The Post-Custodial Support Program is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing an emergency and need immediate help, please call Triple Zero (000).
The Post-Custodial Support (PCS) Program helps people who've been released from custody manage any difficulties arising from the use of alcohol and other drugs.
PCS provides integrated case management, help for people who want to get into treatment for drug and alcohol use as well as offering support for other issues that can affect health and wellbeing. These include medical issues, mental health, accessing employment or Centrelink and making community connections.
The types of case management support can include:
Planning care is done with the person getting support and, if they wish, family, partners or a friend can be involved too.
The program is voluntary and the person will set their own goals about substance use such as stopping or reducing use or staying safe. During the program, the person will still need to follow any post-release legal obligations like parole conditions, which might include staying off drugs or alcohol.
People are able to apply for the Post-Custodial Support Program if they:
Assessment and care planning can normally begin as early 3 months before the person's release date, if they've applied for support while in custody. Support workers will usually be able to visit the facility where the person is, until they are released.
Support is generally provided up to 12 months post-release via the program, depending on the individual's circumstances.
NSW Health has partnered with leading non-government organisations to deliver the Post-Custodial Support Program in five regions in New South Wales.
NSW Health has also commissioned a new AOD Hub in Shellharbour with services especially for people who have contact with the criminal justice system. This Hub delivers similar services to the PCS program and can be contacted via the PCS referral form below.
Available only for people who are 18 years and over.
Available only for people who are 18 years and over.
Available only for Aboriginal people who are 18 years and over.
Available only for Aboriginal people.
Available only for people who are 18 years and over.
Correctional centre in-reach: South Coast Correctional Centre
Service provider: Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO)
Phone number: (04) 00 372 599 from 9am-5pm on weekdays
Email: shellharbouraodhub@acso.org.au
The Post-Custodial Support Program is a new program, so there may be limited information on the website of each provider at this time. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions.
The Transitions Program is part of the Multicultural Program at Odyssey House NSW. It is a culturally appropriate service that provides intensive case management and a range of supports during pre-release, assessment, and post release. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds utilising a holistic approach, as they make the transition from incarceration to community. This service can also be requested via the PCS referral form below.
Region: Statewide (telehealth only), South Western and Western Sydney (face to face support)
Service provider: Odyssey House
Phone number: (02) 8706 0150
Email:multicultural@odysseyhouse.com.au
The AOD Transition Project at Community Restorative Centre (CRC) offers confidential one-to-one alcohol and other drugs (AOD) counselling and support in an outreach setting for up to 12 months. The program is exclusively for adults exiting NSW Correctional Centres, or those with a history of incarceration, who require drug and alcohol support.
The program accepts referrals from NSW correctional centres and can arrange in-person visits to metropolitan centres. Priority will be given to Aboriginal people, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with comorbid conditions and women with dependent children.
Region: Central & Eastern Sydney (City, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West), Western Sydney (Parramatta, Mount Druitt, Blacktown), South-Western Sydney (Bankstown, Fairfield Liverpool and Campbelltown)
Service provider: Community Restorative Centre (CRC)
Phone number: (02) 9288 8700
Email: aod.transition@crcnsw.org.au
Can't find a suitable service provider? Please look at other programs to find out about related support programs, including for the Greater Sydney Area.
Useful information to understand before applying is that:
This Post-Custodial Support Program referral form sends referrals to the service providers selected.
The NSW Health will collect the information you place into this form to share it with the selected service provider.
By submitting this form, you agree to the NSW Health sharing the information provided with the selected service provider on your behalf, or on behalf or the person you are referring.
If you are making a referral on behalf of someone else please ensure they are made aware of how their information will be shared and agree to the referral.
Some of the questions in the referral form are optional, while others are not. If you do not complete the mandatory information, the NSW Health will not be able to make the referral to your selected Post-Custodial Support Program Provider. However, you can still organise a referral by contacting the Provider directly.
For enquiries related to requesting access to information held by NSW Health please contact, moh-caod-sci-pcs@health.nsw.gov.au.
To apply for support, please complete the Post-Custodial Support Program referral form. Alternatively, you can call or email the organisation you'd like to apply for support from.
Complete the referral form
Is the Post-Custodial Support Program not right for you? There are some other organisations supporting people with the use of alcohol and other drugs post-release.
Learn more
