Justice Health NSW’s Connections Program supporting former prisoners

For the better part of 15 years, Dean Taylor has been in and out of prison, knowing that each time he got out, it wouldn’t be long before he was back inside. But this time something’s changed.

Case worker Eleni Psillakis with Dean Taylor. Picture: Dylan Coker

For the better part of 15 years, Dean Taylor has been in and out of prison, knowing that each time he got out, it wouldn’t be long before he was back inside.

It was a vicious cycle fuelled by drugs, alcohol and a lack of support.

“I would just throw my hands up in the air and relapse or do something wrong,” he told the Telegraph.

“I felt looked down on and I was treated like a criminal.”

He was a teenager when he first went to prison, and now just six weeks after his latest release from Goulburn Correctional Centre at age 34 – he’s hopeful he won’t end up back inside, or relapse.

“That’s something I haven’t felt before,” he said. “I feel like I’m actually on a good path.”

Before he was released, he became part of the Justice Health NSW’s Connections Program, which provides support to people with substance use issues who are leaving custody by connecting them with health services in the community.

Case worker Eleni Psillakis. Picture: Dylan Coker

Since the program was established in 2019, more than 5000 people leaving custody have been supported in their transition back into society – with new data revealing just 2.7 per cent of people on the program have overdosed within four weeks of leaving custody.

Mr Taylor’s case worker Eleni Psillakis knows exactly how hard the first few weeks are following release from prison – having served 11-months at Dillwynia Correctional Facility in 2014.

“Release is sometimes the most difficult part,” she said. “It’s so overwhelming, especially for someone who doesn’t have ID, or a bank account or somewhere to live.”

She’s one of several case workers around the state working with former inmates - and said the first week was “crucial” in the program, likening the transition to continuing rehab or medication after surgery.

It’s her role to “map things out” for a person post release, from booking appointments with drug and alcohol counsellors, medical and mental health services, or help with something as simple as acquiring a Medicare card.

“At the end of the day we want to stop them relapsing, or ending up back inside” she said.

“And just being a support for them makes a big difference. It’s all about knowing you have someone to turn to or call.”

With many incarcerated drug users having a poor history with community health engagement, Justice Health NSW Chief Executive, Wendy Hoey said the program was vital in curbing illicit drug use and overdoses.

“Having regular access to health care services can support people to make healthier and safer decisions about their health – setting them up for success in the long term,” she said.

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Justice Health NSW’s Connections Program supporting former prisoners