Support during a complex time 

If you or someone you care about is involved with the justice system, support is available. This page explains some of the challenges you may face, the support that may help, and where to start. 

Being involved with the justice system can be stressful. This may include: 

• court processes 
• custody or detention 
• community-based orders or supervision 

For veterans and families of veterans, this may happen alongside other major life changes, such as leaving Defence, managing health issues, or changes in family life. 

You do not have to manage this on your own. Support can help you understand what is happening and what to do next. 

Why support matters 

Justice system involvement can affect many parts of your life, including: 

• mental and emotional wellbeing 
• housing and stability 
• family relationships 
• employment or education 
• connection to community 

The right support can reduce stress, help you understand your situation, and make it easier to plan your next steps. 

If things feel overwhelming 

It is normal to feel uncertain, stressed or overwhelmed when dealing with the justice system. 

It’s okay to: 

• ask questions 
• take things one step at a time 
• seek support early 

You are not expected to handle everything by yourself. 

What support can look like 

Support will depend on your situation and what matters most to you right now. 

It might include: 

• Understanding the process 
  Information to help you understand what is happening and what to expect 
• Navigating services 
  Help connecting with legal, health, housing or community supports 
• Maintaining wellbeing 
  Access to mental health, counselling or wellbeing services 
• Staying connected 
  Support to maintain relationships with family, children or community 
• Planning for the future 
  Support to prepare for life after court processes or custody 

Supporting families and children 

Justice system involvement can affect partners, children, carers and other family members, not just the person going through the process. 

Children may need support to feel safe, informed and connected during times of change. This can include: 

• reassurance that they are safe and supported 
• clear, age-appropriate explanations about what is happening 
• consistent routines where possible, such as school, meals and bedtime 
• help staying connected to trusted adults, family, culture and community 
• extra support if they are showing signs of stress, worry or behavioural changes 

Families and carers may also need support for their own wellbeing. This may include help with managing stress, maintaining routines, talking with children, navigating services, or getting practical support from community, health or family services. 

Support from states and territories 

State and territory governments may provide support before release, during community supervision, and after a person returns to the community.  

What is available will vary depending on where someone lives, whether they are in custody or on a community-based order, and what services operate locally. 

What support may include 

• pre-release planning and help preparing for release 
• case management or reintegration support 
• help with housing, homelessness and practical needs 
• mental health, alcohol and other drug, and wellbeing support 
• support with education, training, employment and daily living skills 
• links to parole, community corrections and local community services 
• in some places, targeted support for women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people with complex needs 

Support by state and territory 

• ACT: Support may include correctional and community programs that help people leaving custody, as well as support for families. 
• New South Wales: Support may include throughcare, housing assistance, family counselling, alcohol and other drug support, and other services that help people settle back into the community. 
• Northern Territory: Available support may include rehabilitation, community corrections, skills development and links to community-based services. 
• Queensland: People may be able to access support before and after release, including help with housing, parole applications, connecting with services, and links to mental health, education and counselling support. 
• South Australia: Support may include release planning, referrals, supervision, and help with accommodation, work readiness, transport and other practical needs. 
• Tasmania: Support may include release and parole processes, along with community services that help with practical needs and family support after release. 
• Victoria: Transition planning may begin in custody and continue after release, with support that can include housing, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, family connection, and employment. 
• Western Australia: Some services may support people to reconnect with family and community, alongside help with housing, education and employment. 

Services, eligibility rules and program availability can change over time. It can help to check current information with corrective services or a local support organisation in your state or territory. 

If you are preparing for release or supporting someone through this transition, ask corrective services, a case worker, parole officer or community organisation what support is available in your area. 

Getting support 

These steps can help you get started. 

• Start by identifying what you need help with most right now, such as legal advice, emotional support, housing, money, or support for your family. 
• Contact one trusted service or professional first, even if you are not sure where to begin. 
• Write down your questions and any important dates, letters or documents before appointments or calls. 
• If your needs are urgent, seek help as early as possible rather than waiting for things to get worse. 

Types of support 

• Legal and advocacy services 
  For help understanding your rights, court processes, legal options or available supports. 
• Health and mental wellbeing providers 
  For support with stress, anxiety, trauma, alcohol and other drugs, or other health concerns. 
• Housing, financial or community organisations 
  For help with stable housing, money pressures, daily needs, or practical support during a difficult time. 
• Transition and reintegration services 
  For support with planning ahead, reconnecting with community, and preparing for life after court processes or custody. 

Veteran community specific support 

• DVA support and information 
  For help understanding available supports, health care, rehabilitation, financial assistance, and services for veterans and families. 
• Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling 
  For free, confidential, military-aware counselling and mental health support for veterans and their families. 
• Veteran advocacy and ex-service organisations 
  For help understanding entitlements, connecting with services, and getting practical support through organisations such as the RSL and other veteran support services. 

You do not need to work everything out on your own. Reaching out early can make it easier to understand your options and get the right support.