Reducing the hyper-incarceration of First Nations people by addressing barriers to mental health diversion

Two people walking on dirt road in forest
Abstract

This study examines the barriers to accessing mental health diversion at Local Court for First Nations people in New South Wales, Australia. It aimed to identify how these barriers might be overcome so that diversion can be used as an appropriate mechanism for reducing the unrelenting hyper-incarceration rates experienced by First Nations people. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, using quantitative data collected by the NSW Statewide Community and Court Liaison Service, linked to a statewide justice dataset, and qualitative interviews, both with First Nations people who had lived and living experience of mental illness and criminal justice system contact and with professional stakeholders working in the sector.

Quantitative analyses confirmed that First Nations people were less likely than non-First Nations people to be granted mental health diversion at court. Participants in the qualitative interviews provided key insights into the nature of barriers experienced by First Nations people trying to access mental health diversion at court. Potential facilitators of diversion that should be explored in the development of culturally appropriate and responsive diversion policies and programs are also highlighted.
 

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Contents

  • Acknowledgements
    • Positionality statement
  • Acronyms and abbreviations
  • Abstract
  • Executive summary
    • Background
    • Study aims and objectives
    • Research findings
    • Implications and recommendations for policy and practice
  • Introduction
    • Aims of mental health diversion
    • Mental health diversion in New South Wales
    • Existing research on mental health court diversion
    • The experiences of First Nations people and communities
  • Methodology
    • Study aims and research questions
    • Data sources
    • Research oversight and ethical approval
  • Findings
    • Research question 1: What is the relative rate of mental health diversion for First Nations people in New South Wales, and what individual or group-level factors contribute to any disparity identified?
    • Research question 2: What are the perceived barriers to mental health diversion for First Nations people, and what are the underlying factors responsible for the identified barriers?
    • Research question 3: What changes to current systems, policies and laws are needed to reduce the barriers to mental health diversion for First Nations people?
  • Discussion
    • Summary of main findings
    • Implications and recommendations for policy and practice
    • Strengths and limitations
  • References