non-Aboriginal victim. • Similar to non-Aboriginal people, the vast majority of Aboriginal people said they were satisfied with their overall personal safety from crime. Details: Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2011. 35p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 11, 2011 at: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2011001/article/11415-eng.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Canada URL: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2011001/article/11415-eng.pdf Shelf Number: 121303 Keywords: Crime StatisticsIndigenous PeoplesVictimization (Canada)Violent Crime |
Author: Victoria (Australia). Office of Police Integrity Title: Talking Together – Relations between Police and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Victoria: A Review of the Victoria Police Aboriginal Strategic Plan 2003-2008 Summary: The broad formal acknowledgment of the unique place occupied by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in contemporary Australia is a relatively recent phenomenon. But the special attention given to the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s criminal justice system has been much more long-standing. Since the 1991 Report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, Victoria, along with most other Australian jurisdictions, has undertaken a range of strategies aimed at reducing the disproportionate numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people incarcerated in prisons. Because police have significant discretionary powers and play an important role as the point of entry to the criminal justice system, many of these strategies have specifically targeted police practices. But police are only a component of a much broader continuum that influences justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Although alcohol abuse and violence were not features of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, they are now predominant themes associated with Koori offending. The underlying factors associated with alcohol abuse and violence in Koori communities are complex. Clearly, the most effective strategies to improve justice outcomes for Koori people are those that achieve a reduction in alcohol abuse and violence. While police may have some role in effective prevention strategies, leadership for developing and implementing strategies for reducing Koori family violence must come from Koori communities themselves and be supported by a whole-of-government approach. Achieving sustained systemic change is a long term goal. It is probable police will continue to have a disproportionally substantial role in the lives of many Kooris for some time. In 2003, one in three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians, many of whom were children, were reported to be the victim, a relative of a victim or a witness to an act of violence. The great majority of these acts of violence were likely to have resulted in a police call-out. But by the time police respond, there may be little they can do, other than use their powers of arrest to extricate an offender and provide for the safety of others. Similarly, police often have few options when responding to concerns about a Koori who is alcohol-affected, other than to take the person into custody for his or her own safety or the safety of others. Although in many cases police may have limited options, how they go about performing their duties is important. Unlike their non-Koori counterparts, many Koori children will have had contact with police from an early age. How police first interact with Koori children can have a strong and lasting impact on how Koori children and young people relate to police as they mature into adulthood. Similarly, the interaction between police and Koori community Elders can influence the outcome of potentially volatile situations. Understanding cultural issues and building relationships based on mutual respect can be the difference between diffusing a situation or escalating it. It is within this context that in 2003 Victoria Police developed a strategic plan for policing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The focus of this Review was to establish how the 2003 Strategic Plan and other Department of Justice initiatives aimed at improving justice outcomes for Kooris have affected local communities. Details: Melbourne: Office of Police Integrity, 2011. 93p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 19, 2011 at: http://www.opi.vic.gov.au/index.php?i=19 Year: 2011 Country: Australia URL: http://www.opi.vic.gov.au/index.php?i=19 Shelf Number: 121401 Keywords: Alcohol Related Crime and DisorderDiscriminationIndigenous PeoplesPolice DiscretionPolice-Citizen InteractionsPolice-Community RelationsPolicing (Australia) |
Author: Grace, Jocelyn. Title: Review of Indigenous Offender Health Summary: This review provides an overview of health issues facing the Indigenous offender population, including some of the social and historical factors relevant to Indigenous health and incarceration. In doing so, it is important to first understand how Indigenous people conceptualise health. Health as it is understood in western society is a fairly discrete category, which differs from the traditional Indigenous perspective of health as holistic. This is made explicit in the 1989 National Aboriginal health strategy that states ‘health to Aboriginal peoples is a matter of determining all aspects of their life, including control over their physical environment, of dignity, of community self-esteem, and of justice’. For this reason, considering health in a justice context is of particular relevance to Indigenous people, as the restrictions imposed upon offenders represent a threat to individual and community health. Some of the sources referred to in this review originally used only the term Aboriginal, even though it is evident that in many, if not most, cases the reporting did not differentiate between Australian Aborigines and Torres Strait Islander people. Population figures reveal that substantial numbers of Torres Strait Islanders or people of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent live in all jurisdictions, except the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Therefore, the term Indigenous has been used throughout this review to refer to both the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander populations. This review is largely structured under key topic headings, such as chronic disease or the social determinants of health. Much of the general information about offenders refers to both men and women, and, in some instances, to some juveniles, but specific sections are also devoted to women and juveniles. Details: Mount Lawley, WA: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, 2011. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 21, 2011 at: http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/uploads/docs/offender_health_review_2011.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Australia URL: http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/uploads/docs/offender_health_review_2011.pdf Shelf Number: 121461 Keywords: Indigenous PeoplesInmates, Health Care (Australia)Mental Health ServicesPrisoners, Health Care |
Author: Leonardson, Gary R. Title: Native American Crime in the Northwest: 2004-2009 – BIA Information from Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Summary: According to the 2000 census, American Indians and Alaska Natives account for about 1.5 percent or 4.3 million people in the United States. Most (2.5 million) of these listed “American Indian” or “Alaska Native” as their only racial category, while some (1.8 million) indicated “ American Indian” or “Alaska Native” along with one or more additional race categories. It is estimated that nearly half (43.5%) of all American Indians/Alaska Natives reside on Federal reservations or in a tribal statistical area during the 2000 Census. The percents by state of American Indian or Alaska Native for the states covered in this report are: Alaska (15.3%), Washington, (1.7%), Idaho (1.4%), Oregon (1.4%), Montana (6.4%), and Wyoming (2.5%). The offense information for the report was provided by the Office of Law Enforcement and Security within District 5 of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Billings, Montana. District 5 includes three regions (Mountain, Northwest, and Juneau) with 47 Tribes (or tribal-related law enforcement agencies, covering the states of Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. This report is segmented into three separate reports. The first Section presents the overall results, the second Section provides information by each of the six states, and the third Section presents information by tribal or special law enforcement agencies. Information for all three Sections is presented as general results, illustrating the information that was collected and sent. Little comparison and contrasts are made, because of the varying years the information was reported, along with possible different data collection procedures from year to year. Details: Helena, MT: Montana Board of Crime Control, 2010. 222p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 9, 2011 at: http://www.mbcc.mt.gov/data/SAC/Tribal/NativeCrimeInNorthwest.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United States URL: http://www.mbcc.mt.gov/data/SAC/Tribal/NativeCrimeInNorthwest.pdf Shelf Number: 121681 Keywords: American IndiansCrime RatesCrime StatisticsIndigenous PeoplesRace and Crime |
Author: Australia. Parliament. House of Representatives. Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Title: Doing Time - Time for Doing: Indigenous Youth in the Criminal Justice System Summary: Indigenous juveniles are 28 times more likely than non-Indigenous juveniles to be incarcerated, despite Indigenous peoples representing only 2.5 percent of the Australian population. Indigenous social and economic disadvantage have contributed to the high levels of Indigenous contact with the criminal justice system. the Committee found there is intergenerational dysfunction in some Indigenous communities which presents a significant challenge to break the cycle of offending, recidivism and incarceration. The Committee examined current policy arrangements for overcoming Indigenous disadvantage and found it concerning that the Council of Australian Government’s (COAG’s) Closing the Gap Strategy did not include a National Partnership Agreement dedicated to the Safe Communities Building Block, nor did it include specific targets relating to justice. The Committee found this concerning in view of the weight of evidence it received during the inquiry that linked unsafe communities to the development of negative social norms and increasingly high rates of juvenile offending. The Committee has made 40 recommendations to Government and believes that to effect change in the area of Indigenous disadvantage and disproportionate incarceration rates, the following principles must be applied: engage and empower Indigenous communities in the development and implementation of policy and programs address the needs of Indigenous families and communities as a whole integrate and coordinate initiatives by government agencies, non-government agencies, and local individuals and groups focus on early intervention and the wellbeing of Indigenous children rather than punitive responses, and engage Indigenous leaders and elders in positions of responsibility and respect. Details: Canberra: Australian Parliament, 2011. 378p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 30, 2011 at: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/atsia/sentencing/report/fullreport.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/atsia/sentencing/report/fullreport.pdf Shelf Number: 121926 Keywords: Indigenous PeoplesJuvenile Offenders (Australia)Minority GroupsPovertySocioeconomic Status |
Author: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics Title: Compendium of Tribal Crime Data, 2011 Summary: The Tribal Law and Order Act, 2010 (TLOA; Pub. L. No. 111-211, 124 Stat. 2258, Section 251(b)) requires the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) to establish and implement a tribal data collection system and to support tribal participation in national records and information systems. This is the first BJS report on the status of tribal data collection activities as required by the act. It describes BJS’s activities between July 2010 and June 2011 to improve tribal law enforcement reporting to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR) and BJS’s direct collaboration with tribal criminal justice systems to collect data about tribal court systems. It summarizes data published by BJS on jails in Indian country, tribal law enforcement agencies, state prosecutors’ offices with jurisdiction in Indian country, tribal youth in the federal justice system, and reporting to the UCR. It describes activities and funding opportunities to improve tribal crime data collection through programs such as the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP), the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), Byrne/JAG funding, and UCR training. Details: Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2011. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 2, 2011 at: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/ctcd11.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United States URL: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/ctcd11.pdf Shelf Number: 121956 Keywords: Crime Statistics (U.S.)Indians of North AmericaIndigenous PeoplesJailsTribal Law Enforcement |
Author: Barrett, Damon Title: Backgrounder: Bolivia’s Concurrent Drug Control and Other International Legal Commitments Summary: Bolivia’s denunciation of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs is not just about one treaty. It is about finding an appropriate balance between multiple concurrent and conflicting international legal obligations. When international treaties ratified by or acceded to by Bolivia and relevant jurisprudence are taken into account, it is clear that Bolivia would find itself in breach of multiple international agreements were it to fully implement the 1961 Single Convention as written. A reservation on the 1961 Single Convention is the most reasonable and proportionate way to address this conflict. This is particularly so in relation to indigenous peoples and free prior and informed consent relating on issues that affect them. The manner in which Bolivia translates international obligations under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs into national legislation, programmes and policies must be consistent with its obligations to respect indigenous peoples rights that flow from its obligations under contemporary international, constitutional and (indigenous) customary law. The proposed reservation provides the means through which these obligations can be harmonised. Without it the Convention would constitute a unilateral imposition of a ban on the coca leaf on indigenous peoples, and a failure to fulfill the obligations to hold good faith consultations in order to obtain their consent and to ensure their cultural and physical survival. A second question relates to whether the reservation is compatible with other concurrent international legal obligations, in this case under the law of treaties and children’s rights. An analysis of these agreements set against Bolivia’s proposal reveals no apparent conflict. Details: London: International Centre on Human Rights and Drug Policy, 2011. 7p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 5, 2011 at: http://www.druglawreform.info/images/stories/documents/international_legal_commitments.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Bolivia URL: http://www.druglawreform.info/images/stories/documents/international_legal_commitments.pdf Shelf Number: 121966 Keywords: Drug ControlDrug Policy (Bolivia)Human RightsIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Indig, Devon Title: 2009 NSW Inmate Health Survey: Aboriginal Health Report Summary: The 2009 NSW Inmate Health Survey: Aboriginal Health Report is the first report to provide an Aboriginal-specific focus on inmates of NSW. The report complements the findings of the 2009 NSW Inmate Health Survey: Key Findings Report and provides greater insights into the health of Aboriginal people in custody. Mental health problems, drug and alcohol dependence, and blood borne viruses are all highly prevalent among Aboriginal inmates. Smoking rates remain high at 83% among men and 88% among women. Half of Aboriginal women and one third of Aboriginal men demonstrated signs of moderate to severe depression and multiple risk factors for chronic diseases. This survey shows that the health needs of Aboriginal people in custody are growing. The prevalence of mental health issues, chronic disease and high risk alcohol use (by Aboriginal men) has increased since previous surveys. Aboriginal women in particular reported poorer general health; 23% reported fair to poor health in 1996 compared to 32% in 2009. This disparity in health for Aboriginal people in custody cannot be explained by socio-economic disadvantage alone. This population is most often affected also by structural disadvantage such as lower educational attainment, higher unemployment, poor or overcrowded housing, geographic isolation and barriers to accessing health services. High rates of hazardous alcohol and drug use, violence (both victims and perpetrators) and mental health and well-being problems are both a cause and effect of health inequality. The complexities of these issues present ongoing challenges for Justice Health and our key stakeholders. Adding to the health burden is the increasing number of Aboriginal people coming into custody and staying for longer periods. Details: Sydney: Justice Health, 2010. 80p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 6, 2011 at: http://www.justicehealth.nsw.gov.au/publications/Inmate_Health_Survey_Aboriginal_Health_Report.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Australia URL: http://www.justicehealth.nsw.gov.au/publications/Inmate_Health_Survey_Aboriginal_Health_Report.pdf Shelf Number: 121972 Keywords: Health CareIndigenous PeoplesInmates (Australia)Prisoners |
Author: Bartels, Lorana Title: Indigenous Women's Offending Patterns: A Literature Review Summary: This report is a literature review on Indigenous women’s offending patterns and therefore provides an important contribution to understanding an often neglected area of criminal justice. The report presents information on Indigenous women as offenders and prisoners, as well as considering the issue of over-policing, including for juvenile Indigenous females. Data are also presented on community corrections and periodic detention and the under-utilisation of juvenile diversion. The majority of information in the report relates to Indigenous women as prisoners, including information on imprisonment rates and numbers. Significantly, the rate of imprisonment of Indigenous women across Australia rose from 346 to 369 per 100,000 between 2006 and June 2009. In addition, Indigenous women outnumbered Indigenous men as a proportion of the relevant prison population in almost all jurisdictions. Indigenous women generally serve shorter sentences than their non-Indigenous counterparts, which suggests that Indigenous women are being imprisoned for more minor offences, especially public order offences. Indigenous women are also more likely to be on remand than non-Indigenous women. The characteristics of Indigenous female prisoners are considered in this report, with particular reference to the comparatively high rates of hospital admissions for mental disorders and post-release mortality rates. Examination of Indigenous women’s role as mothers and carers highlights the need for further research and relevant services. Policing, court and corrections data provide an overview of the types of offences committed by Indigenous women, with particular reference to the offences of public drunkenness, assault and homicide. The relationship between Indigenous women’s offending patterns and their exposure to family violence is explored and highlights the need for further examination. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2010. 47p. Source: Internet Resource: Research and Public Policy Series 107: Accessed July 6, 2011 at: http://www.aic.gov.au/documents/F/4/0/%7BF400B08D-7ECB-43EE-BB6E-38B2C3580A46%7Drpp107.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aic.gov.au/documents/F/4/0/%7BF400B08D-7ECB-43EE-BB6E-38B2C3580A46%7Drpp107.pdf Shelf Number: 121973 Keywords: Female InmatesFemale Juvenile OffendersFemale Offenders (Australia)Indigenous Peoples |
Author: Hovane, Victoria Title: Closing the Gap on Family Violence: Driving Prevention and Intervention Through Health Policy Summary: Family violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities remains a significant social issue with far-reaching implications for service provision in the health arena, with impacts including: physical injuries; depression, trauma and anxiety; sexually transmitted disease; and substance use. Despite these significant health consequences, family violence has generally not been prioritised in health policy or responses. Instead, policing, legal/judicial and women’s policy approaches have become the key responses to addressing family violence in Australia, as in many western countries. Given that the health system often deals directly with the consequences of family violence, it is ideally placed to play an important role in preventing and responding to family violence. The paper examines the potential for health policies, like the Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes strategy, to better engage with the issue of family violence and, thereby, address a major contributor to poor health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Details: Sydney: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2011. 26p. Source: Internet Resource: Issues Paper 21: Accessed July 7, 2011 at: http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/PDF%20files/IssuesPaper_21.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Australia URL: http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/PDF%20files/IssuesPaper_21.pdf Shelf Number: 122002 Keywords: Domestic ViolenceFamily Violence (Australia)Health CareIndigenous PeoplesIntimate Partner Violence |
Author: McHutchison, Judy Title: Indigenous Deaths in NSW Corrective Services Custody 1996-97 to 2006-07 Summary: This study seeks to establish the prevalence and causes of the deaths of Indigenous offenders in the full-time custody of the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services between 1996/97 and 2006/07. The study also describes the characteristics pertaining to the deceased Indigenous offenders. Details: Sydney: New South Wales Department of Corrective Services, 2008. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Research Publication No. 49: Accessed August 26, 2011 at: http://www.correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au/_media/dcs/information/research-and-statistics/research-publication/RP049.pdf Year: 2008 Country: Australia URL: http://www.correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au/_media/dcs/information/research-and-statistics/research-publication/RP049.pdf Shelf Number: 122556 Keywords: AboriginalsDeaths in Custody (Australia)Indigenous PeoplesPrisoners |
Author: New Zealand. Department of Corrections, Policy Development Group, Strategic Analysis Team Title: Maori Offenders and Home Detention: Analysis of a One-Year Cohort Summary: A clear disparity has been identified between Maori and New Zealand European offenders with respect to both “leave to apply” for Home Detention, and approval of applications to the Parole Board. A statistically-based analysis was undertaken to investigate possible reasons for this disparity. This indicated that Maori offenders potentially eligible for Home Detention tended to present with more extensive offending histories, including failure to comply with previous sentences and orders. Such characteristics largely (though not entirely) explained the lower rates with which Maori obtained access to Home Detention. Details: Wellington, NZ: New Zealand Department of Corrections, 2007. 34p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 26, 2011 at: http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/258862/maori-offenders-and-home-detention-study.pdf Year: 2007 Country: New Zealand URL: http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/258862/maori-offenders-and-home-detention-study.pdf Shelf Number: 116484 Keywords: Alternatives to Incarceration (New Zealand)Home DetentionIndigenous PeoplesRacial Disparities |
Author: Human Sector Resources Title: Challenge, Choice, & Change: A Report on Evidence-Based Practice in the Provision of Policing Services to Aboriginal Peoples Summary: This is paper #12, one of more than 20 research documents commissioned by the Ipperwash Inquiry for the purpose of assisting in the development of the Inquiry’s “Part 2” recommendations. Those recommendations will consider both “systemic” and “operational” issues relating to the Inquiry’s mandate of assessing evidentiary information and making recommendations regarding the avoidance of violence during confrontations between police and Aboriginal peoples. In preparing this report, researchers reviewed more than 15,000 pages of material gleaned from inquiries, commissions, studies, reports and evaluations of Aboriginal–police relations in Canada, Australia, and the United States. Unfortunately, the original plan to identify only “evidence-based” initiatives had to be abandoned—there was little evidence about what really worked. There was, however, consensus in three significant areas as to what “should” and, in some cases, what “seemed” to be working. It also became evident that the potential for significantly impacting crime and victimization of Aboriginal peoples simply through adjustments to Aboriginal–police relations was limited. The reality of Aboriginal “overrepresentation” in the Canadian criminal justice system is that the circumstances that give rise to this overrepresentation are principally age, poor education, unemployment, and substance abuse; by and large, conditions that are beyond the criminal justice system’s ability to ameliorate. Notwithstanding, there are opportunities to make a difference. The first area of consensus was the potential for community policing approaches to reduce crime and to improve relationships between police and the people they are to serve. Unfortunately there were few examples where the strategy has been applied comprehensively and/or where police have had the resources to witness its full potential—at least in relation to Aboriginal people. A second area of consensus was with regard to “governance” models. Aboriginal people must be given greater control over police services and in turn, must be more accountable for results. The key dimension of a successful governance model includes the right to self-determination and the full and effective participation of Aboriginal people in overseeing police activity. The third area of consensus was in relation to recruitment, training, and retention of police officers. The key dimensions of a successful approach include screening for racism, recruitment of more Aboriginal people to police service, employee and family assistance programs, and cross-cultural training that utilizes Aboriginal officers in an experiential model. This report goes on to identify other innovations in Aboriginal police relations that appear to have great promise. These include: • Community Justice Groups • National Indian Youth Academy • Diversion • Circle Sentencing • Gang Resistance Education and Training • Aboriginal Police Commissions • Watch House • Rules for Interrogation The report concludes with a summary of the various program choices that would appear to have the potential to make a difference, a challenge that we must finally act on these choices, and a caution that real change will occur only if we address the underlying economic and social conditions experienced by Aboriginal people in Canada. Details: Ottawa: Ministry of the Attorney General, 2004. 73p. Source: Internet Resource: accessed September 6, 2011 at: http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/inquiries/ipperwash/policy_part/research/pdf/Human_Sector_Resources_Report.pdf Year: 2004 Country: Canada URL: http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/inquiries/ipperwash/policy_part/research/pdf/Human_Sector_Resources_Report.pdf Shelf Number: 122654 Keywords: AboriginalsIndigenous PeoplesPolice-Community RelationsPolicing (Canada) |
Author: Brennan, Shannon Title: Violent Victimization of Aboriginal Women in the Canadian Provinces, 2009 Summary: In Canada, numerous programs and policies have been developed to address violence against women (Johnson and Dawson 2010; Status of Women Canada 2002). Despite these efforts, previous studies have shown that violence against women in Canada continues to be a persistent and ongoing problem, one that is compounded for Aboriginal women (Brzozowski 2006). Given these findings, it is important to differentiate between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women’s experiences of victimization, to better understand the extent of violence against Aboriginal women and the context in which it occurs. One source of information that can be used to measure violence against Aboriginal women in Canada is the General Social Survey (GSS) on Victimization. By asking respondents aged 15 years or older to recount their experiences of victimization, the GSS captures detailed information on criminal incidents that may or may not have been brought to the attention of police. Using GSS data from 2009, this article looks at the prevalence and nature of self-reported violence against Aboriginal women in the ten provinces. In addition, reporting of victimization to police, victims’ use of formal and informal support services, and the consequences of violent victimization are discussed. Finally, this report examines Aboriginal women’s perceptions of personal safety and their satisfaction with the criminal justice system. Details: Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2011. 21p. Source: Internet Resource: Juristat Article: Accessed September 20, 2011 at: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2011001/article/11439-eng.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Canada URL: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2011001/article/11439-eng.pdf Shelf Number: 122794 Keywords: AboriginalsCrime StatisticsIndigenous PeoplesVictim ServicesVictimization SurveysVictims of CrimeViolence Against Women |
Author: Caumartin, Corinne Title: Racism, Violence, and Inequality: An Overview of the Guatemalan Case Summary: This working paper was written for the first CRISE Latin American team meeting held in Lima in June 2004. The meeting provided an arena for presenting our case studies (Guatemala, Peru and Bolivia) and setting up our research agendas. This paper was designed as a broad general introduction to the ‘Guatemalan case’ for the purpose of research on ethnicity, horizontal inequalities and conflict. This ‘background paper’ attempts to provide a general overview of the issues of conflict and ethnicity in Guatemala. CRISE research in Peru, Bolivia and Guatemala, focuses primarily on the indigenous/non-indigenous divide. In a first instance, this paper sets out to examine the emergence and evolution of Guatemala’s key ethnic categories, highlighting a much greater ethnic diversity than a simple binary (indigenous/non indigenous) approach would suggest in a first place. Yet, whilst acknowledging Guatemala’s ethnic diversity, pertaining to an indigenous or non-indigenous group in Guatemala remains an important phenomenon with important social, economic, political and cultural consequences. In a second instance, this paper traces out the general history and nature of inter-actions between indigenous and Ladino groups. Furthermore, this paper introduces some of the key debates surrounding the question of ethnicity and inter-ethnic relations in Guatemala, notably those regarding the definitions and evaluations of the various populations which constitute Guatemala. The latter sections of the paper provide a general review of Guatemala’s armed conflict (1960-1996) examining its emergence, resolution and aftermath. Providing a general overview of the conflict allows us to map out the nature of violence and repression in Guatemala. This paper identifies the 1976-1985 period as being of particular relevance for CRISE research. Most of the conflict’s casualties occurred during this period with indigenous people accounting for over 80% of the victims of violence. This paper summarises and reviews the main forms of violence and repression that were perpetrated against the indigenous victims of the conflict, leading to the conclusion that there was an ‘ethnicisation’ of violence in Guatemala. Finally, to conclude our general overview of the Guatemalan case, the last sections of this paper review and evaluate the Guatemalan peace accords, paying particular attention to the agreement on indigenous rights. Details: London: Centre for Research on Inequality, Human Security and Ethnicity (CRISE), 2005. 71p. Source: Internet Resource: CRISE Working Paper No. 11: Accessed November 9, 2011 at: http://www.crise.ox.ac.uk/pubs/workingpaper11.pdf Year: 2005 Country: Guatemala URL: http://www.crise.ox.ac.uk/pubs/workingpaper11.pdf Shelf Number: 123277 Keywords: Ethnic GroupsHuman RightsIndigenous PeoplesRacismViolence (Guatemala) |
Author: Senior, Kate Title: Moving Beyond the Restrictions: The Evaluation of the Alice Springs ALcohol Management Plan Summary: As part of the Northern Territory Government's Alcohol Framework, an Alcohol Management Plan (AMP) was developed in 2006 for the regional outback town of Alice Springs. The Plan had the three key strategies of reducing supply, reducing harm, and reducing demand. In 2008 the Menzies School of Health Research was commissioned to evaluate what strategies had been implemented in Alice Springs, and whether these were effective. This is the report of the evaluation, and features sections on: The Alice Springs context; Best Practice in addressing alcohol related problems; Recommendations from previous evaluations in Alice Springs; Implementation; Alcohol services and their coordination; Measuring impact; Community perspectives and responses; Community readiness; Liquor industry responses; Developing community involvement; and Developing evaluation framework and a minimum data set. The authors note that like previous evaluations from the 1970s onwards, any strategies require an investment in community change, for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the community, with a fundamentally different way to address alcohol issues and extensive community consultation. Details: Casuarina, N.T.: Menzies School of Health Research, 2009?. 197. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 21, 2012 at http://www.nt.gov.au/justice/licenreg/documents/liquor/reports/MSHR%20Evaluation%20of%20the%20Alice%20Springs%20Alcohol%20Restrictions.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Australia URL: http://www.nt.gov.au/justice/licenreg/documents/liquor/reports/MSHR%20Evaluation%20of%20the%20Alice%20Springs%20Alcohol%20Restrictions.pdf Shelf Number: 124226 Keywords: Alcohol Abuse (Australia)Alcohol Treatment ProgramsEvaluative StudiesIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Vivian, Alison Title: Factors Affecting Crime Rates in Indigenous Communities in NSW: Kempsey and Gunnedah Summary: This report is the third and final in a series of reports emerging from fieldwork exploring factors that impact on rates of crime in six communities in NSW with significant Aboriginal populations. The main aim of the research was to identify, and better understand, factors that may contribute to variations in rates of offending between two Aboriginal populations that are demographically comparable but have markedly different crime rates. Kempsey has a higher crime rate and Gunnedah the lower crime rate. Details: Sydney: Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, University of Technology, Sydney, 2012. 94p. Source: Accessed August 8, 2012 at: http://www.jumbunna.uts.edu.au/researchareas/newmedia/FINALKempseyGunnedahReport13June2012.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Australia URL: http://www.jumbunna.uts.edu.au/researchareas/newmedia/FINALKempseyGunnedahReport13June2012.pdf Shelf Number: 125907 Keywords: Aboriginals (Australia)Comparative StudiesCrime RatesIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Hudson, Sara Title: Alcohol Restrictions in Indigenous Communities and Frontier Towns Summary: Double standards in the responsible serving of alcohol have contributed to the growing alcohol problem in remote Indigenous communities, and are one reason why alcohol restrictions are now in place in communities across the Far North. But until the same standards are applied everywhere, there is no way of knowing whether such restrictions are really necessary. More controls on alcohol will have little effect until all the double standards that permeate Aboriginal people’s lives are addressed. Australia has a long history of treating Aboriginal people differently. First they were subjected to discriminatory laws that prevented them from living where they chose, drinking legally, voting, and being paid a fair wage. When these inequitable laws were finally abolished, they were replaced by equally damaging affirmative action and ‘culturally appropriate’ separatist policies. Denied the same educational and housing opportunities provided to others, remote Indigenous Australians have become increasingly reliant on the state to meet their every need. The harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption are a problem across Australia but more pronounced in many Aboriginal communities because nearly every resident is reliant on welfare. The absence of a real economy and appropriate controls on alcohol has created social environments where welfare payments are spent on alcohol and heavy drinking has become endemic. Few canteens on Indigenous lands and taverns in remote areas serve alcohol responsibly, with devastating results for communities. Aurukun was once described as a ‘liveable and vibrant community,’ but following the introduction of a regular supply of alcohol and no controls on its use, levels of violence, abuse and neglect skyrocketed. In 2000, the town’s homicide rate was estimated at 120 times the state average. In the 1970s, increasing liberalisation of liquor licensing laws saw an increase in the number of liquor outlets and extended opening hours of premises. Along with an increase in the total number of licensed premises, there was an increase in the numbers of licenses to sell takeaway alcohol. As a result, per capita consumption of pure alcohol in Australia grew rapidly in the 1970s (from an average of 9.3 litres in 1961 to a peak of 13.1 litres per person in 1974–75). Since then, state and territory liquor authorities have tried to offset this increasing liberalisation with new legislation to mitigate the harms caused by excessive alcohol consumption. This has contributed to the overall reduction in total per capita consumption of alcohol nationwide to around 10 litres of alcohol, but the Far North has not followed these trends. Per capita alcohol consumption in the Northern Territory remains high (14.35 litres in 2006–07), with the average consumption among Indigenous Territorians even higher at 16.1 litres. Many Indigenous people (particularly women) are concerned at the level of harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption and have used Aboriginal land and liquor legislation to restrict and even ban alcohol. The decision to introduce additional restrictions should be up to communities to decide, through a democratic process where everyone gets a voice no matter how marginalised they are. The problem is what to do in places where alcohol causes significant problems and communities do not want to be ‘dry’ or restrict alcohol. Community initiatives to introduce alcohol restrictions have been followed by territory, state and Commonwealth initiatives, including the Queensland government’s Alcohol Management Plans in Cape York and the federal government’s Northern Territory Intervention (NTI) in 2007 that introduced alcohol prohibitions in ‘73’ prescribed communities. The NTI restrictions have proven ineffective: they have increased ‘sly-grogging,’ displaced the drinking problem to ‘drinking paddocks’ on the outskirts of communities, and increased the number of homeless or itinerant drinkers in the larger towns and cities where alcohol is freely available. Drinking to extreme intoxication often occurs in ‘drinking camps’ on town fringes where there are no formal controls. Until recently, their existence has been unofficially tolerated because it has served everyone’s interests to segregate Aboriginal drinkers. Non-Indigenous people do not want them in the pubs and taverns in towns, and Indigenous drinkers have enjoyed the freedom and perceived the tacit license to do what they like as a minor victory over those who disapprove of their drinking and behaviour. However, recent concerns about the increasing numbers of itinerant drinkers coming to Alice Springs and causing problems have led to suggestions for more ‘wet canteens’ or ‘clubs’ in communities. The idea of drinking in a controlled environment, where people can consume alcohol with food and enjoy other recreational activities, has its merits but the failure of past experiences must be kept in mind. If on-premise options are to be a viable means of reducing the harms associated with drinking takeaway alcohol, then their risks need close attention. Poor governance and management is likely to be an issue. The pressure on such enterprises to produce profits for the community’s benefit could make them reluctant to regulate the sale of alcohol. Clubs also risk continuing (and institutionalising) racially segregated drinking, with the potential for different (lower) standards in the responsible serving of alcohol. In Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek, where the impetus for alcohol restrictions came from strong local women and where responsible serving of alcohol is now being enforced, there has been a noticeable decline (between 20% and 40%) in the number of alcohol-related crimes and alcohol-related admissions to hospitals. Having stricter controls on alcohol has made these towns more pleasant places to live, but the restrictions have not addressed the reasons why people are drinking in the first place. Controls on alcohol supply help mitigate the harms that alcohol causes, but they will not solve the alcohol problem. Restrictions may act as a circuit breaker and provide a ‘breathing space’ for other changes to occur, but they do very little for problem drinkers who will continue to try and obtain alcohol through other means. Alcohol restrictions should go hand in hand with proper enforcement and initiatives that address the underlying causes of the problem, not just the symptoms. Unfortunately, in all the states and territories where alcohol restrictions have been introduced, government has failed or been slow to deliver on promised rehabilitation programs and on real and substantive reforms to education, employment and housing. As a result some residents have transferred their addiction to other drugs and others have found ways to circumvent the law by bringing alcohol in illegally. The gradual erosion of the benefits of alcohol restrictions highlights the futility of introducing restrictions without addressing the aimlessness and boredom of lives lived on welfare. Details: St. Leonards, NSW, Australia: Centre for Independent Studies, 2011. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: CIS Policy Monograph 116: Accessed August 10, 2012 at: http://cis.org.au/images/stories/policy-monographs/pm-116.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Australia URL: http://cis.org.au/images/stories/policy-monographs/pm-116.pdf Shelf Number: 125952 Keywords: AboriginalsAlcohol Related Crime, Disorder (Australia)Alcohol RestrictionsAlcoholismIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Goodwill, Alanaise O. Title: In and Out of Aboriginal Gang Life: Perspectives of Aboriginal Ex-Gang Members Summary: This research project generated a categorical scheme to describe the facilitation of gang entry and exit for Aboriginal ex-gang members using the Critical Incident Technique (Flanagan, 1954; Woolsey, 1986) as a method of qualitative data analysis. Former gang members responded to the questions: (a) What facilitated gang entry for you? (b) What facilitated gang exit for you? Participants provided 103 and 136 critical incidents which were categorized into two separate category schemes each containing 13 different categories. The 13 categories for gang entry were; engaging in physical violence, proving one’s worth, hanging around delinquent activity, family involved in gangs and following a family pattern; going to prison, gang becoming family and support system, looking up to gang members and admiring gang lifestyle, becoming dependant on gang, experiencing unsafe or unsupportive parenting practices, gaining respect by rank increase, reacting to authority, caught in a cycle of fear, and partying. The 13 categories for gang exit were; working in the legal workforce, accepting support from family or girlfriend, helping others stay out of or move away from gang life, not wanting to go back to jail, accepting responsibility for family, accepting guidance and protection, participating in ceremony, avoiding alcohol, publically expressing that you are out of the gang, wanting legitimate relationships outside gang life, experiencing a native brotherhood, stopping self from reacting like a gangster, and acknowledging the drawbacks of gang violence. Diverse methods of checking trustworthiness and credibility were applied to these category schemes, and it was found that both category schemes can be used confidently. Details: Vancouver: University of British Columbia, 2009. 191p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed August 10, 2012 at: https://circle.ubc.ca/bitstream/handle/2429/11076/ubc_2009_fall_goodwill_alanaise.pdf?sequence=1 Year: 2009 Country: Canada URL: https://circle.ubc.ca/bitstream/handle/2429/11076/ubc_2009_fall_goodwill_alanaise.pdf?sequence=1 Shelf Number: 125955 Keywords: AboriginalsGangs (Canada)Indigenous PeoplesYouth Gangs |
Author: Vivian, Alison Title: Factors Affecting Crime Rates in Indigenous Communities in NSW: A Pilot Study in Bourke and Lightning Ridge Summary: This report outlines the findings of a pilot study undertaken in the communities of Bourke and Lightning Ridge. An earlier pilot study was carried out in Wilcannia and Menindee in 2009. This pilot study was completed with the support of an Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Research Grant. We were grateful for the support that made the study possible. There are notable differences in the rates of crime between different Aboriginal communities in NSW. While there has been important research undertaken into the characteristics of individual offenders, there is a lack of qualitative research on the factors affecting crime rates in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. In this context, Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning at the University of Technology Sydney, with support from the NSW Bureau of Crimes Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), is exploring factors that may be considered to have an impact on crime rates being higher in some Aboriginal communities and lower in others. This report is intended to reflect the views of the people that we spoke to in November 2009 and March 2010. Given that our focus is on understanding the political, social, cultural and economic dynamics contributing to crime rates, we interviewed a range of community and organisational representatives and others working in relevant criminal justice and service delivery roles, as a way to better understand the dynamics and experiences of the community as a whole. The findings of this pilot study are preliminary and are by no means comprehensive and we do not pretend that we have captured the views of the entire community. Details: Sydney: Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, University of Technology, Sydney, 2010. 72p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 11, 2012 at: http://www.jumbunna.uts.edu.au/pdfs/research/FinalCommunityReportBLNov10.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Australia URL: http://www.jumbunna.uts.edu.au/pdfs/research/FinalCommunityReportBLNov10.pdf Shelf Number: 125972 Keywords: Aboriginals (Australia)Comparative StudiesCrime RatesIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Cripps, Kyllie Title: Communities Working to Reduce Indigenous Family Violence Summary: This brief describes some of the promising efforts to reduce Indigenous family violence in Australia and overseas, including both government and community initiatives, as well as support mechanisms and measures for victims. Some of Memmott et al.’s (2001) nine categories of violence program types are adopted as headings: support programs; behavioural reform programs; community policing and monitoring programs; justice programs; mediation programs; education and awareness programs; and composite programs. Evaluations of alcohol restrictions are also considered. Details: Canberra: Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse, 2012. 8p. Source: Internet Resource: Brief 12: Accessed August 13, 2012 at: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/briefs/brief012.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Australia URL: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/briefs/brief012.pdf Shelf Number: 125997 Keywords: AboriginalsFamily Violence (Australia)Indigenous PeoplesIntimate Partner ViolenceViolence Against Women |
Author: Rodas, Ana Title: Supply, Demand and harm Reduction Strategies in Australian Prisons: An Update Summary: This report provides an update of the 2004 study of supply, demand and harm reduction strategies in Australian prisons (Black, Dolan and Wodak, 2004). Since the 2004 report, the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy (MCDS) launched the first National Corrections Drug Strategy in 2008, designed to guide the provision of supply, demand and harm reduction strategies in prisons throughout Australia (Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy, 2008). The 2004 study examined supply, demand and harm reduction strategies within Australian prisons, their associated costs and evidence of their effectiveness. The current 2009 study examined supply, demand and harm reduction strategies within Australian prisons but did not include their associated costs. Instead the 2009 study included a section on Indigenous prisoners, programs for released prisoners such as re-entry programs, mortality among recently released prisoners, transitional and pre-release services, and services to which prisoners are referred upon release. The year 2009 was chosen as the comparison year for this report because it was the most recent year for which most jurisdictions were able to provide complete data. Since data were provided for the activities of prison departments and health departments in 2009, this report uses the relevant policy document at the time, which was the National Drug Strategy 2004–2009, as the basis for analysis of supply, demand and harm reduction strategies in Australian prisons. It is important, as always, to acknowledge the limitations of the data and results obtained. Comparison of strategies employed by different jurisdictions is difficult for several reasons. Firstly, much of the data collected were incomplete or from different time periods. Secondly, there are substantial differences in the characteristics of prison systems in different jurisdictions in Australia. Thirdly, the states and territories where the prisons systems are based also vary markedly. Some prison systems have large numbers of injecting drug users, while others have large numbers of Indigenous inmates. Details: Sydney: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre University of New South Wales, 2011. 141p. Source: Internet Resource: ANCD Research paper 23: Accessed September 10, 2012 at: http://www.ancd.org.au/images/PDF/Researchpapers/rp23_australian_prisons.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Australia URL: http://www.ancd.org.au/images/PDF/Researchpapers/rp23_australian_prisons.pdf Shelf Number: 126288 Keywords: Drug Abuse Treatment ProgramsDrug OffendersIndigenous PeoplesPrisonersPrisons (Australia) |
Author: Perry, Steven W. Title: Tribal Crime Data Collection Activities, 2012 Summary: Describes Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) activities to collect and improve data on crime and justice in Indian country, as required by the Tribal Law and Order Act, 2010. The report summarizes BJS's comprehensive outreach and collaboration strategy to implement a census of courts operating in Indian country. It presents data from the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, which was conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, about American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN), their tribal affiliations, and the populations of AIAN reservations and villages. It also includes federal justice statistics on federal suspects investigated and charges filed for offenses occurring in Indian country. The report describes tribal law enforcement agencies and the number of agencies with identifiable crime data in the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. It summarizes tribal eligibility for Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) awards. Highlights include the following: In 2010, the self-identified American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) population totaled 5.2 million, or 1.7% of the estimated 308.7 million people in the United States. About 3.5 million (76%) of the 4.6 million people living on American Indian reservations or in Alaska Native villages in 2010 were not AIAN. Tribally operated law enforcement agencies in Indian country employed 3,043 full-time equivalent (FTE) personnel in 2008. Details: Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, 2012. 18p. Source: Technical Report: Internet Resource: Accessed October 13, 2012 at http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/tcdca12.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/tcdca12.pdf Shelf Number: 126687 Keywords: American IndiansCrime Statistics (U.S.)Indians of North AmericaIndigenous PeoplesNative AmericansTribal CourtsTribal JusticeTribal Law Enforcement |
Author: U.S. Department of the Interior. Bureau of Indian Affairs Title: Crime-Reduction Best Practices Handbook: Making Indian Communities Safe 2012 Summary: This handbook contains the successful strategies with information ranging from general approaches to specific details that should be in place to successfully implement strategies. Although specific applications of best practices may vary from location to location, the basic approach to crime-reduction outlined in this handbook is relevant to all law enforcement entities in Indian Country. This handbook is organized into six sections: section 1, The Conceptual Framework, entitled “Formula for Success,” overviews the crime-reduction strategies and how they interrelate to achieve the overall goal of reduced violent crime. Sections 2 through 6, “Implementation and Results,” examine the implementation of each strategy; analyzes which strategies were successful; describes what challenges were faced; and indicates what positive outcomes were achieved. The appendixes provide specific formats and vehicles used to implement the strategies. This part of the handbook is particularly useful to facilitate implementation at other reservations. Information contained in the appendixes includes the formats used for each strategy (e.g., shift reports, operating plans, memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with other agencies, press releases); violent crime and property crime statistics at each High Priority Performance Goal (HPPG) reservation; demographic information for each HPPG reservation with other non-HPPG locations with similar population and acreage; a blank interview guide used for obtaining specific information from the HPPG reservations; and a list of the information sources used to compile this handbook. Details: Washington, DC: Office of Justice Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 2012. 124p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 16, 2012 at http://www.bia.gov/cs/groups/xojs/documents/text/idc-018678.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://www.bia.gov/cs/groups/xojs/documents/text/idc-018678.pdf Shelf Number: 127211 Keywords: American IndiansCrime ReductionIndians of North AmericaIndigenous PeoplesNative AmericansReservation CrimesReservation Law EnforcementTribal JusticeTribal Law Enforcement |
Author: Allard, Troy Title: Targeting Crime Prevention: Identifying communities which generate chronic and costly offenders to reduce offending, crime, victimisation and Indigenous over-representation in the criminal justice system Summary: Indigenous over-representation is the most significant social justice and public policy issue within the Australian criminal justice system. Despite the existence of justice agreements and plans in every jurisdiction over the past decade, the gap has continued to widen in every jurisdiction. Indigenous people aged 10 and over were between 5.6 and 8.4 times more likely than non-Indigenous people to be arrested during 2009-2010. Indigenous youth were 13.4 times more likely than non-Indigenous youth to be under community supervision and 23.9 times more likely to be in youth detention during 2009-2010. Indigenous adults were 14.3 times more likely than non-Indigenous adults to be incarcerated during 2011. Two national policy initiatives are driving attempts to reduce Indigenous disadvantage, including Indigenous over-representation in the criminal justice system. The Closing the Gap strategy recognises the need for a long-term approach to reduce Indigenous disadvantage. The strategy aims to achieve simultaneous improvements in seven areas of life: early childhood, schooling, health, economic participation, healthy homes, safe communities and governance and leadership. The National Indigenous Law & Justice Framework aims to create safer Indigenous communities. One of the main mechanisms proposed to reduce Indigenous over-representation as offenders in the criminal justice system is through the use of effective and targeted crime prevention programs. Unfortunately little publically available information exists regarding how programs might be targeted to reduce offending by Indigenous peoples. Details: Report to the Criminology Research Advisory Council, 2012. 69p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 11, 2013 at: Year: 2012 Country: Australia URL: Shelf Number: 127583 Keywords: AboriginalsChronic OffendersCommunities and CrimeCosts of CrimeCrime Prevention (Australia)Indigenous PeoplesMinority Groups |
Author: Hudson, Sara Title: Panacea to Prison? Justice Reinvestment in Indigenous Communities Summary: High Indigenous incarceration rates have elicited a long list of so-called solutions over the years. Since the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC), countless reports and programs have aimed to reduce the Indigenous incarceration rate. Yet the percentage of Aboriginal people in custody has continued to rise, nearly doubling from 14% of the prison population in 1991 to 27% in 2012. The latest ‘solution’ to high Indigenous incarceration, and the focus of this monograph, is Justice Reinvestment. Justice Reinvestment is a school of thought from the United States that proposes redirecting money spent on prisons into programs that address the underlying causes of offending in communities with high levels of incarceration. Justice Reinvestment involves three steps: 1.gathering data on offending and the criminal justice system 2.using the data to create justice maps (areas with the greatest concentration of offenders) 3.redirecting funds from corrective services to implement programs in ‘targeted’ locations to reduce offending and evaluating the effectiveness of the programs. The underlying premise of Justice Reinvestment—to build communities rather than prisons—has proven seductive, and many countries are now applying or investigating Justice Reinvestment. Australia is the latest country to consider adopting Justice Reinvestment. The Australian Senate is conducting an inquiry into the value of a Justice Reinvestment approach to criminal justice in Australia, with a particular focus on the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia’s prisons. Advocates of Justice Reinvestment in Australia have been quick to highlight the success stories from overseas but a number of important differences exist between the criminal justice systems in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. These disparities suggest that the application of Justice Reinvestment strategies in Australia could be difficult, and that Australia needs to exercise caution and not embrace Justice Reinvestment just because everyone else is. In the United States, three-quarters of offenders are given custodial (prison) sentences, whereas only one-fifth of the sentences imposed in Australia are custodial, which means, the United States has more room to ‘manoeuvre’ because it has more offenders to keep out of prison compared to Australia. A key feature of Justice Reinvestment in the United States is the devolution of power from state to local authorities. But in Australia, criminal justice is already the responsibility of state and territory governments, and it is highly unlikely that this responsibility will be devolved to local government authorities. Advocates of Justice Reinvestment claim it saves money, but in all the states in the United States where Justice Reinvestment strategies have been applied, prisons may have closed but correctional service budgets have continued to grow. In the United Kingdom, Justice Reinvestment approaches seem to be accompanied by a parallel rise in the prison population. Justice Reinvestment appears to recycle familiar old ‘preventive’ and community-based programs in a new wrapping. The localised, community-focused approach characteristic of Justice Reinvestment is already a feature of Aboriginal Community Justice Groups in NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory. Justice Reinvestment supporters have yet to explain how the approach will be any different or an improvement on existing community-based justice programs. Following the 1991 RCIADIC, crime ‘prevention’ polices have applied ‘culturally appropriate’ or ‘culturally secure’ approaches to reduce Indigenous incarceration. For example, initiatives such as Circle Sentencing and the Koori and Murri courts, where Aboriginal offenders are brought before their community elders for sanctioning, were established. Yet such initiatives have merely ‘tinkered’ with aspects of the criminal justice system and not addressed the underlying reasons why people are offending. In the fight against Indigenous disadvantage and incarceration, Justice Reinvestment threatens to become a distraction from focusing on the fundamentals such as education and employment that will lead to change. Zero employment among 35% of the Aboriginal population plays a critical role in the high rates of Indigenous incarceration, with unemployed Indigenous people 20 times more likely to be imprisoned than employed Indigenous people. In fact, unemployment has been found to be a greater risk factor for offending than Indigenous status. Education and employment may not sound as novel or exciting as Justice Reinvestment, but evidence shows they play a critical role in the high Indigenous incarceration rate. Improving educational outcomes should not be reliant on the diversion of funds from prison services but a basic right that states and territories should be covering in their education budgets. Details: St. Leonards, NSW, AUS: Centre for Independent Studies, 2013. Source: Internet Resource: CIS Policy Monographs, No. 134: Accessed February 14, 2013 at: http://www.cis.org.au/images/stories/policy-monographs/pm-134.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Australia URL: http://www.cis.org.au/images/stories/policy-monographs/pm-134.pdf Shelf Number: 127620 Keywords: Aboriginal AustraliansIndigenous PeoplesPrison ReformPrisoners |
Author: New South Wales. Ombudsman Title: Responding to Child Sexual Assault in Aboriginal Communities A report under Part 6A of the Community Services (Complaints, Reviews and Monitoring) Act 1993 Summary: This report outlines the findings and recommendations from our audit of the implementation of the NSW Interagency Plan to Tackle Child Sexual Assault in Aboriginal Communities. The Interagency Plan was released in January 2007 and operated for five years. Approximately $60 million was earmarked for implementing Interagency Plan initiatives. The Plan committed 11 government agenciesii and a number of non-government organisations to implementing 88 actions. The goals underpinning the Interagency Plan recognise that child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities cannot be tackled in isolation of the broader issues of disadvantage – including poor health, education and employment outcomes, and the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in the child protection and criminal justice systems. In response to recommendation 18.1 of the Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services, the Ombudsman was required to audit the implementation of the Interagency Plan. When Justice Wood assessed what the Interagency Plan had achieved in its early years, he found that it had generated significant levels of activity but it was ‘difficult to assess’ the actual impact on Aboriginal communities, or on those children who are experiencing or are at risk of sexual abuse. Throughout the period of the Plan’s implementation, a range of major initiatives have been introduced. In particular, the reforms to the child protection system arising from the Special Commission of Inquiry and the Government’s response, Keep Them Safe, as well as a range of initiatives linked to the National Indigenous Reform Agreement, settled by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in November 2008. In August 2011, several months before the Interagency Plan was due to end, the NSW Government established a Ministerial Taskforce in recognition of the need to improve service delivery and accountability in Aboriginal affairs and, in particular, to improve employment and educational outcomes for Aboriginal people in NSW. Although the Ministerial Taskforce has not specifically focused on the issue of child sexual assault, it has recognised the strong alignment between its commitment to building strong accountability across government and what is required to properly address child sexual assault in Aboriginal communities into the future. Throughout our audit, we have used a series of inquiries to focus agencies’ attention on issues that need to be addressed if specific child protection strategies are to have an impact, especially in high-need locations. Two of these inquiries have culminated in reports to Parliament – Inquiry into service provision to the Bourke and Brewarrina communities (December 2010) and Addressing Aboriginal Disadvantage: the need to do things differently (October 2011). We also issued a confidential report provided directly to lead agencies about our review of a group of schoolaged children in two Western NSW towns (July 2012). Each report highlights measures needed to create an environment where child wellbeing is paramount and communities can thrive, thereby paving the way for more effective child sexual abuse prevention measures. These reports, collectively, constitute our formal report to the Minister on our audit. Details: Sydney: NSW Ombudsman, 2012. 310p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 18, 2013 at: http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/7961/ACSA-report-web1.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Australia URL: http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/7961/ACSA-report-web1.pdf Shelf Number: 127995 Keywords: AboriginalsChild Abuse and NeglectChild ProtectionChild Sexual Abuse (Australia)Indigenous Peoples |
Author: Stacey, Kathleen Title: Panyappi Indigenous Youth Mentoring Program External Evaluation Report Summary: Panyappi is an Indigenous youth mentoring service for young people who experience multiple problems that lead them to frequent inner city or other suburban hangouts, placing them at risk of being a victim of crime or engaging in offending behaviour. Panyappi aims to: 1. To intervene in pathways of offending behaviour and bring about a positive shift in each young person’s attitude toward offending and in their behaviour. 2. To decrease each young participant’s contact with the juvenile justice system and/or agencies associated with this system. 3. To promote self-discovery and self-determination by young people participating in the program their family and wider community. 4. To work collaboratively with all agencies that have mutual responsibility for resolving the young person’s difficulties. Most of the young people with whom Panyappi works are disengaging or already disengaged from education, have a high rate of social-emotional issues, and often engage in substance misuse. At least half of these young people are involved with FAYS and/or the juvenile justice system. They are unlikely to engage with mainstream youth mentoring programs, particularly on a voluntary basis, or with other youth groups or youth support services. They require longer-term, consistent, regular and more intense support in order to build trust, foster their personal resilience, and assist them to gain stability, a positive personal identity and constructive direction for their lives. Although it began in July 2001, like many pilot initiatives tackling a difficult issue Panyappi experienced disruptions during its establishment. Initially this was due to disagreement about the program focus, location, auspicing arrangements, and an insufficient funding base. The funding issue led to staffing the program with trainees only as mentors, rather than more experienced workers, which proved inappropriate and drew the Coordinator’s time away from service development. After making progress by March 2002, there were two quick changes of Coordinator resulting in an extended break in service in 2002. The program was stabilised in February 2003 and since then has functioned more smoothly, strengthened collaborative work with other agencies/ services, and provided consistent mentoring services for young people and families. Details: Panyappi: Metropolitan Aboriginal Youth Team; Adelaide: South Australia Department of Human Services, 2004. 86p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 18, 2013 at: http://www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/Pub/Portals/7/panyappi-indigenous-youth-mentoring-program-external-evaluation-report.pdf Year: 2004 Country: Australia URL: http://www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/Pub/Portals/7/panyappi-indigenous-youth-mentoring-program-external-evaluation-report.pdf Shelf Number: 128002 Keywords: AboriginalsAt-risk YouthDelinquency PreventionIndigenous PeoplesYouth Mentoring (Australia) |
Author: Victoria. Sentencing Advisory Council Title: Comparing Sentencing Outcomes for Koori and Non-Koori Adult Offenders in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria Summary: There are many causes of over-representation of Koori people in Victoria’s prisons. The findings of this report show that it is influenced by Koori people being more likely to be sent to prison. This difference may be influenced by Koori people being more likely to have been in both the youth justice system and the child welfare system. Both of these may be partly explained by the effects of colonisation and the economic and social impacts that followed. The 2011 Australian census showed that Koori people made up less than 1% of the Victorian population but more than 7% of the Victorian prison population. The rate of imprisonment for Koori people was 13 times higher than for non-Koori people. Recent Australian research has found that Indigenous people are given different sentences because they are more involved in offending, not because of any specific racial discrimination among magistrates and judges. However, racial discrimination contributes to the high levels of disadvantage that influence Indigenous people’s involvement in crime in the first place. The main aim of the Council’s report is to compare sentencing outcomes for Koori and non-Koori offenders who have been sentenced in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria to imprisonment, partially suspended sentences, intensive correction orders and community-based orders. The findings of the report address three research questions. Details: Melbourne: Victoria Sentencing Advisory Council, 2013. 67p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 16, 2013 at: https://sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au/content/publications/comparing-sentencing-outcomes-koori-and-non-koori-adult-offenders Year: 2013 Country: Australia URL: https://sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au/content/publications/comparing-sentencing-outcomes-koori-and-non-koori-adult-offenders Shelf Number: 128355 Keywords: Indigenous PeoplesRacial DisparitiesSentencing (Victoria, Australia) |
Author: Asian Centre for Human Rights Title: The Brus of Mizoram: Unequal, Unwanted and Unwelcome. A fact finding report on exodus of the Brus in November 2009 Summary: From 13 to 17 November 2009, about 500 houses in 11 villages belonging to the indigenous Bru minorities, also known as Reangs, were burnt down by persons whom the officials of the State government of Mizoram termed as “miscreants” and “anti-social elements”. The attacks were carried out in retaliation of the murder of a Mizo youth identified as Mr Zarzokima (17 years) in the morning of 13 November 2009 by alleged Bru Revolutionary Union (BRU) cadres at Bungthuam village under Lokicherra police station in Mamit district. On 20 November 2009, the Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) condemned the violence against the minority Brus. On 22 November 2009, Mizoram Home Minister Mr R Lalzirliana called a press conference to refute the allegations of ACHR and stated that “ACHR representatives are most welcome to come to Mizoram and see the facts and ground realities by themselves.” On 1st December 2009, the State of Mizoram accepted the proposal of ACHR to allow its team to visit Mizoram and agreed to provide adequate security. The Terms of Reference of the Fact Finding Team are the following: 1. Investigate the causes of the displacement of the Brus in November 2009; 2. Examine the scale of destruction/damages/properties lost since November 2009; 3. Examine the scale of displacement and efforts of relief and rehabilitation of those displaced in November 2009; 4. Examine the responsibility of the State (government) to protect and discharge constitutional responsibilities; 5. Examine the efforts of resolving the Bru crisis since 1997; 6. Examine the respect for the directions of the judicial and quasi-judicial bodies; and 7. Provide the findings along with appropriate recommendations. Details: New Delhi: Asian Centre for Human Rights, 2010. 54p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 6, 2013 at: http://www.achrweb.org/reports/india/BRUS2010.pdf Year: 2010 Country: India URL: http://www.achrweb.org/reports/india/BRUS2010.pdf Shelf Number: 128669 Keywords: Human Rights Abuses (India)Indigenous PeoplesMinority GroupsRacial Violence |
Author: Lyneham, Mathew Title: Deaths in custody in Australia to 30 June 2011 Twenty years of monitoring by the National Deaths in Custody Program since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Summary: Compiled for two decades by the Australian Institute of Criminology, this report found both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous rates of deaths in custody have decreased over the last decade and are now some of the lowest ever seen (0.16 per 100 Indigenous prisoners and 0.22 per 100 non-Indigenous prisoners in 2010–11). For the last eight years in a row, the Indigenous rate of death in prison has been lower than the equivalent non-Indigenous rate. While Indigenous prisoners continue to be statistically less likely to die in custody than non-Indigenous prisoners, there is a concerning trend emerging, as the actual number of Indigenous deaths in prison are rising again, with 14 in 2009-10 which is equal to the highest on record. More concerning still is that over the 20 years since the Royal Commission, the proportion of prisoners that are Indigenous has almost doubled from 14% in 1991 to 26% in 2011. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2013. 197p. Source: Internet Resource: AIC Reports; Monitoring Reports 20: Accessed May 30, 2013 at: http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/current%20series/mr/1-20/20.html Year: 2013 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/current%20series/mr/1-20/20.html Shelf Number: 128855 Keywords: AboriginalsDeaths in Custody (Australia)Indigenous PeoplesPrisoners |
Author: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Title: Breaking the Silence on Violence against Indigenous Girls, Adolescents and Young Women. A call to action based on an overview of existing evidence from Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America Summary: Even before the adoption of the declaration in 2007, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) had at its Fifth Session in 2006 recommended to United Nations organizations and States to provide comprehensive reports on violence against indigenous women and girls, particularly sexual violence and violence in settings of armed conflict. This study responds to that call. It finds that violence against these groups must be understood within the broader contexts of indigenous peoples’ historic and continuing marginalization and discrimination, violations of their collective and individual rights, displacement, extreme poverty and often-limited access to culturally appropriate basic services and justice – a finding that is consistent with the views of the UNPFII and the International Indigenous Women’s Forum. However, in all societies there are practices to keep, practices to change and practices to reconsider. While indigenous peoples continue to value and perpetuate their culture and way of life, we should not be exempt from this type of reflection. We hope this report will trigger change so that indigenous communities – women, men, girls and boys – can play their role in guaranteeing a life free from violence and discrimination for indigenous girls, adolescents and young women. As the study exposes gaps in research and data collection in regard to violence against these groups, it is the collective responsibility of States, indigenous The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples includes Article 22, which ensures that indigenous women and children enjoy the full protection and guarantees against all forms of violence and discrimination. At the time of negotiating this provision, the drafters knew that the contexts in which many indigenous women and girls live place them at risk of violence. Foreword Grand Chief Edward John, Chairperson United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Otilia Lux de Coti Executive Director, International Indigenous Women’s Forum peoples, civil society organizations and United Nations agencies, funds, programmes and special mandate holders to further examine and assess their real experiences in order to effectively focus interventions and strengthen protective factors that work to prevent and reduce the likelihood of violence. To truly realize the rights of indigenous girls, adolescents and young women, there must be a positive and cooperative environment for their promotion and protection. It is our hope that this study will catalyse action so that together we will not only declare that violence is unacceptable but also make its prevention and elimination a living reality. Details: New York: UNICEF, 2013. 75p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 30, 2013 at: http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/sites/default/files/documents/Breaking_the_Silence_on_Violence_against_Indigenous_Girls_Adolescents_and_Young_Women_Report.pdf Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/sites/default/files/documents/Breaking_the_Silence_on_Violence_against_Indigenous_Girls_Adolescents_and_Young_Women_Report.pdf Shelf Number: 128883 Keywords: Indigenous PeoplesRapeSexual ViolenceViolence Against Women (Africa, Asia, Latin Americ |
Author: Roguski, Michael Title: He Pūrongo Arotake 2: Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Evaluation Report 2: Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Summary: In 2006 the government launched its Effective Interventions (EI) policy package. The package was established to identify and support options for reducing offending and the prison population, thereby reducing the costs and impacts of crime on New Zealand society. An important component of the EI package was the need to enhance justice sector responsiveness to Māori. As such, Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK) and the Ministry of Justice developed Programme of Action for Māori (later known as the Justice Policy Project with the change of government) which comprised the following three elements: ongoing engagement with Māori communities; supporting learning from promising and innovative providers; and enhancing information gathering and analysis across the sector about effectiveness for Māori. Te Puni Kōkiri invested in a small number of interventions (up to June 2008) that were designed, developed and delivered by Māori providers and test facilitators of success for Māori in the justice sector. This work has contributed to an initial platform for developing an empirical evidence base about „what works‟ for Māori, while agencies develop options for sustainable funding streams. This study looks at the Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri (Ōtāhuhu), who deliver a programme aimed at reducing re-offending among 20 of Auckland recidivist offenders and their whānau referred by Police. The objectives of this evaluation are to: gather quantitative information to augment the process evaluations undertaken after one year of operation; document in narrative form, at least two of the six intervention initiatives, providing at least two examples of successful transition from involvement in crime and the criminal justice sector into pro-social living and a life without offending, utilising networks gained through the first evaluations; and to go beyond documenting problems and gaps, towards providing examples of Māori succeeding as Māori The key questions that this evaluation aimed to answer were: what has Te Puni Kōkiri learnt from Māori designed, developed and delivered initiatives within the social justice sector? what are the facilitators of success for Māori in the justice sector? Details: Wellington, NZ: Te Puni Kökiri, 2011. 18p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 3, 2013 at: http://www.tpk.govt.nz/en/in-print/our-publications/publications/addressing-the-drivers-of-crime-for-maori/download/tpk-evaluation-report-2-te-whare-ruruhau-o-meri.pdf Year: 2011 Country: New Zealand URL: http://www.tpk.govt.nz/en/in-print/our-publications/publications/addressing-the-drivers-of-crime-for-maori/download/tpk-evaluation-report-2-te-whare-ruruhau-o-meri.pdf Shelf Number: 129258 Keywords: Indigenous PeoplesJuvenile Zealand)MaoriRecidivismRepeat OffendersTreatment Programs |
Author: Closing the Gap Clearinghouse Title: The role of community patrols in improving safety in Indigenous communities Summary: Summary Community patrols have the potential to increase Indigenous community safety. They can assist in reducing crime rates and alcohol-related harm and empower the local community. The most successful community patrols tend to enjoy community involvement and ownership and strong collaboration with police and a network of community services. This paper summarises the key evidence in support of community patrols. It also summarises some of the evidence on best practice. What we know • Lack of safety in Indigenous communities in urban, regional and remote areas, adversely affects the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous Australians. • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are over-represented as both perpetrators and victims of violent crime. This is confirmed by high hospitalisation and death rates due to assault, and by high detention and police apprehension rates for Indigenous people for ‘acts intended to cause injury’. • Community patrols vary in how they operate, reflecting the needs of their particular community. Their functions include safe transportation for those at risk of causing or being the victims of harm; dispute resolution and mediation; interventions to prevent self-harm, family violence, homelessness and substance misuse; and diversion from contact with the criminal justice system. Community patrols cooperate closely with other community-based programs and initiatives as well as the local police unit. • Indigenous community patrols are one type of safety initiative among a range of initiatives that are directly or indirectly designed to improve community safety. Together these initiatives enable a holistic approach to improving community safety. • Community patrols need to be independent from the police and justice sector, to allow them to take a flexible approach and keep their communities’ trust; however, good relationships with local police are crucial for the functioning of community patrols. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2013. Source: Internet Resource: Resource sheet no. 20: Accessed August 12, 2013 at: http://www.aihw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/ClosingTheGap/Content/Publications/2013/ctg-rs20.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aihw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/ClosingTheGap/Content/Publications/2013/ctg-rs20.pdf Shelf Number: 129625 Keywords: Community Patrols (Australia)Indigenous PeoplesVolunteers |
Author: Indian Law and Order Commission Title: A Roadmap For Making Native America Safer. Report To The President And Congress Of The United States Summary: These recommendations are intended to make Native American and Alaska Native nations safer and more just for all U.S. citizens and to reduce the unacceptably high rates of violent crime that have plagued Indian country for decades. This report reflects one of the most comprehensive assessments ever undertaken of criminal justice systems servicing Native American and Alaska Native communities. The Indian Law and Order Commission is an independent national advisory commission created in July 2010 when the Tribal Law and Order Act was passed and extended earlier in 2013 by the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization (VAWA Amendments). The President and the majority and minority leadership of the Congress appointed the nine Commissioners, all of whom have served as volunteers. Importantly, the findings and recommendations contained in this Roadmap represent the unanimous conclusions of all nine Commissioners - Democratic and Republican appointees alike - of what needs to be done now to make Native America safer. As provided by TLOA, the Commission received limited funding from the U.S. Departments of Justice and the Interior to carry out its statutory responsibilities. To save taxpayers' money, the Commission has operated entirely in the field - often on the road in federally recognized Indian country - and conducted its business primarily by phone and Internet email. The Commission had no offices. Its superb professional staff consists entirely of career Federal public officials who have been loaned to the Commission as provided by TLOA, and we are grateful to them and the Departments of Justice and the Interior. TLOA has three basic purposes. First, the Act was intended to make Federal departments and agencies more accountable for serving Native people and lands. Second, TLOA was designed to provide greater freedom for Indian Tribes and nations to design and run their own justice systems. This includes Tribal court systems generally, along with those communities that are subject to full or partial State criminal jurisdiction under P.L. 83-280. Third, the Act sought to enhance cooperation among Tribal, Federal, and State officials in key areas such as law enforcement training, interoperability, and access to criminal justice information. In addition to assessing the Act's effectiveness, this Roadmap recommends long-term improvements to the structure of the justice system in Indian country. This includes changes to the basic division of responsibility among Federal, Tribal, and State officials and institutions. The theme here is to provide for greater local control and accountability while respecting the Federal constitutional rights of all U.S. citizens. Some of the Commission's recommendations require Federal legislative action. Others are matters of internal executive branch policy and practice. Still others must be addressed by the Federal judiciary. Finally, much of what the Commission has proposed will require enlightened and energetic leadership from the State governments and, ultimately, Native Americans and Alaska Native citizens and their elected leaders. The Commission finds that the public safety crisis in Native America is emphatically not an intractable problem. More lives and property can and will be saved once Tribes have greater freedom to build and maintain their own criminal justice systems. The Commission sees breathtaking possibilities for safer, strong Native communities achieved through home-grown, tribally based systems that respect the civil rights of all U.S. citizens, and reject outmoded Federal command-and-control policies in favor of increased local control, accountability, and transparency. Details: Washington, DC: Indian Law & Order Commission, 2013. 326p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 23, 2013 at: https://www.indianlawandordercommission.com/report/files/A_Roadmap_For_Making_Native_America_Safer-Full.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: https://www.indianlawandordercommission.com/report/files/A_Roadmap_For_Making_Native_America_Safer-Full.pdf Shelf Number: 131687 Keywords: American IndiansCriminal Justice SystemsIndians of North AmericaIndigenous PeoplesNative Americans |
Author: Ware, Vicki-Ann Title: Mentoring programs for Indigenous youth at risk Summary: This Resource Sheet examines evidence for the effectiveness of mentoring programs in helping to set Indigenous young people at risk of engaging in antisocial and risky behaviours on healthier life pathways. Mentoring is a relationship intervention strategy that research is showing can have powerful and lasting positive impacts on behavioural, academic and vocational outcomes for at-risk youth. Costello and Thomson (2011:1) describe youth mentoring as follows: Youth mentoring is, according to the Australian Youth Mentoring Network, defined as 'a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement'. The goal of youth mentoring is to enhance social engagement and thereby minimise negative behaviours through growth in social and developmental behaviours. There are two types of mentoring style found in the literature-natural and planned. Among Indigenous Australians, the natural or informal form of mentoring is often spontaneous through the Elders' traditional role of sharing the wisdom, the knowledge and the spirit, which can draw Aboriginal people back to traditional ways. Elders play an extremely important role in Aboriginal families as role models, care providers and educators (Walker 1993). This Resource Sheet focuses on the planned or formal form of mentoring, which often includes Elders as part of these programs. It does not, however, cover the following formal forms of mentoring: a detailed analysis of mentoring, which occurs within sporting and other programs. (This is covered, where relevant, in a forthcoming Resource Sheet titled Supporting healthy communities through sports and recreation programs.); mentoring embedded within broader youth diversionary or justice programs; mentoring within cadetship or other vocational education programs. There is a strong body of literature on the types of youth mentoring programs and the dynamics of successful programs and mentoring relationships. This Resource Sheet draws on evidence from 45 studies. Over half were Australian studies, with additional evidence from research in other colonised nations such as New Zealand, Canada and the United States. Two-thirds of the studies were Indigenous-specific. A range of methodologies was used including evaluations, critical descriptions of programs, meta-analyses and research syntheses. Details: Canberra: Closing the Gap Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2013. 20p. Source: Closing the Gap Clearinghous Resource Sheet No. 22: Internet Resource: Accessed January 16, 2014 Year: 2013 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aihw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/ClosingTheGap/Content/Publications/2013/ctgc-rs22.pdf Shelf Number: 131778 Keywords: At-Risk YouthIndigenous PeoplesJuvenile OffendersMentoring |
Author: Senior, Kate Title: Developing Successful Diversionary Schemes for Youth from Remote Aboriginal Communities Summary: This report explores the experiences and aspirations of youth in Wadeye, a remote Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory which has become synonymous with the deviant behaviours of its young people. The research was undertaken over a three year period, and builds upon a previous ten year period of community based research. As such it forms a unique longitudinal study of young people during a period of extreme change in their lives. The research applied a mixed methods approach, utilising ethnography, interviews and the application of a community wide survey. Although young community based people were the primary focus of the study, the research also included the wider community perspectives, service providers and a sample of imprisoned community members. The proliferation of gangs in the Wadeye community has become a primary focus for outsiders' interpretation of social issues in the community. These gangs have been defined by their violent and oppositional cultures. This period of research and the research which preceded it, emphasise the complexity of gang cultures and gang dynamics in this community. The report also emphasises that a primary focus on gangs serves to obscure other factors influencing young people's lives and behaviours. This includes those youth who do not engage in deviant behaviour, who attend school and progress to employment. It also includes youth who engage in non-gang related violent and anti-social behaviour. The report argues that effective service delivery and the development of appropriate diversion activities for young people must recognise the diversity and complexity of the youth experience in the community and recognise and develop their current strengths. Feedback from elders, young people and long-term community workers, advocates that more partnership approaches to further research and program evaluation must become an integral part of the process. Involving young people themselves as part of this research process will provide opportunities to create new roles for them and to establish a positive foundation for the future of the community. Details: Sydney: Criminology Research Advisory Group, 2012. 96p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 27, 2014 at: http://www.criminologyresearchcouncil.gov.au/reports/1314/26-0809-FinalReport.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Australia URL: http://www.criminologyresearchcouncil.gov.au/reports/1314/26-0809-FinalReport.pdf Shelf Number: 131811 Keywords: AboriginalsAntisocial BehaviorAt-Risk YouthDelinquency PreventionGangsIndigenous PeoplesJuvenile DelinquentsJuvenile OffendersLongitudinal Studies |
Author: National Justice Chief Executive Officers Group Title: Staying Strong on the Outside: Indigenous Young Adults: Final Report Summary: The Staying Strong on the Outside project, an initiative of the National Justice Chief Executive Officers (NJCEOs) Group, sought to identify factors that contribute to positive outcomes for Indigenous young adults aged 18 to 25 years released from custody and to highlight programs and initiatives that offer promise in this area. - The Project was undertaken in 2008 to 2009 and had three components: a review of research; a practice survey distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand; and a Forum attended by more than 80 policy-makers and practitioners from both countries. - The over-representation of Indigenous persons in custody has been well documented. The Australian Bureau of Statistics National Prisoner Census indicates that on 30 June 2008, 24% of the adult prisoner population were Indigenous, despite this group making up only 2% of the Australian population. There were 1,795 Indigenous persons aged 18 to 24 years in custody, which equates to 6.5% of the total prison population. Around one third of these young adults were imprisoned in New South Wales. Māori, particularly young adults, are also over-represented within the New Zealand prison population. - Stakeholders engaged through this project supported the decision by the NJCEOs to focus on Indigenous young adults, given this is a pivotal point marked by the transition to adulthood and in light of the intergenerational effects of Indigenous incarceration. They also highlighted the importance of considering the needs of particular sub-groups within this population, including young women and persons from rural and remote locations. - The practice survey identified 36 programs in Australia or New Zealand that offer re-entry services to Indigenous young adults. Of the 36 programs, only two were aimed exclusively at the 18 - 25 year age group. Both programs were in New South Wales. Nevertheless, most of the programs aimed to offer an individualised and holistic service, and were therefore able to address the specific needs of Indigenous young adults. - While generally focused on any adult prisoner, the 36 practice examples considered for this project were highly diverse. They addressed a variety of risk factors, involved a range of partners, had varied funding and had been operating for different time periods. Programs ranged from initiatives to create pathways to employment (Western Australian Mining Industry Employment Linkages); to provision of identification to exiting prisoners (Larrakia Nation Proof of ID); to programs to address offending behaviour in a cultural context (Queensland's Ending Offending Program). - Nine of the 36 examples had been evaluated and four of the nine evaluation reports were provided to the Project Team. While some of these evaluations are now quite dated, the findings were generally positive. Nine of the 36 initiatives commenced in 2008 and therefore it is too early for any evaluation results to be available. This applied to the Bugilmah Burube Wullinje Balund-a (Tabulam) centre in New South Wales and the Konnect Program in Victoria. - A number of key principles were identified through the three components of the project as important contributors to the successful reintegration of Indigenous young adults. These are: - interventions should address the cognitive and behavioural causes of offending. Research suggests that cognitive-behavioural skills programs are among the most effective in offender rehabilitation. - programs should be designed, developed and delivered in a culturally appropriate manner. Evidence suggests that participants in programs that are delivered in a culturally appropriate manner are more likely to complete the program and less likely to re-offend. - services aimed at reintegration should be provided from the beginning of a sentence and continue post-release (throughcare). - interventions should be holistic and, in particular, should ensure that practical health and welfare needs are met so that the client can effectively address behavioural change. -interventions should acknowledge the strengths of Indigenous young offenders, recognizing achievements, ability and potential, while addressing the need to build capacity. - interventions should empower individuals by imparting practical 'life skills', building self-sufficiency and encouraging active participation in rehabilitation. - effective partnerships, information sharing and joined up service delivery are fundamental to the success of initiatives. - the needs of victims should be recognised and addressed, particularly where the victim lives in the same community as the offender. - The project identified the following as key areas of need that should be addressed by interventions: - ensure that connections are made with education, vocational training and employment services; - where possible, maintain, re-establish and strengthen family and community relationships, and involve family members in the reintegration process; and - address substance abuse, as drug and alcohol abuse are risk factors for offending. - The project also identified those features of program delivery that contribute to better outcomes for young Indigenous offenders: - trained and committed staff; - programs targeted at high risk offenders; - treatment styles matched with the learning styles of participants; and - investment in lengthy and intensive programs. - Program evaluation is necessary to identify obstacles to implementation and to determine whether the desired outcomes are achieved. Allied to this issue is the need to provide adequate and long-term funding for programs to ensure a degree of continuity and allow sufficient time for those programs to develop, mature and show results. Details: Canberra(?):Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse, 2009. 93p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 17, 2014 at: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/stayingstrong.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Australia URL: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/stayingstrong.pdf Shelf Number: 131939 Keywords: Indigenous PeoplesInterventionsPrisoner ReentryRehabilitationYoung Adult Offenders |
Author: Kiedrowski, John Title: Trends in Indigenous Policing Models: An International Comparison Summary: The report reviews Indigenous policing models in Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. These countries were selected due to similarities in their colonial history, laws, political structures and the socio-economic outcomes of their respective Indigenous peoples. The purpose of the report is to facilitate opportunities for the exchange of information on Indigenous policing models, research and policy issues. The report, however, is not an exhaustive overview of all Indigenous policing initiatives, but an attempt to initiate information sharing, and enhance cross-national communication and discussion in this critically important area. In the countries reviewed, the Indigenous population is growing at a more rapid rate than the non-Indigenous people. At the same time, the Indigenous people have a much higher rate of offences, arrest and incarceration than non-Indigenous population. Furthermore, the Indigenous people are more socially and economically challenged in terms of unemployment, education and health care. This setting poses a challenge for delivering policing services. Among the countries reviewed, Canada is alone in having a comprehensive and national policing program (FNPP) for its Aboriginal peoples. In the United States many of the reservations have their own policing services which evolved from Congressional legislation. Recently, Congress passed the Tribal Law & Order Act of 2010 to help establish partnerships between the Tribes and Federal government to better address the public-safety challenges that confront the Tribal communities. In Australia, the Royal Commission Into Aboriginal Deaths and Custody was the impetus for determining how policing models will service the Indigenous communities. Recently, the policing models have also been associated with the development of community partnership agreements and performance measures to better determine the impact of policing services. In New Zealand, policing services models continue to follow the Maori Responsiveness Strategy, which is geared towards building partnership and relations with the Maori people. The report identifies a few promising policing practices that can have a positive impact on public safety for Indigenous people. These practices where incorporated into an integrated policing model which highlights the importance of such factors as police training, the development of community partnerships, understanding Indigenous tradition and culture, and the use of a holistic framework. Finally, the report concludes that there is a critical need for further empirical research and more information sharing, and cross-national exchanges. Details: Ottawa: Public Safety Canada, 2013. 59p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 23, 2014 at: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/trnds-ndgns-plc-mdl/trnds-ndgns-plc-mdl-eng.pdf Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/trnds-ndgns-plc-mdl/trnds-ndgns-plc-mdl-eng.pdf Shelf Number: 132144 Keywords: AboriginalsIndigenous PeoplesPolice Policies and PracticesPolice TrainingPolice-Citizen InteractionsPolice-Community Relations |
Author: Dobbs, Terry Title: Kaupapa Maori wellbeing framework: The basis for whanau violence prevention and intervention Summary: Key messages - Maori are over-represented in family violence statistics as both victims and perpetrators. The causes of whanau violence are acknowledged as complex and as sourced from both historical and contemporary factors. The impact of colonisation needs to be considered in order to respond effectively to whanau violence. - Western approaches have not curbed the epidemic of whanau violence. Multi-level approaches to whanau violence prevention and intervention are more likely to achieve the best results. - Understanding the difference between whanau and family is critical in terms of any prevention and intervention practices, policies and legislation. - The use of cultural imperatives, for example, whakapapa, tikanga, wairua, tapu, mauri, and mana, has the potential to inform wellbeing in intimate partner and whanau relationships, transform behaviours and provide alternatives to violence. Using these imperatives can guide transformative practices and inform strategies for whanau violence prevention and whanau wellbeing. They can also be seen as protective factors within whanau, hapu and iwi. - Culturally responsive initiatives and programmes that restore and strengthen whanau and communities should be considered as well as the individual based interventions of mainstream for Maori whanau. Kaupapa Maori conceptual frameworks, for example the Mauri Ora framework, advocate for the development of Maori models that change the way whanau violence is understood and managed. --Successful programmes are likely to have: - Maori population based responses that complement the work of Maori and other community-based intervention services. These should be grounded in te reo me ona tikanga (Maori language and culture), underpinned by Maori values and beliefs, Maori cultural paradigms and frameworks - Government agencies working in close collaboration with iwi organisations to facilitate the implementation of Maori whanau violence prevention initiatives that meet the needs, priorities and aspirations of iwi - Funding sufficient to (a) engage leaders and staff who have the nationally and locally recognised skills to ensure successful implementation of violence prevention initiatives, and (b) to allow for local consultation and subsequent responsiveness in planned activities and projects - Support for capacity building opportunities for both prevention and intervention staff, including opportunities for networking, advocacy, and training - Maori violence prevention initiatives that are funded for research and evaluation in a way that builds local knowledge within a Maori worldview. Details: Auckland, New Zealand: New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse, University of Auckland, 2014. 45p. Source: Internet Resource: Issues Paper 6: Accessed May 6, 2014 at: http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/issues-papers-6 Year: 2014 Country: New Zealand URL: http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/issues-papers-6 Shelf Number: 132250 Keywords: AboriginalsCrime PreventionDomestic ViolenceFamily Violence (New Zealand)Indigenous PeoplesViolence Prevention |
Author: McGuinness, Kate Title: Community Education and Social Marketing Literature Review: To inform a campaign to prevent child abuse and neglect in the Northern Territory Summary: The aim of this review is to inform a community education and social marketing strategy to improve the safety and wellbeing of children in the Northern Territory (NT). Examining national and international literature provides an overview of the current research on i) what helps communities and families to keep their children safe; ii) the use and effectiveness of social marketing and community education approaches for the prevention of child abuse and neglect and/or approaches in remote and/or Aboriginal contexts and iii) their applicability to the NT context. In doing so the review seeks to answer the following questions: - Why is there a need for a community education and social marketing campaign in the NT? - Why do strategies need to reach Aboriginal families? - What helps communities and families to keep their children safe? - What methods of delivery (what strategies) are best for achieving change? - Who should key messages be targeted at? Details: Darwin, NT, AUS: The Centre for Child Development and Education, Menzies School of Health Research, 2013. 60p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 8, 2014 at: http://ccde.menzies.edu.au/sites/default/files/Menzies-SocialMarketing-Review-Final-May.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Australia URL: http://ccde.menzies.edu.au/sites/default/files/Menzies-SocialMarketing-Review-Final-May.pdf Shelf Number: 132292 Keywords: AboriginalsChild Abuse and Neglect (Australia)Child ProtectionCrime PreventionIndigenous PeoplesMedia CampaignsPublicity Campaigns |
Author: Camman, Carolyn Title: Environmental Scan of Canadian and International Aboriginal Corrections Programs and Services Summary: To help inform the evaluation of Strategic Plan on Aboriginal Corrections (SPAC) in 2010/11 and CSC's future planning and policy decisions in this area, the University of Saskatchewan was contracted to undertake an external environmental scan of Aboriginal corrections programs and services within Canada and internationally. Program searches extended across the four elements of the Aboriginal Corrections Continuum of Care model but specifically excluded programs and services provided or funded by CSC. Pre-dispositional programs and services (e.g. sentencing circles, presentence diversion programs) were also excluded from the scan. The scan of corrections programs and services targeted to Aboriginal offenders revealed 38 (non-CSC) programs across Canada and 67 programs and services internationally. All Continuum of Care categories were represented, with the greatest number falling within the 'Intervention' category. Details: Saskatoon: University of Saskatchewan, Forensic Behavioural Sciences and Justice Studies Initiative, 2011. 114p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 26, 2014 at: http://www.usask.ca/cfbsjs/research/pdf/research_reports/CSC_Environmental_Scan_Mar_22_corr.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.usask.ca/cfbsjs/research/pdf/research_reports/CSC_Environmental_Scan_Mar_22_corr.pdf Shelf Number: 132553 Keywords: AboriginalsCorrectional ProgramsIndigenous PeoplesInterventionsPrisonersRehabilitation |
Author: Barnes, Helen Moewaka Title: Sexual Coercion, Resilience and Young Maori: A scoping review Summary: This report provides an overview of what is known in Aotearoa/New Zealand, particularly Maori perspectives, and internationally, on sexual coercion/violence, resilience and healthy relationships, particularly for indigenous peoples, with an overall focus on rangatahi and rangatahi wahine. The report provides a cohesive critique of the field, describes a recommended methodology for research with young people and outlines stakeholder engagement as a sound basis for future partnerships in research and prevention efforts. Details: Wellington, NZ: Ministry of Women's Affairs | Minitatanga Mo Nga Wahine, 2010. 134p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 25, 2014 at: http://mwa.govt.nz/sites/public_files/sexual-coercion-resilience-and-young-maori-a-scoping-review-pdf.pdf Year: 2010 Country: New Zealand URL: http://mwa.govt.nz/sites/public_files/sexual-coercion-resilience-and-young-maori-a-scoping-review-pdf.pdf Shelf Number: 132751 Keywords: AboriginalsIndigenous PeoplesRapeSex CrimesSexual Violence |
Author: Nisbet, Ian Title: Working together to reduce youth recidivism: exploring the potential of a 'Wraparound' Interagency Service Model Summary: The Family Inclusion Project (FIP) was operational between November 2010 and June 2011. The origins of the project were a series of discussions between senior officers of Juvenile Justice and the Coffs Harbour Indigenous Coordination Centre (ICC) in early 2010. The venue for these discussions was the North Coast Justice and Human Services Regional Forum. This venue is a multi-agency forum coordinated by the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet. Its purpose is to coordinate the various justice and human service programs in regional NSW. The ICC and Juvenile Justice recognised that they had shared agenda in terms of reducing both Indigenous over-representation and levels of juvenile recidivism in the criminal justice system. These agencies approached the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University to coordinate and evaluate the implementation of a Wraparound model of intervention with Juvenile Justice clients. The community of Kempsey on the North Coast of NSW was chosen as the site to conduct the project as it has a history of high levels of general and Indigenous juvenile recidivism and is also the site of a number of government funded family support agencies. The Family Inclusion Project therefore mirrored the collaborative effort that it sought to implement and evaluate. The project was funded by the Indigenous Coordination Centre, coordinated by the Centre for Children and Young People and staffed by a psychologist with research expertise seconded from Juvenile Justice. "Wraparound" is an individualised and strengths-based way of working with families with complex needs. It relies on collaboration among service providers and is based on 10 principles. These principles include promoting family voice and choice in the casework process and using natural supports such as families' networks of interpersonal and community relationships, as well as community based services. The project was important because Wraparound offers a different approach to working with Juvenile Justice clients, which has largely focused on the individual client rather than the families and agencies supporting them. A key feature of the Juvenile Justice Corporate Plan 2010-2013, however, is to improve its community based services by increased use of family-focused programs and interventions and by developing effective relationships with other service providers in all areas of NSW. The Coffs Harbour Indigenous Coordination Centre funded a 12-month trial of a Wraparound casework approach and the project officer was seconded to the Centre for Children and Young People in August 2010. The project concluded with the release of this evaluation report in August 2011. Details: East Lismore, NSW, AUS: Southern Cross University, Centre for Children and Young People, 2011. 72p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 10, 2014 at: http://epubs.scu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1045&context=ccyp_pubs Year: 2011 Country: Australia URL: http://epubs.scu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1045&context=ccyp_pubs Shelf Number: 133902 Keywords: Indigenous PeoplesInterventionsJuvenile Offenders (Australia)Juvenile RecidivismJuvenile Rehabilitation Programs |
Author: U.S. Attorney General's Advisory Committee on American IndianAlaska Native Children Exposed to Violence Title: Ending Violence so Children Can Thrive Summary: Day in and day out, despite the tremendous efforts of tribal1 governments and community members, many of them hindered by insufficient funding, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children suffer exposure to violence at rates higher than any other race in the United States. The immediate and long term effects of this exposure to violence includes increased rates of altered neurological development, poor physical and mental health, poor school performance, substance abuse, and overrepresentation in the juvenile justice system. This chronic exposure to violence often leads to toxic stress reactions and severe trauma; which is compounded by historical trauma. Sadly, AI/AN children experience posttraumatic stress disorder at the same rate as veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and triple the rate of the general population.2 With the convergence of exceptionally high crime rates, jurisdictional limitations, vastly under-resourced programs, and poverty, service providers and policy makers should assume that all AI/AN children have been exposed to violence. Through hearings and Listening Sessions over the course of 2013-14, the Attorney General's Advisory Committee on American Indian and Alaska Native Children Exposed to Violence3 examined the current epidemic of violence and evaluated suggestions for preventing violence and alleviating its impact on AI/AN children. This report presents the Advisory Committee's policy recommendations that are intended to serve as a blueprint for preventing AI/ AN children's exposure to violence and for mitigating the negative effects experienced by Al/AN children exposed to violence across the United States and throughout Indian country. The primary focus of the report is the thirty-one wide-ranging findings and recommendations that emerged from hearings and Listening Sessions. The Advisory Committee also examines the reports of the Attorney General's National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence in 20124 and the Indian Law and Order Commission (ILOC) in 2013,5 and incorporates some of the recommendations from these important reports that most strongly impact AI/AN children exposed to violence. This report contains five chapters: (1) "Building a Strong Foundation"; (2) "Promoting Well-Being for American Indian and Alaska Native Children in the Home"; (3) "Promoting Well-Being for American Indian and Alaska Native Children in the Community"; (4) "Creating a Juvenile Justice System that Focuses on Prevention, Treatment and Healing"; and (5) "Empowering Alaska Tribes,6 Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Attorney General's Office, 2014. 258p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 8, 2014 at: http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/defendingchildhood/pages/attachments/2014/11/18/finalaianreport.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United States URL: http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/defendingchildhood/pages/attachments/2014/11/18/finalaianreport.pdf Shelf Number: 134286 Keywords: Child Abuse and Neglect (U.S.)Child MaltreatmentChild ProtectionChildren and ViolenceIndians of North AmericaIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Stewart, Jacqueline Title: Indigenous Youth Justice Programs Evaluation Summary: Diversion from the youth justice system is a critical goal for addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous young people in the criminal justice system. In this report, four programs that were already being implemented by states and territories and identified by them under the National Indigenous Law & Justice Framework as promising practice in diversion are examined. The programs were evaluated, as part of a broader initiative, to determine whether and on what basis they represent good practice (ie are supported by evidence). State and territory governments nominated the programs for evaluation. The four programs sit at different points along a continuum, ranging from prevention (addressing known risk factors for offending behaviour, such as disengagement from family, school, community or culture), early intervention (with identified at-risk young people), diversion (diverting from court process - usually for first or second time offenders) and tertiary intervention (treatment to prevent recidivism): - Aboriginal Power Cup (South Australia)- a sports-based program for engaging Indigenous young people in education and providing positive role models (prevention). - Tiwi Islands Youth Development and Diversion Unit (Northern Territory) - a diversion program that engages Tiwi youth who are at risk of entering the criminal justice system in prevention activities, such as a youth justice conference, school, cultural activities, sport and recreation (early intervention and diversion). - Woorabinda Early Intervention Panel Coordination Service (Queensland) - a program to assess needs and make referrals for young Indigenous people and their families who are at risk or have offended and have complex needs (early intervention and diversion). - Aggression Replacement Training (Queensland) - a 10 week group cognitive-behavioural program to control anger and develop pro-social skills, delivered to Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth assessed as 'at risk' of offending or reoffending (early intervention and tertiary intervention with offenders to reduce risk of reoffending). For each program, the evaluation team developed a 'program logic', identifying the activities and goals of the program, and how it articulates within a broader framework of criminal justice prevention. This informed the design of the evaluation and the approach to collecting both qualitative data (from young people participating in the program, program staff, family, or other service providers/community members) and quantitative data to identify any effects of the program on individuals, or the broader community. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2014. 146p. Source: Internet Resource: AIC Reports: Special Report: Accessed January 15, 2015 at: http://www.aic.gov.au/media_library/publications/special/005/Indigenous-Youth-Justice-Programs-Evaluation.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aic.gov.au/media_library/publications/special/005/Indigenous-Youth-Justice-Programs-Evaluation.pdf Shelf Number: 134409 Keywords: AboriginalsAlternatives to IncarcerationAt-Risk YouthEvidence-Based ProgramsIndigenous PeoplesJuvenile DiversionJuvenile Justice SystemJuvenile Offenders (Australia)Treatment Programs |
Author: Simpson, Paul Title: Views on Alternatives to Imprisonment: A Citizens Jury Approach Summary: Alarming over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australian prisons, combined with high recidivism rates and poor health and social outcomes among those released from prison, has led many to claim that incarceration is a social policy failure. An important obstacle to a reform agenda in the criminal justice area is public opinion. The public are often perceived to hold punitive attitudes towards offenders, a situation often exploited by politicians to perpetuate punitive penal policies at the expense of developing decarceration initiatives. However, alternatives to public opinion surveys/polls are needed. Citizens Juries offer an alternative method to assess the public's views, views that are critically informed and thus better aid policy development. The Lowitja Institute has published the report that explores, through Citizens Juries, the views of a better informed public towards how we, as a community, should address offenders in terms of incarceration and incarceration alternatives. The research focused on a range of incarceration alternatives including Justice Reinvestment. Details: Melbourne: Lowitja Institute, 2014. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 19, 2015 at: https://www.lowitja.org.au/sites/default/files/docs/Lowitja%20Alternatives-text-WEB.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Australia URL: https://www.lowitja.org.au/sites/default/files/docs/Lowitja%20Alternatives-text-WEB.pdf Shelf Number: 134650 Keywords: AboriginalsAlternatives to IncarcerationIndigenous PeoplesPublic AttitudesPublic Opinion (Australia) |
Author: Hylton, John H. Title: Canadian Innovations in the Provision of Policing Services to Aboriginal Peoples Summary: An initial report on evidence-based practice in the provision of policing services to Aboriginal people was one of more than 20 research reports commissioned by the Ipperwash Inquiry for the purpose of assisting in the development of the Inquiry's "Part 2" recommendations. The Inquiry's recommendations will consider both "systemic" and "operational" matters relating to the Inquiry's mandate, and make comprehensive recommendations regarding the improvement of relations between the police and Aboriginal peoples. In preparing the first report, more than 15,000 pages of documentation were reviewed from previous inquiries, commissions, studies, reports, and evaluations of Aboriginal-police relations in Canada, Australia, and the United States. Unfortunately, however, the goal of identifying evidence-based best practices proved to be illusive; at least in terms of documentation, there was little evidence about what really worked. However, three significant themes, summarized later in this report, emerged as to what should work, and, in some cases, what appeared to be working. Although the initial report uncovered little documentation respecting best practices, experts advising the Inquiry were aware of many Canadian innovations that had been undertaken with the specific intent of improving Aboriginal-police relations. Since these experiences had not been uncovered in the review of documentation, it was considered important that the Inquiry take additional steps to identify and document these innovations. The Inquiry wanted to know what lessons had been learned from these experiences and how these lessons might assist the Inquiry in completing its mandate. The canvassing of key respondents within a number of police services was of value. However, like the earlier literature review, it fell short of providing a sound basis for the development of lessons and principles that could guide future policy and program development. Therefore, additional research was undertaken to examine other areas of Aboriginal human services and to identify lessons learned in those areas that might guide reforms in Aboriginal-police relations. Section 2 of this report highlights the results of the initial review of the literature on Aboriginal-police relations and summarizes the major findings. Section 3 reports the results of a survey of key respondents from police services across Canada that were identified as innovators in Aboriginal-police relations. Section 4 analyzes insights and lessons gained from other areas of Aboriginal human services. Finally, a concluding section draws on the work to date to propose a number of directions to guide the Inquiry's recommendations in the area of Aboriginal-police relations. Details: Toronto: Ipperwash Inquiry, 2005. 70p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed march 19, 2015 at: http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/inquiries/ipperwash/policy_part/research/pdf/John_Hylton_Canadian_Innovations.pdf Year: 2005 Country: Canada URL: http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/inquiries/ipperwash/policy_part/research/pdf/John_Hylton_Canadian_Innovations.pdf Shelf Number: 134981 Keywords: Aboriginals (Canada)Evidence-Based PracticesIndigenous PeoplesPolice-Community Relations |
Author: Halacas, C. Title: Keeping our mob healthy in and out of prison: Exploring Prison Health in Victoria to Improve Quality, Culturally Appropriate Health Care for Aboriginal People Summary: The prison health system presents an opportunity to improve Aboriginal prisoners' health and wellbeing, diagnose and treat health and mental health problems, and mitigate the effects of harmful behaviours. Improving prison health systems for Aboriginal people can also reduce high rates of postrelease hospitalisation and mortality experienced by Aboriginal prisoners and improve quality of life. Aboriginal prisoners experience higher rates of health and mental health problems than non-Aboriginal prisoners. The impact on prison health care is foreshadowed by consistent increases in the number of Aboriginal people imprisoned in Victoria each year. One in 33 Aboriginal males is imprisoned in Victoria at any one time, and the rate of overrepresentation is increasing for both Aboriginal men and women. More than 50% of Aboriginal people released from Victorian prisons return within two years, which places increasing importance on continuity of care. With large numbers of Aboriginal people moving in and out of the prison system, a strong relationship should exist between prison health services and prisoners' community health and mental health provider. The 28 Aboriginal Community Controlled health Organisations (ACCHOs) and their auspiced organisations across Victoria are located within 55km of all Victorian prisons. ACCHOs are a critical extension of prison health care given Aboriginal prisoners access ACCHOs more frequently than mainstream services in the community. ACCHOs' comprehensive support and engagement of Aboriginal people plays a big part in improving quality of life and improving poor health and mental health outcomes by providing a holistic, healing health service. The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), with support from the Victorian Government Department of Justice, explored ways to improve continuity of care for Aboriginal people in Victorian prisons and identify ways to improve relationships and partnerships between ACCHOs and prison health services. ACCHOs, prison health services, and Koori support staff members from the Department of Justice were interviewed and their responses analysed for common themes. We found no relationship or partnership between ACCHOs and prison health services interviewed despite policy references requiring it within the Justice Health Policy and Quality Framework (attached to the prison health services contracts). Responses also indicated that prison health service systems were not meeting cultural safety policy standards. ACCHOs identified several areas in need of improvement to assist Aboriginal prisoner health including prisoner release planning and the transfer of health information. Given the low level of contact between ACCHOs and prison health services there were few working examples that could be shared. A list of recommendations based on interview responses, a literature review and exploration of non-Victorian models is presented as a first step in improving health and mental health outcomes for Aboriginal prisoners. Details: Collingwood, VIC: Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, 2015. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 9, 2015 at: http://www.vaccho.org.au/assets/01-RESOURCES/TOPIC-AREA/RESEARCH/KEEPING-OUR-MOB-HEALTHY.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: http://www.vaccho.org.au/assets/01-RESOURCES/TOPIC-AREA/RESEARCH/KEEPING-OUR-MOB-HEALTHY.pdf Shelf Number: 135546 Keywords: AboriginalsIndigenous PeoplesInmate HealthMental Health ServicesPrison Health Care |
Author: Cussen, Tracy Title: Indigenous and non-Indigenous homicide in Australia Summary: Indigenous people (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians) are disproportionately victims and offenders in homicide incidents both in relation to their relative proportion of the Australian population and in comparison with their non-Indigenous counterparts. In 201112, Indigenous people comprised three percent of the Australian population (ABS 2009; ABS 2012) yet constituted 13 percent of homicide victims (n=35) and 11 percent of homicide offenders (n=32; Bryant & Cussen 2015). The rate of both victimisation and offending by Indigenous people was approximately five times higher than that of non-Indigenous people (Bryant & Cussen 2015). Available research suggests that victims and offenders may be exposed to, or experience, a number of vulnerabilities that increase the likelihood they will be involved in a violent offence and further, that these factors may be more pronounced for Indigenous people. Research undertaken by Wundersitz (2010), Bryant (2009) and Bryant and Willis (2008) has linked substance abuse, personal history (such as sexual abuse as a child), housing mobility, and social stressors (such as witnessing violence, gambling addiction, mental illness or serious accident) to an increase in offending and victimisation risk. A previous comparative analysis of Indigenous and non-Indigenous homicides in Australia (Mouzos 2001) also identified that the majority of Indigenous homicides occurred between family members in the context of domestic conflict. This paper describes selected characteristics of Indigenous and non-Indigenous homicides as recorded within the AICs National Homicide Monitoring Program (NHMP) from 1 July 1989 to 30 June 2012. Over this time period, the NHMP has recorded: 6,744 homicide incidents (1,096 involving at least one Indigenous person); 7,217 victims (of whom 951 or 13% were Indigenous people); and 7,599 identified offenders (of whom 1,234 or 16% were Indigenous). Both the total number of victims and offenders is greater than the total number of homicide incidents over the 23 year period because some incidents involve multiple offenders and/or the death of multiple victims. Homicides contained within the NHMP are reported to the AIC by police services and data are augmented with information from the National Coronial Information System, media reports and/or publicly available sentencing remarks from relevant court proceedings. Victim and offender Indigenous status is principally identified by the police and is likely derived from subjective assessments based on appearance and/or offender self-reported status. It is therefore likely that the number of victims and offenders identified as Indigenous within the NHMP is under-estimated and this limitation should be considered with reference to the data presented in this report. It should also be noted that there were 1,126 homicides (17%) where the Indigenous status of victims and/or offenders was not recorded. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2015. 8p. Source: Internet Resource: Research in Practice, no. 37: Accessed May 13, 2015 at: http://www.aic.gov.au/media_library/publications/rip/rip37/rip37.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aic.gov.au/media_library/publications/rip/rip37/rip37.pdf Shelf Number: 135630 Keywords: Crime StatisticsHomicideIndigenous PeoplesViolent Crime |
Author: Australia. Auditor General Title: Delivery of the petrol sniffing strategy in remote Indigenous communities Summary: Through the Petrol Sniffing Strategy (PSS), the Australian Government has supported initiatives to reduce the incidence and impact of petrol sniffing in remote Indigenous communities since 2005. The key element of the PSS is to subsidise the production of low aromatic fuel (LAF) so that it replaces regular unleaded petrol (RULP) in areas at risk of petrol sniffing outbreaks, without the higher production costs acting as a barrier to its uptake. While there are many underlying causes of petrol sniffing, generally associated with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and marginalised groups, research results have indicated that the introduction of LAF has been successful in contributing to reductions in the incidence of petrol sniffing. For this reason, additional funding has been made available by the Australian Government to expand the supply and distribution of LAF. From an initial 41 sites in June 2005, the PSS expanded and, as at January 2015, LAF was available in 138 sites associated with 78 Indigenous communities in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory. Consistent with the policy objective of the PSS, these sites are located in regional and remote areas of Australia. While the number of sites has increased, the overall annual volume of LAF produced has largely remained stable since 2007-08 with approximately 21 megalitres being produced on average each year. No performance targets have been set in relation to the volume of LAF produced and distributed, although contracts with LAF producers allow for an annual production of up to 53 megalitres. In the most recent expansion of the PSS in 2010-11, the Australian Government provided additional funding to include 39 sites covering 11 communities in Northern Australia, with an associated increase in annual volume of production of LAF. As well as supporting extra production capacity, a significant element of the increased funding was to provide for additional storage facilities as the lack of bulk storage had been identified as the key barrier to expanding the PSS in northern Australia. Following a select tender, the department responsible for providing LAF, the then Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA), entered into contracts with two major fuel producers to supply LAF to different regions of Australia. The development of additional storage infrastructure was initially included by DoHA in the tender for fuel production, however, the department subsequently chose to enter into direct negotiations with the operators of terminal facilities in Darwin. These negotiations were anticipated to have been completed in time to allow for facilities to be operational by 1 July 2012 which, in turn, would enable the contracts for increased production to commence. Negotiations were lengthy and remained ongoing at the time the responsibility for petrol sniffing initiatives was transferred to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) in September 2013. An agreement for capital works was subsequently executed in December 2013, which enabled work to commence on developing the required storage infrastructure. The storage facility became operational in November 2014, more than two years later than expected. As a result of the delay, implementation of the expansion fell short of the Government's initial expectations. The facility was also more expensive than first anticipated, with the contracted cost of establishing the bulk storage facility being up to $19.2 million (including GST) - exceeding significantly the initial estimates of up to $12.9 million. Following the establishment of storage facilities, additional production of LAF commenced in late November 2014 and PM&C anticipates that the annual volume of LAF produced in 2015-16 will double. The department's processes for managing existing contractual arrangements and for monitoring the delivery of LAF are largely sound. Information collected under the production and distribution agreements enables PM&C to maintain appropriate visibility over the volume of LAF supplied and the locations of sites to which it is supplied. The main approach of the PSS is to reduce the availability of RULP in high risk communities by encouraging fuel outlets serving those communities and outlets in surrounding areas to only stock LAF and create a distance buffer zone around vulnerable communities. Accordingly, PM&C monitors supply information so that sites ceasing to supply LAF can be contacted and encouraged to continue to participate in the PSS. In addition, since 2005, a contracted research provider has assessed a sample of communities periodically for incidences of petrol sniffing and the role of LAF in reducing outbreaks. As a result of these data collection arrangements, PM&C has a reasonable evidence base to support the assessment of LAF in reducing the incidence of petrol sniffing. Between 2005 and 2009, the supply of LAF was identified as a program in the Health and Ageing Portfolio Budget Statements, and DoHA reported against the number of sites providing LAF as an indicator of performance for the PSS. Between 2009 and 2014 there was no formal reporting on the progress of the strategy. While the PSS has expanded, albeit more slowly than anticipated, there has been little information publicly reported on the effect that the supply of LAF has had on reducing the incidence of petrol sniffing in Indigenous communities. Research indicates that the supply of LAF is making a positive contribution to reducing petrol sniffing. The design of the PSS, however, also acknowledges that there are limitations to taking a single approach and that other actions need to be undertaken in conjunction with the supply of LAF to successfully address the issue of petrol sniffing. In 2014, the PSS was identified in the Prime Minister and Cabinet Portfolio Budget Statements as a specific initiative to be delivered under the Safety and Wellbeing Programme, with the key performance indicator being the number of sites providing LAF. Using this narrowly-focussed indicator alone, however, will provide for only a limited assessment of performance. In view of the PSS's maturity, it is timely for PM&C to strengthen its PSS-related performance reporting by including a greater focus on assessing the impact of the PSS. The ANAO has made one recommendation to improve PM&C's accountability and reporting for the PSS. . Details: Canberra: Australian National Audit Office, 2015. 96p. Source: Internet Resource: ANAO Report No. 35 2014-15: Accessed May 14, 2015 at: http://apo.org.au/files/Resource/anao_deliveryofthepetrolsniffingstrategyinremoteindigenouscommunities_may_2015.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: http://apo.org.au/files/Resource/anao_deliveryofthepetrolsniffingstrategyinremoteindigenouscommunities_may_2015.pdf Shelf Number: 135634 Keywords: AboriginalsIndigenous PeoplesPetrol SniffingSubstance AbuseSubstance Abuse Treatment |
Author: Jones, Nicholas A. Title: First Nations Policing: A Review of the Literature Summary: Although there are almost 70,000 police officers in Canada, fewer than 2,000 are directly engaged in Aboriginal policing (Burczycka, 2013). While representing a very small proportion of all Canadian officers and policing budgets, the manner in which First Nations communities are policed has profound long-term implications for the residents living there, especially given the high rates of crime and victimization in many of these places. The populations at risk of victimization are not isolated to the First Nations territories, and crimes often displace into other adjacent urban and rural communities. In addition, most Aboriginal Canadians live off-reserve and some of these individuals move between their home communities and urban areas. As a result, the after-effects of an offence may be felt in places far away from where they originated, making this an issue of importance to all Canadians. In order to better understand the challenges of Aboriginal policing, this review first presents a context that includes a review of Aboriginal population trends and the demographic characteristics of that population. The fact that the Aboriginal population is the fastest growing population group in Canada, and the youngest, has long-term implications for police services both on- and off-reserve. Consistent with other research, we found that rates of crime and victimization on many First Nations were very high. In addition to the impacts on victims, high crime rates have a corrosive effect on community relationships and especially opportunities that are lost. When responding to the after-effects of crimes that have already occurred and trying to prevent future offences consumes much of the creativity of a community, leaders lose opportunities to work toward job creation, promoting healthy lifestyles and relationships, helping youngsters succeed, or spending scarce resources on developing a community's infrastructure rather than repairing the damages caused by crime. Having established a context for this study, a historical overview of Aboriginal policing in Canada is presented. This is an important undertaking as academics, policymakers and practitioners often forget the lessons of history. As a result, crime prevention or reduction strategies that were unsuccessful in the past are sometimes re-introduced and unless there have been changes in the way that these 'recycled' interventions are delivered - or the context into The social phenomenon of First Nations peoples moving between the reserve and urban centers is called "churning." which they are delivered - we are often destined to repeat the mistakes of the past. An additional challenge of delivering police services in a nation as culturally, geographically and regionally diverse as Canada is that an intervention that is successful or promising in one jurisdiction might not be as successful in another province, community or First Nation. Consequently, by learning the lessons of history we are less likely to be confronted with unforeseen or unanticipated outcomes after new crime reduction strategies are introduced. It has been said that the past is prologue and our review of the historical context for Aboriginal policing revealed that many of the challenges that existed in the past are present today, such as a lack of resources for police services or the difficulty in engaging communities in the informal regulation of activities that bolster the social fabric and help reduce crime. The historical review is followed by an overview of the evolution of Aboriginal policing in Canada and in that section; the following policy-related areas where our knowledge is not fully developed were identified: - Resourcing / Funding - Administrative Capacity - Policing Arrangements - Aboriginal Policing as a Distinct Policing Model - Responding to Crime and Victimization The gap in our understanding of these five issues is due to a lack of timely and relevant research. In some cases, the answers to these questions might already exist, but researchers have not taken the time to collect and analyze this information and then report it back to police organizations. One of the challenges of policing research is that most of the studies that occur take place in urban areas, and this focus on 'big city' policing does not help us understand evidence-based practices or "what works" in responding to rural crime or best practices in Aboriginal policing. A second challenge is that policing research is also fragmented in Canada and there is a lack of coordination that reduces duplication and decreases efficiency. Our analyses revealed that there are three distinct types of agencies policing Aboriginal communities and peoples and that each type faces a different set of challenges that are shaped by their role and geographic location as well as organizational size and history: - Large networked police organizations, such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Surete du Quebec (SQ) of which we have a good understanding of their priorities and information about these agencies is generally available. The RCMP, specifically, provides enhanced police services to First Nations communities through Community Tripartite Agreements (CTA), i.e., agreements between the federal and provincial governments, and one or more First Nation communities. - Self administered Aboriginal police services (SA), that range from small stand-alone agencies such as the File Hills First Nations Police Service (under ten officers) to larger regional police services such as the Nishnawbe-Aski Police (NAPS), of which we have comparatively less understanding of their practices and their approaches to policing. - Specialized Aboriginal policing programs delivered by municipal or regional police services, such as the Aboriginal Peacekeeping Unit in Toronto and the Diversity and Aboriginal Policing Section in Vancouver, of which we have almost no understanding of their priorities, practices or inter-relationships with other Aboriginal policing services. Each of these police services is apt to respond to the challenges of crime in a different manner and it is likely that some of the crime reduction strategies developed by these organizations are very effective, although this information has not been consistently disseminated to the policing and academic communities. In respect to crime-reduction strategies, it is possible that responding to the knowledge gaps identified above can be addressed by better understanding best practices in other English-speaking common law nations, such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States as these countries also have large Aboriginal populations and legacies of British colonialism. Section V provides a brief overview of Aboriginal policing models in these nations. Again, we find that many strategies appear promising, but there is a lack of research-based information about whether these approaches are effective crime reduction strategies, and to a lesser extent, how to deliver these services in a cost-effective manner. Aboriginal policing is part of the larger Canadian policing environment - one that is evolving in ways that may have strong implications for police services overall (Murphy, 2007). Currently, Canadian policing is in a period of transition, due in large part to a global process in the adoption of private-sector managerial and organizational values and strategies in the hope of producing greater fiscal accountability, cost efficiency, return on policing investments and value for money (Ruddell & Jones, 2013). Given these larger social and political forces, the next few years will shape the future of Aboriginal policing. In March 2013, the federal government announced that federal funding for the First Nations Policing Program (FNPP) would be extended for the next five years, and this time-frame provides the funding stability for First Nations, Aboriginal stakeholder groups, federal and provincial policymakers and police leaders to chart the course for the future. Addressing the policy-related questions raised in this review of the literature provides these stakeholders a framework that will provide the evidence-based information needed to inform that undertaking. Details: Regina, SK: Collaborative Centre for Justice and Safety, University of Regina, 2014. 147p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 18, 2015 at: http://www.justiceandsafety.ca/rsu_docs/aboriginal-policing-literature-review-092014.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Canada URL: http://www.justiceandsafety.ca/rsu_docs/aboriginal-policing-literature-review-092014.pdf Shelf Number: 135697 Keywords: AboriginalsEvidence-Based PracticesIndigenous PeoplesPolice AdministrationPolicingPolicing Minority Groups |
Author: Earl, Catherine Title: Justice or an Unjust System? Aboriginal over-representation in South Australia's juvenile justice system Summary: Twenty-times more likely to be imprisoned than the non-Aboriginal population and making up 46% of the young people in SA's detention centres, this report highlights the problem of over-representation of Aboriginal young people in this state's juvenile justice system. The report recommends a new approach to engage Aboriginal people at all levels in the justice system, with a formally negotiated Indigenous Justice Agreement as a first step. There is little doubt that Aboriginal people are overrepresented in the SA juvenile justice system. The evidence suggests that similar trends are reflected across the nation and are also present in the adult population. However, this report focuses only on the juvenile system in South Australia. At its broadest, the juvenile justice system comprises all interactions with law enforcement. While this could include out-of-home care, the focus of this report is on the custodial and non-custodial system applying once a breach of the law is identified. In this part of the system, both the overall number of Aboriginal young people within it and the rate (per 100,000 population) have both decreased in recent years. However, the level of overrepresentation (that is discrepancy between rates for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people) has actually increased (because the rate of involvement of the general young population has decreased at a greater rate). The figures are stark: - Aboriginal young people comprise only 4% of the total population aged 10-17 years old, but make up 46% of young people in detention and 34% of young people under community-based supervision; - Aboriginal young people are 12.5 times more likely to be involved with the juvenile justice system than non- Aboriginal young people, and 19.7 times more likely to be in detention; - This level of over-representation is higher for young people than for the adult population: Aboriginal young people 19 times more likely to be imprisoned, by comparison with 16 times more likely for adults; - Over the five year period from 2009-2013 South Australia's rate of contact of Aboriginal young people with the juvenile justice system was the second highest in the country and well above the national average; - In 2013-14, the cost of incarcerating a young person in South Australia was $1,000 per young person per day, while the cost of community supervision was $73 per young person, per day; - The current cost of detention and non-custodial supervision of Aboriginal young people in South Australia is $13.3m per year; - If there was no over-representation, that is, if the rate of detention and community supervision of Aboriginal young people was the same as for the general young population, there would be fewer Aboriginal young people in the SA juvenile justice system, and a saving to the state budget of over $12m per annum. Several key inquiries and commissions have investigated issues of over-representation, providing a vastly underutilised resource for addressing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the justice system. The interviews and voices in this report add depth to this literature and suggest a need to revisit those reports and to re-address many of the recommendations which have not been carried through systematically or effectively. Details: Unley, SA, AUS: South Australian Council of Social Service, 2015. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 26, 2015 at: http://www.sacoss.org.au/sites/default/files/public/documents/Reports/150401_Youth_Justice_Report_FINAL.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: http://www.sacoss.org.au/sites/default/files/public/documents/Reports/150401_Youth_Justice_Report_FINAL.pdf Shelf Number: 135786 Keywords: AboriginalsIndigenous PeoplesJuvenile DetentionJuvenile Justice SystemsJuvenile OffendersRacial Disparities |
Author: Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Title: Unfinished business: Koori women and the justice system Summary: It has been 20 years since the report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and, sadly, in that time the proportion of Australian prisoners that are Indigenous has almost doubled. In Victoria, the over-representation of Koori people in prison, women in particular, has also increased dramatically in the last few years. Research shows once they have had contact with justice system, they are very likely to reoffend and return to prison. Around 80 per cent of the Koori women in prison are mothers, so their imprisonment not only removes them from the community - it removes their children from them. This increases the likelihood of their children entering out-of-homecare, which is in turn one of the biggest risk factors for them one day coming in contact with the justice system themselves. The longer term effects of this are profound, on the women, their families and their children. In the shorter term they are compounded by the lack of pre-prison diversionary options and support postrelease and in the inability to access employment or education or find safe and affordable housing for themselves and their children. Without these things the risk of re-offending is significantly higher. Details: Carlton, Victoria: Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, 2013. 126p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 26, 2015 at: https://interactivepdf.uniflip.com/2/87691/311342/pub/document.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Australia URL: https://interactivepdf.uniflip.com/2/87691/311342/pub/document.pdf Shelf Number: 129679 Keywords: AboriginalsChildren of PrisonersFamilies of InmatesFemale InmatesFemale OffendersIndigenous PeoplesWomen Prisoners |
Author: Canada. Office of the Correctional Investigator Title: Spirit Matters: Aboriginal People and the Corrections and Conditional Release Act Summary: i. The Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) makes specific reference to the unique needs and circumstances of Aboriginal Canadians in federal corrections. The Act provides for special provisions (Sections 81 and 84), which are intended to ameliorate over-representation of Aboriginal people in federal penitentiaries and address long-standing differential outcomes for Aboriginal offenders. ii. It has been 20 years since the CCRA came into force, and the Office of the Correctional Investigator (OCI) believes that a systematic investigation of Sections 81 and 84 of the Act is both timely and important. This investigation aims to determine the extent to which the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has fulfilled Parliament's intent at the time that the CCRA came into force. It examines the status and use of Section 81 and 84 provisions in federal corrections for the period ending March 2012, identifies some best practices in Aboriginal corrections and assesses the commitment by CSC to adopt principles set out in the Supreme Court of Canada's landmark decision of R. v. Gladue. The investigation concludes with key recommendations for enhancing CSC's capacity and compliance with Sections 81 and 84 of the CCRA. iii. Section 81 of the CCRA was intended to give CSC the capacity to enter into agreements with Aboriginal communities for the care and custody of offenders who would otherwise be held in a CSC facility. It was conceived to enable a degree of Aboriginal control, or at least participation in, an offender's sentence, from the point of sentencing to warrant expiry. Section 81 further allows Aboriginal communities to have a key role in delivering programs within correctional institutions and to those offenders accepted under a Section 81 agreement (Aboriginal Healing Lodges or Healing Centres). iv. The investigation found that, as of March 2012, there were only 68 Section 81 bed spaces in Canada and no Section 81 agreements in British Columbia, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada or in the North. Until September 2011, there were no Section 81 Healing Lodge spaces available for Aboriginal women. v. One of the major factors that inhibit existing Section 81 Healing Lodges from operating at full capacity and new Healing Lodges from being developed is the requirement that they limit their intake to minimum security offenders or, in rare cases, to "low risk" medium security offenders. The evolution of this policy, which was neither Parliament's intent nor CSC's original vision, is seen as a way for the Service to minimize risk and exposure. It creates a number of problems, exacerbated by the fact that only 11.3% of Aboriginal male offenders, or 337 individuals, were housed in minimum-security institutions in 2010-2011. In effect, CSC policy excludes almost 90% of incarcerated Aboriginal offenders from even being considered for transfer to a Healing Lodge. With this limitation, it is no surprise that the investigation found that Healing Lodges do not operate at full capacity. vi. In addition to the four Section 81 Healing Lodges, CSC has established four Healing Lodges operated as CSC minimum-security institutions (with the exception of the Healing Lodge for women that accepts both minimum and some medium security inmates). CSC-operated Healing Lodges can provide accommodation for up to 194 federal incarcerated offenders, which include 44 beds for Aboriginal women. vii. Section 81 Healing Lodges operate on five-year contribution agreement cycles and enjoy no sense of permanency. There is no guarantee that the agreements will be renewed. Indeed, they are subject to changes in CSC priorities and funding, including a 2001 reallocation of $11.6M earmarked for new Section 81 facilities to other requirements. viii. We found that the discrepancy in funding between Section 81 Healing Lodges and those operated by CSC is substantial. In 2009-2010, the allocation of funding to the four CSC- operated Healing Lodges totalled $21,555,037, while the amount allocated to Section 81 Healing Lodges was just $4,819,479. Chronic under-funding of Section 81 Healing Lodges means that they are unable to provide comparable CSC wages or unionized job security. As a result, many Healing Lodge staff seek employment with CSC, where salaries can be 50% higher for similar work. It is estimated that it costs approximately $34,000 to train a Healing Lodge employee to CSC requirements, but the Lodge operators receive no recognition or compensation for that expense. ix. Another factor inhibiting the success and expansion of Section 81 Healing Lodges has been community acceptance. Just as in many non-Aboriginal communities, not every Aboriginal community is willing to have offenders housed in their midst or take on the responsibility for their management. x. CSC did not originally intend to operate its Healing Lodges in competition with Section 81 facilities, but rather saw itself as providing an intermediate step that would ultimately result in the transfer of those facilities to community control under Section 81. As the investigation notes, however, negotiations to facilitate transfer of CSC Healing Lodges to First Nation control appear to have been abandoned. Most negotiations never moved beyond preliminary stages. In some Aboriginal communities, this breakdown in engagement has resulted in long-standing acrimony and mistrust directed at Canada's correctional authority. xi. The intent of Section 84 was to enhance the information provided to the Parole Board of Canada and to enable Aboriginal communities to propose conditions for offenders wanting to be released into their communities. It was not intended to be a lengthy or onerous process, yet that is exactly what it has become: cumbersome, time-consuming and misunderstood. A successful Section 84 release plan requires significant time-sensitive and co-ordinated action. As the investigation reveals, there are only 12 Aboriginal Community Development Officers across Canada responsible for bridging the interests of the offender and the community prior to release. xii. The Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Gladue (1995) and, more recently, in a March 2012 decision (R. v. Ipeelee) compelled judges to use a different method of analysis in determining a suitable sentence for Aboriginal offenders by paying particular attention to the unique circumstances of Aboriginal people and their social histories. These are commonly referred to as Gladue principles or factors. CSC has incorporated Gladue principles in its policy framework, requiring it to consider Aboriginal social history when making decisions affecting the retained rights and liberties of Aboriginal offenders. Although the Gladue decision refers to sentencing considerations, it is reasonable to conclude that Section 81 facilities would be consistent with the Supreme Court's view of providing a culturally appropriate option for federally sentenced Aboriginal people. Notwithstanding, we find that Gladue principles are not well-understood within CSC and are unevenly applied. xiii. Today, 21% of the federal inmate population claims Aboriginal ancestry. The gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders continues to widen on nearly every indicator of correctional performance: - Aboriginal offenders serve disproportionately more of their sentence behind bars before first release. - Aboriginal offenders are under-represented in community supervision populations and over-represented in maximum security institutions. - Aboriginal offenders are more likely to return to prison on revocation of parole. - Aboriginal offenders are disproportionately involved in institutional security incidents, use of force interventions, segregation placements and self-injurious behaviour. xiv. The investigation found a number of barriers in CSC's implementation of Sections 81 and 84. These barriers inadvertently perpetuate conditions that further disadvantage and/or discriminate against Aboriginal offenders in federal corrections, leading to differential outcomes: 1. Restricted access to Section 81 facilities and opportunities outside CSC's Prairie and Quebec regions. 2. Under-resourcing and temporary funding arrangements for Aboriginal-controlled Healing Lodges leading to financial insecurity and lack of permanency. 3. Significant differences in salaries and working conditions between facilities owned and operated by CSC versus Section 81 arrangements. 4. Restricted eligibility criteria that effectively exclude most Aboriginal offenders from consideration of placement in a Section 81 Healing Lodge. 5. Unreasonably delayed development and implementation of specific policy supports and standards to negotiate and establish an operational framework to support robust, timely and coordinated implementation of Section 81 and 84 arrangements. 6. Limited understanding and awareness within CSC of Aboriginal peoples, cultures, spirituality and approaches to healing. 7. Limited understanding and inadequate consideration and application of Gladue factors in correctional decision-making affecting the interests of Aboriginal offenders. 8. Funding and contractual limitations imposed by CSC that impede Elders from providing quality support, guidance and ceremony and placing the Service's Continuum of Care Model for Aboriginal offenders in jeopardy. 9. Inadequate response to the urban reality and demographics of Aboriginal offenders, most of whom will not return to a traditional First Nations reserve. 10. CSC's senior management table lacks a Deputy Commissioner with focused and singular responsibility for progress in Aboriginal Corrections. The OCI concludes that CSC has not met Parliament's intent with respect to provisions set out in Sections 81 and 84 of the CCRA. CSC has not fully or sufficiently committed itself to implementing key legal provisions intended to address systemic disadvantage. xv. It is understood that CSC does not control who is sent to prison by the courts. However, 20 years after enactment of the CCRA, the CSC has failed to make the kind of systemic, policy and resource changes that are required in law to address factors within its control that would help mitigate the chronic over-representation of Aboriginal people in federal penitentiaries. Details: Ottawa: office of the Correctional Investigator, 2012. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 4, 2015 at: http://www.oci-bec.gc.ca/cnt/rpt/pdf/oth-aut/oth-aut20121022-eng.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Canada URL: http://www.oci-bec.gc.ca/cnt/rpt/pdf/oth-aut/oth-aut20121022-eng.pdf Shelf Number: 135881 Keywords: Aboriginals Indigenous PeoplesMinority InmatesPrisonersPrisons |
Author: Amnesty International Title: A Brighter Tomorrow: Keeping Indigenous kids in the community and out of detention in Australia Summary: Children are vital to any community. Under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Indigenous children, like children everywhere, have the right to develop their personalities, abilities and talents to the fullest potential, to grow up in an environment of happiness, love and understanding. The Convention recognizes each child as an individual and a member of a family and community. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognises the right of the right of Indigenous families and communities to secure the well-being of their children and to have greater control over decision-making about their own lives and futures. Community is everything when it comes to ensuring all young people have what they need to enjoy their rights as children. Indigenous youth detention in Australia is a national crisis - and the crisis is getting worse. Indigenous young people are "more likely to be incarcerated today than at any other time since the release of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody final report in 1991" said the Australian House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs in 2011. The most recent data, from 2013-14, shows that Indigenous young people are 26 times more likely to be in detention than non-Indigenous young people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people make up just over 5 per cent of the Australian population of 10-17 year-olds but more than half (59 per cent) of those in detention. The situation is bleaker still among the youngest Indigenous children, who made up more than 60 per cent of all 10-year-olds and 11-year-olds in detention in Australia in 2012-13. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population has more people in younger age brackets than the non-Indigenous population, with larger proportions of young people. In light of this, the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples noted in 2013 that "unless the rate of increase in youth detention can be reduced, rates of incarceration across the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population are likely to continue to increase into the future." This report details the nature of this crisis, and makes practical recommendations on ways the Australian Government can reduce these escalating rates. It is based on field and desk research carried out between 2013 and early 2015 by Amnesty International. In Australia, each state and territory government is responsible for its own laws, policies and practices for dealing with young people accused of committing, or convicted of, offences. However, it is the Federal Government ('Australian Government'), as a signatory to international human rights conventions, which bears ultimate responsibility for fulfilling the rights of Indigenous young people in all states and territories. In 2012 the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed regret that, despite its previous recommendations, "the juvenile justice system of the [Australia] still requires substantial reforms for it to conform to international standards." This report highlights state and territory-based laws that breach international human rights obligations. The Australian Government should invalidate these laws, or work with the states and territories to have them repealed. Importantly, across all Australian states and territories children are held criminally responsible from just 10 years of age, despite the Committee on the Rights of the Child having concluded that 12 is the lowest internationally acceptable minimum age of criminal responsibility. The Western Australian Criminal Code Act 1913 (WA) requires magistrates to impose mandatory minimum sentences on young offenders in a number of circumstances. The Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2012 again recommended that the Australian Government take steps to abolish this practice. Far from accepting this recommendation, at the time of writing, the West Australian Legislative Assembly had in fact just passed a Bill that will increase the number of offences attracting a mandatory minimum sentence. Queensland treats 17-year-olds as adults in its criminal justice system. In 2012 the Committee on the Rights of the Child again recommended that Australia remove children who are 17 years old from the adult justice system in Queensland. Ignoring this recommendation, in 2014, the Queensland Government amended its Youth Justice Act 1992 to require all 17-year-olds with six months or more left of their sentence to be transferred to adult jails. This is contrary to Article 37(c) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In 2014 the Queensland Government introduced a further law that is in direct conflict with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which says that the court must disregard the principle that detention must be a last resort. This report sets out further actions that the Australian Government should take to comply with international legal obligations across all states and territories. For example, Australia should withdraw its reservation to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as this reservation has been justified to detain children with adult prisoners where separation is not "considered to be feasible having regard to the geography and demography of Australia." The Committee on the Rights of the Child has repeatedly noted that the reservation should be withdrawn. Details: Broadway NSW: Amnesty International Australia, 2015. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 30, 2015 at: http://www.amnesty.org.au/images/uploads/aus/A_brighter_future_National_report.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: http://www.amnesty.org.au/images/uploads/aus/A_brighter_future_National_report.pdf Shelf Number: 136928 Keywords: Indigenous PeoplesJuvenile DetentionJuvenile Justice SystemJuvenile Offenders |
Author: Western Australia. Department of the Attorney General Title: Evaluation of the Metropolitan Family Violence Court and Evaluation of the Barndimalgu Court Summary: This report sets out the findings from the technical working papers prepared on the 2011 outcome evaluation of the six Metropolitan Family Violence Courts and the 2013 evaluation of the Barndimalgu Court, Geraldton. The purpose of both evaluation processes was to establish whether Family Violence Courts are operating effectively and whether they represent a cost-effective alternative to mainstream courts, after accounting for victim outcomes, recidivism and financial cost. The evaluation of the Family Violence Courts involved a variety of methods, which broadly included: literature overview; stakeholder interviews; victim and offender interviews; analysis of victim and offender feedback surveys; quantitative data analysis; and cost analysis. In addition, the evaluation process for the Barndimalgu Court was grounded in principles of cultural integrity and good practice methodology for evaluation of Aboriginal programs. Background - Specialist Family Violence Courts in WA Family Violence Courts in Western Australia (WA) currently operate as specialist court lists, victim support, and case management services at six Magistrates Court locations, which include: Joondalup; Rockingham; Fremantle; Midland; Armadale; Perth; and Geraldton (Barndimalgu Court). These courts specialise in family violence matters, offering eligible participants the opportunity to undertake a court supervised process on conditional bail involving case management and/or program participation prior to sentencing. Specialist victim support services are also made available, and provide a range of advocacy, support and referral services for victims of those participating on the Family Violence Court program, including assistance with Violence Restraining Order applications. The Barndimalgu Court is unique as it provides a more culturally appropriate and therapeutic court-based model for addressing Aboriginal family violence in Geraldton. This Court includes local Aboriginal community members in the court-based case management process. Details: Perth, WA, AUS: Western Australia Department of the Attorney General, 2014. 17p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 6, 2015 at: http://www.department.dotag.wa.gov.au/_files/fvc_evaluation_report.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Australia URL: http://www.department.dotag.wa.gov.au/_files/fvc_evaluation_report.pdf Shelf Number: 137218 Keywords: Aboriginals Family Violence Family Violence Courts Indigenous PeoplesProblem-Solving Courts |
Author: Olsen, Anna Title: Existing knowledge, practice and responses to violence against women in Australian Indigenous communities: State of knowledge paper Summary: This paper is a comprehensive review of published literature to present the current state of knowledge, practice and responses to violence against women in Australian Indigenous communities. It was guided by the following questions: - What is known about violence against Indigenous women? - How do Indigenous women and communities see and experience violence against women (including how do they define family violence)? - What are the current responses (programs or approaches) to violence against women in Indigenous communities? - What are the Indigenous viewpoints on what works and what is needed? The review found that the cumulative nature of socio-economic disadvantage (such as personal, family and economic related stressors) and the lasting effects of colonisation are thought to be linked to violence against women in Indigenous communities. Any attempts to reduce violence in Indigenous communities requires a multi-faceted and holistic approach including efforts to improve the wider social, economic and health of Indigenous communities. Much of the grey literature contained information about Indigenous viewpoints on "what works" to prevent violence against women. Approaches to dealing effectively with violence, and which are valued by Indigenous communities, include cultural based leadership and governance, and programs focused on preventing the transfer of intergenerational trauma. Details: Sydney: Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety Limited (ANROWS), 2016. 76p. Source: Internet Resource: Landscapes : State of knowledge: 02/2016): Accessed at: http://media.aomx.com/anrows.org.au/s3fs-public/FINAL%2002.16_3.2%20AIATSIS%20Landscapes%20WEB.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Australia URL: http://media.aomx.com/anrows.org.au/s3fs-public/FINAL%2002.16_3.2%20AIATSIS%20Landscapes%20WEB.pdf Shelf Number: 137654 Keywords: AboriginalsFamily ViolenceIndigenous PeoplesIntimate Partner ViolenceViolence Against Women |
Author: Putt, Judy Title: The implementation of Indigenous crime and justice policies and programs in Australia: issues and challenge Summary: This brief considers issues to do with implementation of policies and programs, and identifies strategies or frameworks that can be adopted to improve the implementation of Indigenous crime and justice policies and programs. It provides an overview of key polices and strategies being implemented in Australia that aim to address Indigenous crime and justice issues, and examines four specific key initiatives to highlight the kinds of issues encountered: the Northern Territory Emergency Response; night or community patrols; Aboriginal sentencing courts; and mens behaviour change programs. The theoretical and practical factors are brought together in a framework which can be used to evaluate and increase successful implementation across a range of programs. Details: Canberra: Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Criminology, 2015. Source: Internet Resource: Brief 18: Accessed February 23, 2016 at: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/briefs/brief018.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/briefs/brief018.pdf Shelf Number: 137939 Keywords: AboriginalsCriminal Justice PolicyCriminal Justice ProgramsIndigenous PeoplesMinorities and Crime |
Author: MacGillivray, Peta Title: Australian Indigenous Women's Offending Patterns Summary: Research Brief 19 provides new insights into Indigenous women's offending by examining previously unpublished police and court data for the period 2010-2012. While there are differences across the selected Australian jurisdictions, the authors find that the offences that most often appeared in charges, court proceedings and convictions were driving and traffic offences, assault, theft offences and offences against justice procedures. In all the jurisdictions examined, assault along with vehicle and driving offences were the top or second most serious offences with which Indigenous women were charged or proceeded against to court. The paper supports the conclusions of IJC Research Brief 14 that in some jurisdictions Indigenous women are imprisoned on more minor offences including public order offences than their non-Indigenous peers. The paper suggests that programs should aim to prevent Indigenous girls and women from becoming enmeshed in low level offending such as less serious driving offences and shoplifting. Details: Canberra: Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Criminology, 2015. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: Brief 19: Accessed February 23, 2016 at: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/briefs/brief019.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: http://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/briefs/brief019.pdf Shelf Number: 137940 Keywords: AboriginalsFemale OffendersIndigenous Peoples |
Author: Keown, Leslie-Anne Title: Aboriginal Social History Factors in Case Management Summary: Why we did this study Aboriginal Canadians are over-represented in correctional populations. The Supreme Court of Canada acknowledged this over-representation in a landmark 1999 ruling where they interpreted the Criminal Code of Canada to require that judges consider the years of systemic disadvantage of Aboriginal peoples in reaching sentencing decisions. Following this ruling, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) incorporated this principle into its policy. CSC has implemented policy requiring that Aboriginal social history is reflected in correctional case management decision-making and offered all parole officers two days of related training in 2013-14. What we did This study was undertaken to examine the extent to which Aboriginal social history factors were considered in assessments for decision relating to both security classification and discretionary release. A total of 618 assessments for decision were coded to examine the extent to which these factors were incorporated in recommendation rationales. In addition, a matched sample of assessments for decision corresponding to non-Aboriginal offenders was included. Comparisons allowed for an examination of whether Aboriginal social history factors were associated with recommendations after accounting for the variables on which the groups were matched. What we found Aboriginal social history was documented in 98% of assessments reviewed. That said, there may be room for improvement in the extent to which these factors were explicitly linked to the resulting recommendations. Recommendations for Metis offenders were slightly less likely to be linked to Aboriginal social history factors. Overall, it did not appear that Aboriginal social history factors influenced decisional recommendations. There was no evidence that, as some have worried, Aboriginal social history factors were misperceived as risk factors. The lack of association between these factors and recommendations may be partly explained by the broader context in which parole officers formulate recommendations; it was impossible to disentangle the relative effects of Aboriginal social history factors and other priorities, such as public safety. What it means Clearly, CSC's parole officers are complying with policy with respect to the inclusion of Aboriginal social history factors in assessments for decision relating to security classification and discretionary release. Future iterations of training on Aboriginal social history factors may benefit from a focus on how to ensure these factors are explicitly linked to recommendations, as well as on certain domains that seem to be less well understood. In addition, training could also perhaps be enhanced by including further direction on how to consider both Aboriginal social history factors and other priorities - in particular, public safety - concurrently. Details: Ottawa: Correctional Service of Canada, 2015. 23p. To obtain a PDF version of the full report, or for other inquiries, please e-mail the Research Branch or contact us by phone at (613) 995-3975. Source: Internet Resource: 2015 No. R-356: Accessed March 4, 2016 at: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/005/008/092/r356-eng.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Canada URL: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/005/008/092/r356-eng.pdf Shelf Number: 138040 Keywords: AboriginalsCase managementIndigenous PeoplesParoleParole Officers |
Author: South Australia. Attorney-General's Department. Office of Crime Statistics and Research Title: Caution versus conference referral: a comparison of police diversion in reducing re-contact by first-time Indigenous juvenile offenders in South Australia Summary: The over-representation of Indigenous young people in the criminal justice system remains a significant social justice and public policy issue in Australia. It has been suggested that an increased use of effective police diversion can reduce Indigenous over-representation. Diversion can be defined as the practice of diverting young people from entering or continuing into the formal criminal justice system and commonly involves pre-court processes and programs. Two of the most frequently used methods of diversion in South Australia are formal police cautioning and family conferencing. While a number of studies have investigated the effectiveness of diversion in reducing re-offending by Indigenous juveniles, only Cunningham (2007) and Allard et al. (2009) have investigated the effectiveness of formal police cautioning and family conferencing in reducing re-offending by first-time Indigenous juvenile offenders (F-TIJOs). However, these two studies report conflicting findings and contain notable methodological limitations, including: (i) short follow-up periods, (ii) failure to track re-offending into adulthood, (iii) small sample sizes, (iv) failure to examine more than two recidivism outcomes, and (v) risks of bias due to failure to control for significant predictors of re-offending and failure to analyse data on intention to treat. The current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two methods of diversion; cautioning and referral to conferencing, in reducing re-contact by F-TIJOs using methods to overcome the limitations of previous research. To address these methodological limitations the current study (i) employed a follow-up period of 24 months for each offender regardless of whether this period extended into the adult justice system, (ii) analysed four recidivism outcomes, (iii) analysed data on intention to treat, and (iv) employed propensity score matching to control for significant predictors of re-offending. The following research question was examined: (1) Did the proportion of F-TIJOs who re-contacted with police within 24 months differ between those who received a formal police caution and those who received a referral to a family conference? For those who re-contacted within 24 months, the following research questions were also examined: (2) Did the frequency of re-contact differ between F-TIJOs who received a formal police caution and those who received a referral to a family conference?, (3) Did the seriousness of first re-contact differ between F-TIJOs who received a formal police caution and those who received a referral to a family conference?, and (4) Did time to re-contact differ between F-TIJOs who received a formal police caution and those who received a referral to a family conference? Details: Adelaide: Office of Crime Statistics and Research, 2015. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 12, 2016 at: http://www.ocsar.sa.gov.au/docs/research_reports/OCSAR_Research_Report_Caution_vs_Conference_Referral.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: http://www.ocsar.sa.gov.au/docs/research_reports/OCSAR_Research_Report_Caution_vs_Conference_Referral.pdf Shelf Number: 138202 Keywords: Family ConferencingIndigenous PeoplesJuvenile DiversionJuvenile OffendersPolice Cautioning |
Author: Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Title: Situation of Human Rights in Guatemala: Siversity, Inequality and Exclusion Summary: The report "Situation of Human Rights in Guatemala: Diversity, Inequality and Exclusion," addresses structural challenges on public safety, access to justice and impunity, marginalization and discrimination that seriously affect the human rights of its inhabitants. The report particularly analyzes the system of administration of justice in Guatemala and the need for appropriate, efficient, independent and impartial, in order to respond to structural impunity for several past and present human rights violations. Also, the report especially addresses the situation of the indigenous peoples of Guatemala, whose rights to their ancestral lands and territories have been affected, and suffer exclusion, inequality and malnutrition as a result of racism and structural discrimination. The report analyzes the situation of human rights of human rights defenders, journalists, women, children and adolescents, persons with disabilities, lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and intersex persons and migrants. "We have noticed changes in Guatemala in favor of a society that is more respectful of human rights," said the IACHR Rapporteur for Guatemala, Commissioner Enrique Gil Botero. "These advances have been promoted and triggered by the efforts of public officials committed to justice, as well as human rights defenders and social leaders. Their work, which often endangers their life and integrity, has been and continues to be essential. " Among the improvements, the IACHR highlights the reduction in the homicide rate and the September 2015 Constitutional Court's decision, which for the first time ordered the implementation of a prior and informed consultation with the indigenous communities affected by an investment project. Furthermore, also regarding administration of justice, the Commission highlights the efforts of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and the Public Ministry in their work dismantling criminal networks and fighting against corruption. The IACHR also appreciates the efforts taken by the State in order to create a program to protect journalists, prevent and combat human trafficking, as well as to register differentiated statistics on violence against women to feed the design of public policies, among others. The IACHR also applauds the decision taken by the government to extend the mandate of the CICIG in 2015, whose work has been crucial. Details: Washington, DC: IACHR, 2015. 221p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 26, 2016 at: http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/reports/pdfs/Guatemala2016-en.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Guatemala URL: http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/reports/pdfs/Guatemala2016-en.pdf Shelf Number: 138418 Keywords: Crime RatesCriminal Justice SystemsDiscriminationHomicidesHuman Rights AbusesIndigenous PeoplesPublic SafetyViolenceViolent Crime |
Author: Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Title: Indigenous Peoples, Afro-Descendent Communities and Natural Resources: Human Rights Protection in the Context of Extraction, Exploitation, and Development Activities Summary: The report seeks to highlight the breadth and complexity of the problems caused by extractive and development activities in the region, and to set forth a comprehensive framework of Inter-American Human Rights standards on the subject. Extractive, exploitation, and development activities, which are increasing in the hemisphere, are generally implemented in lands and territories historically occupied by indigenous and Afro-descendent communities, which host a great wealth of natural resources. The Commission does not discourage these projects and recognizes the importance of these initiatives for the economic development of countries in the Americas. However, economic development of Member States cannot be undertaken in disregard of their ineluctable obligations to respect and guarantee human rights. Host States (where the project takes place) and foreign States (where the business has its headquarters) have specific obligations in this context. The report spells out each of these obligations with a view to making sure that the economic development of countries in the hemisphere is not attained at the expense of the fundamental human rights of indigenous peoples and Afro-descendent communities. Host States must adopt appropriate and positive steps with due diligence to prevent, investigate, punish and redress human rights violations that result from the execution of these projects. Additionally, they must comply with international human rights standards through the adoption and implementation of effective policies, legislation, regulations and through measures to ensure adequate access to justice. This State obligation includes the prevention of human rights violations, thus it is enforceable prior to the authorization of the project or the granting of permits, as well as during the implementation and the life-cycle of the project, via supervision and oversight methods. This duty includes the obligation to properly identify and assess the inherent impacts these activities would generate on internationally-recognized human rights prior to authorization. In addition, the duty to act with due diligence requires States to adopt an appropriate regulatory framework for the protection of the environment and human rights which adequately contemplates the operation of foreign companies in a state's jurisdiction, with an extraterritorial approach to human rights. Said duty also includes the fundamental obligation to consult potentially affected indigenous and afro-descendent communities, to ensure their effective participation and access to information; the obligation to supervise and monitor the activities of companies and other non-state parties; the duty to prevent illegal activities and forms of violence; and the duty to ensure access to justice and adequate reparation of human rights violations in these contexts. This broad duty also entails taking into account the differentiated impacts and adverse effects of these initiatives on specific groups such as indigenous leaders and authorities, women, children, elderly people and people with disabilities. The report ends with a list of practical recommendations, ranging from general recommendations to ones specifically tailored to the protection of indigenous peoples and afro-descendent communities. The ensemble of recommendations aims generally at setting in place a framework for States to undertake their duty of due diligence, taking all the appropriate steps to prevent, investigate, punish and redress human rights abuses through effective policies, legislation, regulations and adjudication. The Commission insists especially on the drafting and implementation of domestic legislation to protect human rights, and on the setting in place of monitoring, control and supervision systems of the activities of extractive or development companies. The Report includes recommendations geared specifically towards host States as well as States of origin. Details: Washington, DC: IACHR, 2015. 82p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 8, 2016 at: http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/reports/pdfs/ExtractiveIndustries2016.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Africa URL: http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/reports/pdfs/ExtractiveIndustries2016.pdf Shelf Number: 138611 Keywords: DevelopmentHuman Rights AbusesIndigenous PeoplesNatural ResourcesOffenses Against the Environment |
Author: Fitts, Michelle S. Title: An investigation into drink driving among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in regional and remote Queensland and the development of the 'Hero to Healing' program Summary: Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) people have been overrepresented in injury and fatality statistics in Australia and internationally for decades. In Australia, road deaths are the second leading cause of fatal injuries for Indigenous people, behind suicide. Currently, Indigenous Australians die from road injuries at almost three times the rate of other Australians. The majority (70%) of approximately 90 fatal injuries per year and 60% of around 1600 serious injuries per year are suffered by Indigenous residents of 'outer regional', 'remote' and 'very remote' localities. Although vehicle and environmental conditions play a role in road crashes in non-urban areas, road safety research has established a strong association between alcohol and more serious and fatal road crashes in regional and remote areas. Moreover, state transport agencies report Indigenous Australians as overrepresented in drink driving arrests while studies investigating drink driving predictors identify Indigenous background as a predictor for drink driving recidivism. Reducing drink driving among Indigenous Australians living in regional and remote areas is, therefore, a priority in road safety and will help to 'close the health gap' between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. However, to-date there is limited information in relation to identifying the characteristics of Indigenous drink drivers or profiling them. Historically, Indigenous people convicted of drink driving have received primarily deterrence-based punishments, including financial penalties and licence suspensions. Such penalties have arguably had limited success in shifting attitudes and behaviour among this group of drivers. Loss of a drivers' licence for Indigenous people often leads to further driving offences such as driving while disqualified, which then may result in more severe punishments such as imprisonment. Australian-designed educational and therapeutic drink driving programs have been developed over the last three decades in response to the harm drink driving causes to public health. However, Australian programs are primarily underpinned by literature based on non-Indigenous drink drivers. Evaluations of such programs, while deemed effective for the non-Indigenous populations, report higher levels of recidivism among Indigenous participants who have completed the program when compared to other participants. There is a limited understanding pertaining as to what motivates and sustains drink driving in regional and remote Indigenous communities as well as the factors that support the behaviour's cessation. Therefore, it is difficult to determine why drink driving programs are not as effective in Indigenous drink driving populations compared to the positive effects they have been shown to have on recidivism as well as health and lifestyle choices of mainstream (general population) drink drivers. This thesis incorporates three independent but linked stages of quantitative and qualitative research designed to comprehensively investigate drink driving behaviour among Indigenous people in Queensland. Specifically, the research investigated the characteristics of Indigenous drink drivers and described the psycho-social, cultural and contextual factors associated with Indigenous drink driving. Using this information, program content and delivery guidelines for implementation of a targeted drink driving countermeasure for Indigenous regional and remote communities were developed and then trialled. The program was piloted in two communities with attendance of drink driving participants, Elders and other community members. A number of additional recommendations were made in relation to the feedback from the pilot. This thesis comprises six papers arising from the three stages of research. Stage One comprised the foundation research and consisted of quantitative methods. The findings of Stage One are based on the analysis of drink driving convictions from 2006-2010, extracted from the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney General database. The first phase of Stage One provided information about the prevalence and the characteristics of Indigenous drink driving convictions in order to try to understand the higher rate of deaths and serious injuries in regional and remote communities compared to urban areas and also provide information about where the subsequent qualitative investigation should occur. Data on convictions were regrouped by gender, age, Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia classification and sentence severity. The analyses revealed the Indigenous conviction rate to be six times that of the general drink driving conviction rate in Queensland. There were 9,323 convictions, of which the majority were for male persons (77.5%). Half (52.6%) of the convictions were of persons <25 years. Age was significantly different across the five regions for males only, with a larger number of convictions in the 'very remote' region of persons over 40+ years of age. Increased remoteness was linked with high range BAC (≥0.15g/100ml) convictions for both males and females. Repeat offenders were more likely to come from locations other than 'major cities' with the association strongest for courts in the 'very remote' region (OR=2.75, 2.06-3.76, p<.001). Statistical associations between remoteness and drink driving convictions that were identified in Stage One analyses suggested that the studies for Stages Two and Three should focus on outer regional and very remote offenders. Details: Brisbane: Queensland University of Technology, 2015. 374p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed June 8, 2016 at: http://eprints.qut.edu.au/89760/1/Michelle_Fitts_Thesis.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: http://eprints.qut.edu.au/89760/1/Michelle_Fitts_Thesis.pdf Shelf Number: 139313 Keywords: AboriginalsDriving Under the Influence Drunk Driving Indigenous Peoples |
Author: Closing the Gap Clearinghouse Title: Family violence prevention programs in Indigenous communities Summary: Family violence is a serious and widespread issue in Australia, and is a key priority area for government. This resource sheet investigates the effectiveness of current mainstream, international, and Indigenous prevention programs and identifies the principles behind successful programs. Background information is also provided on the extent and nature of the problem in Australia, including impact and risk factors, The resource sheet examines what works, what doesn't, and what further research is needed. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2016. 23p. Source: Internet Resource: Resource sheet no. 37: Accessed December 20, 2016 at: http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129557831 Year: 2016 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129557831 Shelf Number: 147303 Keywords: Family ViolenceIndigenous PeoplesViolence Prevention Programs |
Author: Missionary Council for Indigenous Peoples Title: Violence against the Indigenous Peoples in Brazil: Data for 2015. Summary: The Report on Violence Against Indigenous Peoples in Brazil - Data for 2015, published by the Indigenist Missionary Council (CIMI), highlights the persistence of the public authorities' omission in relation to the rights of indigenous peoples, especially in relation to the right to land, which drastically impacts on their right to live in their traditional way, both recognized and guaranteed by the Brazilian Federal Constitution. It is with a feeling of the most profound indignation that the Indigenist Missionary Council (Conselho Indigenista Missionario - Cimi) presents this report on Violence against the Indigenous Peoples of Brazil with the data for the respective occurrences in 2015. Indignation because the same criminal practices are being repeated and intensified without any effective measures having been taken The situation of omission on the part of the authorities continues; they deny their respect for the Constitution and fail to comply with its provisions in regard to the demarcation, protection and surveillance of the lands; the reality of aggression against persons who struggle for their legitimate rights persists in the form of assassinations, beatings, threats to kill; the attacks against communities grow worse, especially those against the more fragile ones and those that live in camps; the invasion and devastation of the demarcated lands goes on. Details: Brasilia: The Council, 2015. 180p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 28, 2017 at: http://www.cimi.org.br/pub/relatorio2015/Report-Violence-against-the-Indigenous-Peoples-in-Brazil_2015_Cimi.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Brazil URL: http://www.cimi.org.br/pub/relatorio2015/Report-Violence-against-the-Indigenous-Peoples-in-Brazil_2015_Cimi.pdf Shelf Number: 145190 Keywords: DiscriminationHomicidesIndigenous PeoplesLand RightsProperty RightsViolence |
Author: Grover, Caitlin Title: Youth justice in Victoria Summary: This paper provides an overview of the changing nature of youth offenders and youth offending and the pressures that these have placed on the youth justice system, as well as the related policy developments of the Andrews Government. (Section 12) Victoria has long been regarded as the leader in youth justice with significantly lower rates of young people on remand or serving custodial sentences than other Australian jurisdictions. Evidence shows consistently fewer young people are offending each year and young people are responsible for a diminishing proportion of all crime committed in Victoria. (Section 5) Despite these positive developments, there is a small but increasing cohort of young people exhibiting violent behaviours who are responsible for a disproportionate number of offences. (Section 7) Youth justice is a complex issue that encompasses important areas of public policy, including systemic disadvantage, community safety, offender rehabilitation and the human rights of children and young people. Youth justice is distinct from the mainstream criminal justice system due to the unique circumstances and the context of youth offending. (Section 2) The causes and effects of youth offending and the state of Victoria's youth justice system have become the subject of widespread debate following a series of violent incidents in Victorian youth justice centres. Although diversion is fundamental to reducing reoffending by young people, access to diversion programs has been somewhat limited, particularly for young people in rural and regional Victoria. Access to bail support programs has also been limited. (Sections 3.7 and 10.3) The unprecedented proportion of young people in youth justice centres held on remand creates significant challenges in the management of these centres and complicates the process of rehabilitation of young people. (Section 10) Investigations by the Victorian Ombudsman and, most recently, by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, have detailed concerns about circumstances within youth justice centres and the treatment of young people held therein. These investigations have found that young people have been subjected to conditions that breach their rights as provided for by the Children and Young People Act 2005 (Vic) and the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities 2006 (Vic). (Sections 8 and 9) An analysis of similar investigations in other Australian jurisdictions shows that these issues are not unique to Victoria. (Section 9.1) The significant over-representation of Indigenous people in the youth justice system is another particularly complex and systemic issue common to each Australian state and territory. This over-representation reflects the multi-layered nature of disadvantage and marginalisation experienced by Indigenous people. The Koori Youth Justice Program aims to reduce over-representation through early intervention services targeting young people at risk of offending and people on community-based and custodial orders. (Section 6) Details: Melbourne: Parliamentary Library & Information Service, Department of Parliamentary Services, Parliament of Victoria, 2017. 73p. Source: Internet Resource: Research Paper no. 2: Accessed June 2, 2017 at: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/publications/research-papers/send/36-research-papers/13806-youth-justice-in-victoria Year: 2017 Country: Australia URL: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/publications/research-papers/send/36-research-papers/13806-youth-justice-in-victoria Shelf Number: 145905 Keywords: Indigenous PeoplesJuvenile Detention Juvenile Justice Systems Juvenile Offenders Juvenile Violence Youthful Offenders |
Author: PriceWaterhouseCoopers Title: Indigenous incarceration: Unlock the facts Summary: Indigenous incarceration in Australia has been the subject of many thorough and well evidenced reports and reviews over the past three decades including the landmark Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Our report contributes new economic modelling to the evidence base. It estimates the costs of Indigenous incarceration and the potential savings if Indigenous incarceration rates were no different to those of the non-Indigenous population. The high, and growing, rates of Indigenous incarceration has a heavy impact on individuals, families, communities, and the Australian economy but it doesn't have to be this way. Our modelling suggests that implementing a holistic suite of initiatives would contribute significantly to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous rates of incarceration, but this alone would not be enough. Closing the gap requires systemic change, as well as smarter investment in programmatic solutions with Indigenous Australians having ownership and control over program settings. This report seeks to raise awareness of, and calls for action to address, the disproportionate rates of Indigenous incarceration across Australia. Details: Australia: PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2017. 96p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 5, 2017 at: https://www.pwc.com.au/indigenous-consulting/assets/indigenous-incarceration-may17.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Australia URL: https://www.pwc.com.au/indigenous-consulting/assets/indigenous-incarceration-may17.pdf Shelf Number: 145915 Keywords: AboriginalsIndigenous PeoplesIndigenous PrisonersSentencing Disparities |
Author: Telethon Kids Institute Title: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Children and Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Contexts Summary: The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse commissioned the Telethon Kids Institute to collaborate on a report examining the question of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children's past and contemporary vulnerability to child sexual abuse in institutional contexts. The research team was guided and supported by the advisory group and the Royal Commission's Aboriginal Knowledge Circle. The report addresses the following questions developed by the Royal Commission and advisory group: In the past, were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children at risk of sexual abuse in institutions? What have been the impacts of past racist legislation, policies and practices on the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and in turn the risk of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children being placed in contemporary institutions? In the present day, are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children at risk of sexual abuse in institutions? This research draws on multiple sources of evidence. The research team drew on the substantial expertise, knowledge and experience of the advisory group. The research team and advisory group worked together in an iterative process of reviewing material and filling gaps in existing evidence. While the research team could only draw on material that has been documented and evidenced, they acknowledge that there is much evidence that is oral and much work needed to be done to overcome the inherent bias in the kinds of accounts that make up the historical evidence base. Both the advisory group and the Aboriginal Knowledge Circle provided cultural governance over this project and were also critical in contributing their knowledge of oral histories so that the researchers could go back and look for documented evidence of events. The research team also reviewed national and state inquiries that addressed, in whole or part, the past and present vulnerability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Details: Sydney:Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, 2017. 62p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 4, 2017 at: https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/getattachment/0da4f253-3442-40d5-b5db-7c31aae80fd9/Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-children-and Year: 2017 Country: Australia URL: https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/getattachment/0da4f253-3442-40d5-b5db-7c31aae80fd9/Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-children-and Shelf Number: 146721 Keywords: Aboriginal PersonsChild Abuse and NeglectChild Sexual AbuseCorrections-Based Sexual AbuseIndigenous PeoplesInstitutional Abuse |
Author: Papalia, Paul Title: Locking in Poverty How Western Australia drives the poor, women and Aboriginal people to prison Summary: The current policy for managing Western Australians who cannot pay fines has cost taxpayers millions of dollars, strained the prison system and has disproportionately affected the poor, especially women and Aboriginal people. In Western Australia, fine defaulters may enter prison to clear a fine, if they have been unsuccessful in paying off the fine via a payment plan or completing a Community Service Order. The management of Community Service Orders was changed in early 2009, resulting in high rates of imprisonment of fine defaulters. The State Government assumes that the prospect of going to prison will deter people from breaking the law and incurring fines in the first place. If so, the number of fine defaulters entering the prison system should have diminished. Instead, this policy is driving an extra 1100 people to prison a year, with significant economic and social costs. This policy is not working. It is economically unsound, ineffective in enforcing fines payments and profoundly unfair. - Every year since 2010, more than 1,100 fine defaulters have entered prison in Western Australia solely for the purpose of clearing fines. - Fine defaulters in prison 'cut out' $250 of fines a day, yet it costs $345 per day to keep them in prison. - The costs of imprisoning fine defaulters have blown out by 220 per cent since 2008. - Last year, one in every three women who entered the prison system did so solely for the purposes of clearing fines. - The number of Aboriginal women jailed for fine default has soared by 576 per cent since 2008. - Between 2008 and 2013, the number of Aboriginal people incarcerated solely for fine default has increased from 101 to 590, a growth of more than 480 per cent. - Between 2008-9 and 2012-13, the Department of Corrective Services budget has blown out by an average of 8.6 per cent a year. If this trend continues, this year's budget of $870.25 million could blow out to $945.1 million. Details: Secret Harbor, WA: WA Labor, 2014. 11p. Source: Internet Resource: WA Labor Discussion Paper: Accessed November 14, 2017 at: https://www.markmcgowan.com.au/files/Locking_in_Poverty.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Australia URL: https://www.markmcgowan.com.au/files/Locking_in_Poverty.pdf Shelf Number: 148163 Keywords: Aboriginal PersonsCriminal DebtCriminal FinesFine DefaultersFinesIndigenous PeoplesPoverty |
Author: Ticehurst, Andrew Title: National Deaths in Custody Program: Deaths in custody in Australia 2013-14 and 2014-15 Summary: The National Deaths in Custody Program (NDICP) collects information on deaths that occurred in prison, in police custody and in custody-related operations throughout Australia. This report presents data on the number of deaths in custody that occurred during 2013-14 and 2014-15 and trend data on deaths in prison custody (from 1979-80) and police custody and custody-related operations (from 1989-90). As no deaths occurred in youth detention during the reporting period, these data are not presented. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2018. 72p. Source: Internet Resource: Statistical Report 05: Accessed May 10, 2018 at: https://aic.gov.au/publications/special/special5 Year: 2018 Country: Australia URL: https://aic.gov.au/publications/special/special5 Shelf Number: 150143 Keywords: AboriginalsDeaths in CustodyIndigenous PeoplesInmate DeathsPrisoners |
Author: National Sheriffs' Association Title: Cross-Deputization in Indian Country Summary: Jurisdiction in Indian country has long been complicated by multifaceted tribal, state, and federal laws, policies, and court decisions, making it difficult for law enforcement to effectively address many types of criminal offenses. Whether the victim and perpetrator belonged to a tribe, where the crime took place, and other circumstances must be considered before any action can be taken. But recent changes in tribal, federal, and state law have enabled tribal law enforcement to enforce a broader array of state and federal crimes by cross-commissioning and cross-deputizing their officers. This report - based on the work of the National Sheriffs' Association, which assembled a cross-deputization advisory panel - examines the jurisdictional and legal limits of cross-deputization and how it has been implemented in various law enforcement agencies in Indian country. It also describes some of the most promising practices and provides sample documents and agreements. Details: Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, 2018. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 14, 2018 at: https://ric-zai-inc.com/Publications/cops-p363-pub.pdf Year: 2018 Country: United States URL: https://ric-zai-inc.com/Publications/cops-p363-pub.pdf Shelf Number: 150869 Keywords: American IndiansIndians of North AmericaIndigenous PeoplesLaw EnforcementNative AmericansPolicing |
Author: Willis, Matthew Title: Property Crime and Indigenous Offenders Summary: It is well recognised that Indigenous offenders are over-represented within the Australian criminal justice system. In response to this, researchers have attempted to identify the factors contributing to Indigenous offending. Such studies have tended to look at Indigenous offending and engagement with the criminal justice system as a whole, across the full range of different offence types, or have focused on violent crime (Memmott et al. 2001; Bryant & Willis 2008; Wundersitz 2010). Little attention has been paid to Indigenous involvement in other specific forms of crime, such as property offending. While violent crime (specifcally acts intended to cause injury) accounts for the largest proportion of recorded Indigenous offenders (Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2016a) and prisoners (ABS 2016c), a substantial number of Indigenous people are imprisoned or otherwise sanctioned for property offences each year. Understanding and addressing factors contributing to Indigenous involvement in property crime can also potentially contribute to reducing Indigenous over- representation (Weatherburn 2014). This paper aims to assist policymakers and practitioners by filling some of the gaps in knowledge about Indigenous involvement in property crime. The brief first overviews the extent of Indigenous involvement in property crime and draws some comparisons between nature and rates of property crime committed by Indigenous offenders and non- Indigenous offenders. Some of the main theoretical explanations for involvement in property offending across the overall population are examined and related to property offending by Indigenous people. The brief draws on unpublished research data to further explore the nature of Indigenous property offending and also examines some initiatives that aim to reduce this offending. For the purposes of this paper, 'property crime' will encompass the offences of robbery; unlawful entry with intent/break and enter (burglary); all thefts; fraud; and property damage as classified under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Offence Classification. Robbery is usually considered a violent crime as the actual or threatened use of violence is an element of the offence that is more serious than the theft element. However, the factors contributing to involvement in robbery and patterns of incidence for robbery tend to align more closely with crimes such as burglary than they do with violent crimes such as assault. For instance, rates of robbery in Australia and internationally have been declining in recent years to an extent that is consistent with property crime trends but not with violent crime trends (van Dijk, Tseloni & Farrell 2012). Violent crime has also declined but over a shorter period and with greater fluctuation (Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) 2016; Nelson 2015). Therefore, robbery will be considered a property crime for the purposes of this paper; this approach has been undertaken in other recent studies of property crime (Brown 2015). Details: Sydney: Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse, 2018. 8p. Source: Internet Resource: Research Brief 23: Accessed july 26, 2018 at: https://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/mp/files/publications/files/property-crime-willis-fracchini-rb23-ijc.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Australia URL: https://www.indigenousjustice.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/mp/files/publications/files/property-crime-willis-fracchini-rb23-ijc.pdf Shelf Number: 150922 Keywords: BurglaryCrime StatisticsIndigenous OffendersIndigenous PeoplesProperty CrimeRobberyTheft |
Author: Malungahu, Gemma Title: Family Violence Initiatives and Pacific Men: Literature Review Summary: Key Findings: Despite a lack of initiatives globally and nationally that specifically target Pacific men, other initiatives that target mainstream and Indigenous men were reviewed in the findings. These provided new insights into the kinds of approaches and types of initiatives that can be used and adapted for Pacific men in New Zealand - The benefits derived from a Feminist approach (emphasising the importance of women's rights and enabling the voices of women and children), an Indigenous approach (decolonisation, restoration and reclamation of traditions and values) and a Pacific approach (that addresses the effects of migration, displacement and loss of traditional support structures that take into consideration the heterogeneity between Pacific ethnic groups) can be used together as an overarching approach to inform violence prevention initiatives for Pacific males in New Zealand - The focus of practices should be informed by these approaches and, at the same time, ensure that there is an equal balance of practices that focus on violence prevention, cultural appropriateness, engagement of men and Pacific-specific needs - The inclusion of all these practices in any initiative is essential. Prioritising any one of these practices at the expense of the others would hinder access by Pacific men. Details: Wellington: New Zealand Ministry of Social Development, 2013. 70p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 16, 2018 at: https://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/research/pacific/msd-literaturereview-report-18-v4.pdf Year: 2016 Country: New Zealand URL: https://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/research/pacific/msd-literaturereview-report-18-v4.pdf Shelf Number: 151141 Keywords: Abusive Men Family Violence Indigenous PeoplesIntimate Partner Violence |
Author: Mitaera, Jean Title: Cook Islands cultural concepts to inform family violence interventions and practice - Literature search Summary: Despite the growing incidence of family violence amongst Cook Islanders in Aotearoa New Zealand, practice interventions to support the safety and healing of Cook Islands victims, perpetrators and their families are promulgated from within western knowledge and theories of family violence. As well, these matters are further aggravated by the small number of Cook Islands family violence practitioners and the dearth of literature available to inform the design of interventions. Responding to these theoretical, practical and everyday family situations, this project identifies four pieces of Cook Islands literature, reviews and critiques each of them and the cultural concepts they present. The critique draws on Payne's (2014) three key elements of theory building: perspective, theory and model. An approach forward is recommended for designing culturally informed and relevant interventions. Details: Wellington, NZ: Ministry for Social Development, 2016. 26p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 16, 2018 at: https://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/research/pacific/msd-cook-island-report-18-v4.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Asia URL: https://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/research/pacific/msd-cook-island-report-18-v4.pdf Shelf Number: 151143 Keywords: Family ViolenceIndigenous PeoplesIntimate Partner Violence |
Author: Wise, Jenny Title: Impact of the 'Yes, I Can!" Adult Literacy Campaign on Interactions with the Criminal Justice System Summary: Low levels of literacy and education are often associated with negative interactions with and experiences of the criminal justice system. Low literacy also contributes to the over-representation of Indigenous Australians in the justice system. This paper examines service provider and criminal justice practitioner perspectives of the 'Yes, I Can!' adult literacy campaign. Interviews with 22 workers in regional New South Wales suggest that the majority believe the 'Yes, I Can!' program can potentially improve the type and frequency of interactions between Indigenous Australians and the criminal justice system. Overwhelmingly, participants viewed increasing literacy levels as key in empowering Indigenous Australians and enhancing encounters with criminal justice service providers. Further study and evaluation, including interviewing participants of the 'Yes, I Can!' campaign and community Elders, is of utmost importance. Details: Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2018. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 18, 2018 at: https://aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi562 Year: 2018 Country: Australia URL: https://aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi562 Shelf Number: 154037 Keywords: Education and CrimeIndigenous AustraliansIndigenous PeoplesLiteracy ProgramsLow Literacy |
Author: Mullins, Tracy Title: Selected Topics on Youth Courts: A Monograph Summary: Table of Contents -- Addressing Truancy in Youth Court Programs Ramona Gonzales and Tracy Godwin Mullins.................................................. Underage Drinking and Other Substance Abuse: Opportunities for Prevention and Intervention by Youth Courts Tracy Godwin Mullins ..................................................................................... An Overview of School-Based Youth Court Program Design Options Mistene M. Vickers........................................................................................... Building Culturally Relevant Youth Courts in Tribal Communities Ada Pecos Melton ............................................................................................ A Comparison of Statewide Youth Court Associations and Networking Groups Tracy Godwin Mullins and Karen L. Dunlap .................................................. Media Access Guidelines for Youth Courts Michelle E. Heward .. Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention,k 2004. 118p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 11, 2019 at: http://www.aidainc.net/Publications/monograph.pdf Year: 2004 Country: United States URL: http://www.aidainc.net/Publications/monograph.pdf Shelf Number: 94537 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationIndigenous PeoplesSubstance AbuseTribal CommunitiesTruancy CourtsUnderage DrinkingYouth Courts |