tus nua annual report 2012

ANNUAL REVIEW ANNUAL REVIEW ANNUAL REVIEW ANNUAL REVIEW 2012201220122012

STRENGTH, HOPE, PROGRESSIONSTRENGTH, HOPE, PROGRESSIONSTRENGTH, HOPE, PROGRESSIONSTRENGTH, HOPE, PROGRESSION———— Tus Nua provides women leaving prison with Tus Nua provides women leaving prison with Tus Nua provides women leaving prison with Tus Nua provides women leaving prison with a safe, supportive environment which enables a safe, supportive environment which enables a safe, supportive environment which enables a safe, supportive environment which enables positive choices to be made for the future.positive choices to be made for the future.positive choices to be made for the future.positive choices to be made for the future.

DEPAUL IRELAND TUS NUA APARTMENTS

Photography by: Photography by: Photography by: Photography by:

Tim Millen & Depaul Ireland Staff & Volunteers

Front Cover Image: Front Cover Image: Front Cover Image: Front Cover Image:

Tus Nua Mural Re-Design Sponsored by Dulux Paints

CONTENTS >

Foreword and Introduction 01

Vision, Mission and Values 02

STRENGTH > Resilience in the Face of Change 03

STRENGTH > Everyone Participating 04

HOPE > Optimism and Goals 05

HOPE > Opportunity and Motivation 06

PROGRESSION > Independence, Reintegration and Life Skills 07

PROGRESSION > Enhanced Support 07

PROGRESSION > A Personal Journey of Change 08

Comparison Statistics 2003—2012 09

Statistical Analysis 10

Model of Work 10

THE FUTURE > New Thinking, New Approaches 11

Closing Comments 13

01

FOREWORD >

During 2012, Tus Nua continued its service to women leaving prison. Many women face difficulties integrating back into society and suitable long term accommodation is difficult to access, employment options are limited and there are many other challenges to be faced. Tus Nua, through the unique accommodation and support services it provides helps the women staying with us to face these challenges.

The report for 2012 highlights the strength, hope and progression of the women of Tus Nua, and the progress achieved is in no small way due to the commitment and expertise of the Depaul Ireland staff team.

On behalf of the Management Committee, I express our sincere appreciation to the staff team and volunteers for their work over the past year. Our Committee in 2012 included representatives of the Probation Service (whose support for Tus Nua is gratefully acknowledged), Irish Prison Service, Dochas Centre, the Daughters of Charity and the Society of St Vincent de Paul and members of the local community. We also recognise our external partners for thier sustained support, flexibility and willingness to support the work in Tus Nua.

I thank all my colleagues on the Committee for the high standard of governance they continue to voluntarily provide at Tus Nua.

Ray Mc GovernRay Mc GovernRay Mc GovernRay Mc Govern Chairman Tus Nua Management Committee

INTRODUCTION >

Throughout 2012, Depaul Ireland Tus Nua has continued its work with women leaving prison who face the challenge of reintegra-tion into the community. In partnership with the Probation service, the SVP and the Irish Prison Service, Tus Nua has continued to provide a needs-based and quality-led service for the women with whom we work. This year has seen many women progress through the service, make changes to their lives, large and small, planning for a better future. Often facing resistance, an uphill struggle and a need for personal strength and commitment. The women of Tus Nua have evidenced that with opportunity and a helping hand, their resilience and ability to move forward can yield real and lasting change.

The staff team have worked tirelessly to ensure that the service remains a welcom-ing, homely and supportive place, and in turn have been inspired by the achieve-ment of those women who have lived here in 2012.

This work has been only possible because of the many and varied partnerships we have with other agencies, and their joint commitment to women in the criminal justice system.

This report has been created to highlight the progress made by the women of Tus Nua over 2012 and to celebrate both inner strength and the power of supportive relationships to help make change. I take pleasure in introducing the Tus Nua 2012 Annual Report.

Peter McKinneyPeter McKinneyPeter McKinneyPeter McKinney Project Group Manager Tus Nua / Rendu / BCMT Depaul Ireland

TUS NUA ANNUAL REVIEW 2012

02

VISION, MISSION, VALUES >

Tus Nua is part of a wider organisation, Depaul Ireland, a leading charity supporting Tus Nua is part of a wider organisation, Depaul Ireland, a leading charity supporting Tus Nua is part of a wider organisation, Depaul Ireland, a leading charity supporting Tus Nua is part of a wider organisation, Depaul Ireland, a leading charity supporting people experiencing and at risk of homelessness. people experiencing and at risk of homelessness. people experiencing and at risk of homelessness. people experiencing and at risk of homelessness.

Depaul Ireland was established in Ireland in 2002 and in Northern Ireland in 2005 Depaul Ireland was established in Ireland in 2002 and in Northern Ireland in 2005 Depaul Ireland was established in Ireland in 2002 and in Northern Ireland in 2005 Depaul Ireland was established in Ireland in 2002 and in Northern Ireland in 2005 and now manages 15 specialist services across the Republic of Ireland and Northern and now manages 15 specialist services across the Republic of Ireland and Northern and now manages 15 specialist services across the Republic of Ireland and Northern and now manages 15 specialist services across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Ireland. Ireland. Ireland.

Depaul Ireland belongs to a group structure Depaul International and has services in Depaul Ireland belongs to a group structure Depaul International and has services in Depaul Ireland belongs to a group structure Depaul International and has services in Depaul Ireland belongs to a group structure Depaul International and has services in the UK, Slovakia, Ukraine, USA and France.the UK, Slovakia, Ukraine, USA and France.the UK, Slovakia, Ukraine, USA and France.the UK, Slovakia, Ukraine, USA and France.

VISION, MISSION AND VALUES OF DEPAUL IRELAND

Our vision Our vision Our vision Our vision is that everyone should have a place to call home and a stake in their community

Our mission Our mission Our mission Our mission is to offer homeless and disadvantaged people the opportunity to fulfil their potential and make positive informed choices about their future.

Our values Our values Our values Our values are: • We celebrate the potential of people

• We put our words into action

• We aim to take a wider role in civil society

• We believe in rights and

responsibilities

We do this through our commitment to; We do this through our commitment to; We do this through our commitment to; We do this through our commitment to;

• Prevent re-offending by recognising the short-term and long-term needs of women availing of the service.

• Provide life skills and opportunities to pro-mote independent living

• Respect the dignity and skills of each woman using our service

• Encourage service users to take a positive role in the wider community and avail of the communal support while in the project through participation in house activities.

• Achieve excellence in the quality of our ser-vice

• Challenge and address barriers faced by women leaving prison and women with a history of offending

• Work in partnership with other external services

MISSION AND AIMS OF

TUS NUA APARTMENTS

Tus Nua’s Mission Statement is Tus Nua’s Mission Statement is Tus Nua’s Mission Statement is Tus Nua’s Mission Statement is to provide women leaving prison and women with an offending background with safe, supported housing and a positive environment.

We aim We aim We aim We aim to support women in making choices for the future and aid their transition, positive-ly reintegrating into the wider community.

03

The team in Tus Nua are The team in Tus Nua are The team in Tus Nua are The team in Tus Nua are constantly inspired by the constantly inspired by the constantly inspired by the constantly inspired by the strength of the women to strength of the women to strength of the women to strength of the women to move forward, deal with move forward, deal with move forward, deal with move forward, deal with barriers they face and make barriers they face and make barriers they face and make barriers they face and make large strides towards posi-large strides towards posi-large strides towards posi-large strides towards posi-tive independent living.tive independent living.tive independent living.tive independent living. This is an account of a staff member from This is an account of a staff member from This is an account of a staff member from This is an account of a staff member from Tus Nua. Tus Nua. Tus Nua. Tus Nua.

“The women who live in Tus Nua have faced many challenges, not least the chal-lenge of leaving prison and reintegrating into the community. At Tus Nua the team

recognise these challenges, but also work to provide an opportunity to move forward and draw on the strength to not only cope with setbacks, but build a better future.

In Tus Nua, we recognise the main chal-lenges for women as being stigmatisation because of their history of imprisonment, the lack of employment opportunities for women with a history in prison, difficulties in gaining access to housing, challenges in getting access to a GP in the local area, understanding and accessing the adequate and appropriate social welfare entitlement as well as, getting a place on a day course to provide structure in preparing to move on into the wider community.

A woman can experience feelings of isola-tion and loneliness upon leaving prison. Particularly when attempting to re-build family relationships with partners and chil-dren which may have previously been fraught. This can be extremely difficult for a woman who is trying to re-connect with her family. Re-developing meaningful positive relationships is so important for the wom-en in Tus Nua.

The women we work with in Tus Nua have incredible resilience. Even after continually facing prejudices, stigmatisation, and lack of opportunities among other challenges, we as staff see these women persevere often through difficult times. Tus Nua aims to provide a stable platform and base for these women, with a view to offering sup-port and encouragement in their lives on a day-to-day basis.”

Louise WalshLouise WalshLouise WalshLouise Walsh Cover Worker Tus Nua Apartments

STRENGTH > RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGE


04

STRENGTH > EVERYONE PARTICIPATING

The strength of working together is a vital

aspect of the Tus Nua service, a coordinat-

ed approach brings about change and

achievement for each individual woman.

Here the Tus Nua Deputy Manager outlines Here the Tus Nua Deputy Manager outlines Here the Tus Nua Deputy Manager outlines Here the Tus Nua Deputy Manager outlines

how important it is to take a partnership how important it is to take a partnership how important it is to take a partnership how important it is to take a partnership

approach in Tus Nua. approach in Tus Nua. approach in Tus Nua. approach in Tus Nua.

Partners: Partners: Partners: Partners: The excellent working relationship

that I have with the Probation Service and

staff of Dóchas Centre cannot be over empha-

sised. They give information that helps in

preparing support and management plans for

our service users; they engage in intervention

visits to help prevent re-offending and they

partner in case management meetings to aid

the progress of each woman.****

Staff: Staff: Staff: Staff: The skills, experience, and the in-depth

knowledge of the complex support needs of

the women that the staff have in Tus Nua,

brings a professional caring approach to our

holistic supportive practice. This is through

one to one link ins, regular key-working,

needs assessments, support planning using

the Outcome Star model to measure pro-

gress, developing individual risk manage-

ment plans and case management work. On a

day-to-day basis, staff and volunteers put

into practice the Depaul Ireland values and

ensure these Vincentian values are at the

core of their day to day engagement with the

women we support. Encouraging the service

users towards independent living through

active listening, a calm and empathetic ap-

proach using life skills activities, advocating

for high standards of service delivery, identi-

fying the potential of each resident and using

this as a motivational tool towards progres-

sion and moving on.

Service Users: Service Users: Service Users: Service Users: In Tus Nua, the women are

involved and empowered in all aspects of our

work. This is done through day to day link

ins, regular residents’ meetings, an active

complaints system, and the annual service

user review day where the women critically

go through the service delivery and review it

to bring change and improvement. These in

turn create a homely environment where the

women feel consulted, included and appreci-

ated.

My hope is that the staff and volunteer team My hope is that the staff and volunteer team My hope is that the staff and volunteer team My hope is that the staff and volunteer team

will continue to deliver this high quality of will continue to deliver this high quality of will continue to deliver this high quality of will continue to deliver this high quality of

support to all the women in Tus Nua. Also, support to all the women in Tus Nua. Also, support to all the women in Tus Nua. Also, support to all the women in Tus Nua. Also,

that our service users will continue to make that our service users will continue to make that our service users will continue to make that our service users will continue to make

use of their opportunities to move towards use of their opportunities to move towards use of their opportunities to move towards use of their opportunities to move towards

positive re integration back to the community positive re integration back to the community positive re integration back to the community positive re integration back to the community

and independent living.and independent living.and independent living.and independent living.

Catherine AdejuyigbeCatherine AdejuyigbeCatherine AdejuyigbeCatherine Adejuyigbe Deputy Manager Tus Nua Apartments

* * * * A case management approach is vital to the effectiveness of our partnerships with other external services. This approach enables the positive progression for the women in Tus Nua.

05

HOPE> OPTIMISM AND GOALS

Tus Nua is about planning and progressing for the future, and mapping a Tus Nua is about planning and progressing for the future, and mapping a Tus Nua is about planning and progressing for the future, and mapping a Tus Nua is about planning and progressing for the future, and mapping a path to that with each woman who uses the service. Hope for the future and path to that with each woman who uses the service. Hope for the future and path to that with each woman who uses the service. Hope for the future and path to that with each woman who uses the service. Hope for the future and goalgoalgoalgoal----setting in this context is a key aspect of the work we do. The structured setting in this context is a key aspect of the work we do. The structured setting in this context is a key aspect of the work we do. The structured setting in this context is a key aspect of the work we do. The structured program of the service focuses on responsibility, motivation and journey, program of the service focuses on responsibility, motivation and journey, program of the service focuses on responsibility, motivation and journey, program of the service focuses on responsibility, motivation and journey, with the women involved at every stage leading the process. The perspective with the women involved at every stage leading the process. The perspective with the women involved at every stage leading the process. The perspective with the women involved at every stage leading the process. The perspective of one service user below shows the hope for the future that the women of one service user below shows the hope for the future that the women of one service user below shows the hope for the future that the women of one service user below shows the hope for the future that the women bring, clarity of direction for the journey, and the mutual partnership with bring, clarity of direction for the journey, and the mutual partnership with bring, clarity of direction for the journey, and the mutual partnership with bring, clarity of direction for the journey, and the mutual partnership with staff to help move forward.staff to help move forward.staff to help move forward.staff to help move forward.

“I think the staff in Tus Nua are very sup-

portive. They are available 24/7 and

provide non judgmental support and

advice. They are very down to earth and

treat everybody with equality and the

utmost respect. They believe that every-

body deserves a second chance in life.

My key worker encourages me with my

studies and is always helpful with read-

ing and evaluating my assignments.

They provide me with support and pre-

vention around my addiction. I think it is

great that my Probation worker and key

worker work so closely together and are

very focused on my needs.

In Tus Nua I like how secure the house

is. I feel it’s a safe and comfortable

place to live that is substance free. I

enjoy having a structured routine on a

day to day basis.

For the future I hope to be secure with-

in myself and to maintain my recovery

within Tus Nua and beyond. I hope that

with the support the project gives me I

will be able to build up my family rela-

tionships that have been severed

through my addiction.

I think Tus Nua should have more of a

focus on group activities with all the

residents. I think there should be more

encouragement in interacting with fami-

ly relationships that have been torn

apart. I would like to have met my edu-

cational targets that have been set out

for me at the beginning of the project. I

would like to have a grasp of independ-

ent living for when I return to where I

come from.”

Tus Nua ResidentTus Nua ResidentTus Nua ResidentTus Nua Resident

Age 38


06

HOPE> OPPORTUNITY AND MOTIVATION

The staff team work hard to ensure The staff team work hard to ensure The staff team work hard to ensure The staff team work hard to ensure that each woman receives a one to that each woman receives a one to that each woman receives a one to that each woman receives a one to one keyworking approach to help one keyworking approach to help one keyworking approach to help one keyworking approach to help motivation, deal with setbacks and motivation, deal with setbacks and motivation, deal with setbacks and motivation, deal with setbacks and identify clear goals. This is strength-identify clear goals. This is strength-identify clear goals. This is strength-identify clear goals. This is strength-ened by strong interagency partner-ened by strong interagency partner-ened by strong interagency partner-ened by strong interagency partner-ship work and a case management ship work and a case management ship work and a case management ship work and a case management approach. Where multiple agencies approach. Where multiple agencies approach. Where multiple agencies approach. Where multiple agencies create a joined up support plan to create a joined up support plan to create a joined up support plan to create a joined up support plan to maximise the opportunities the maximise the opportunities the maximise the opportunities the maximise the opportunities the women have to enable positive women have to enable positive women have to enable positive women have to enable positive choices. At Tus Nua this approach is choices. At Tus Nua this approach is choices. At Tus Nua this approach is choices. At Tus Nua this approach is highly valued, and we aim to help highly valued, and we aim to help highly valued, and we aim to help highly valued, and we aim to help build as much of an ongoing sup-build as much of an ongoing sup-build as much of an ongoing sup-build as much of an ongoing sup-port network as possible around port network as possible around port network as possible around port network as possible around each woman that will continue after each woman that will continue after each woman that will continue after each woman that will continue after they move on from the service.they move on from the service.they move on from the service.they move on from the service.

“In Tus Nua, we believe it takes a community to support a woman on the road to re-

integration into society. It is with this philosophy in mind that we foster close rela-

tionships with other agencies, both state and voluntary, because it is only together

as a community that we can create a fertile environment to sow the seeds of

growth that enables each individual woman to achieve her potential.

As a staff team we continue to encourage the women with opportunity to stabilise,

re-connect with family and children, re-connect with society again, explore motiva-

tional factors that can lead to a positive change, access voluntary work and enter

back into education.

To make this work effectively we use a case management, multi-disciplinary ap-

proach through which we build and maintain strong links with many services and

partners, not least the Probation Service, Irish Prison Service, Drug Treatment ser-

vices and the Gardai, in a joined up effort to help the women we work with fulfil

their potential.”

Yvonne CampbellYvonne CampbellYvonne CampbellYvonne Campbell

Project Worker

Tus Nua Apartments

07

PROGRESSION> INDEPENENCE, REINTEGRATION AND LIFE SKILLS

Over 2012, the women of Tus Nua experienced barriers to accessing good quality

move on accommodation that is affordable and in a location that will work for

each woman. Because of the importance of moving on positively to build on the

work accomplished in Tus Nua, the service has a proactive resettlement focus that

seeks to identify the right move on option in partnership with each service user.

This could range from fully independent private rented accommodation with or

without support, to further supported temporary accommodation, or a move back

with family.

Whatever the option that works

best, the team advocate strongly

for each service user. To plan for

and encourage progression

throughout the programme. The

team, including both full time

and part time volunteers, pro-

vides ongoing activities and

support that create a fun learn-

ing environment focused on life

skills and independence.

PROGRESSION> ENHANCED SUPPORT

In order for Tus Nua to continue to improve on our service delivery, we have in con-sultation with the women in Tus Nua identified areas where we can enhance the support we offer. In partnership with our funders and stakeholders, we plan on developing our in house programme to facilitate support sessions in the areas of substance use, counselling, sexual health and general wellbeing.

In 2012, we also identified some difficulties for the women engaging with support services initially after leaving prison. Negative peer influences can impact on posi-tive progress for women in the first few weeks following release from prison.

To prevent this and support the service-users to stabilise immediately after leaving Dochas, Tus Nua is liaising and partnering with other service providers to enhance our programme of support at the early stages of tenancy. Providing a more en-hanced support service in these areas is our priority for the coming year.


08

PROGRESSION> A PERSONAL JOURNEY OF CHANGE

Tus Nua believes first and foremost in the potential of all the women who use Tus Nua believes first and foremost in the potential of all the women who use Tus Nua believes first and foremost in the potential of all the women who use Tus Nua believes first and foremost in the potential of all the women who use

the service to make their own journey of change. The low threshold approach the service to make their own journey of change. The low threshold approach the service to make their own journey of change. The low threshold approach the service to make their own journey of change. The low threshold approach

that seeks to meet each woman where she is at is the basis for individual sup-that seeks to meet each woman where she is at is the basis for individual sup-that seeks to meet each woman where she is at is the basis for individual sup-that seeks to meet each woman where she is at is the basis for individual sup-

port for each service user that seeks to give them opportunity to progress port for each service user that seeks to give them opportunity to progress port for each service user that seeks to give them opportunity to progress port for each service user that seeks to give them opportunity to progress ––––

both personally and towards successful move on.both personally and towards successful move on.both personally and towards successful move on.both personally and towards successful move on.

CAROL’S STORY*

Carol, a 37 year old woman was referred to Tus Nua with a long term history of

homelessness. She had complex support needs which included poly drug and

alcohol addiction, physical health issues, re-offending, challenging behaviour

and very low self esteem. At the beginning of her stay in Tus Nua, Carol was very

chaotic and challenging towards staff, with her risk management and support

plan reviewed many times within weeks. She also survived 3 overdose episodes

in a month with regular monitoring, checks and intervention by staff. At the one

of the Case Management meetings held to support her, at around 5 months into

her tenancy, her clinic keyworker discussing the progress that she had made

said; Carol had never stayed in any one accommodation for more than two weeks

since she was 16 years old and for her staying in Tus Nua for this long was a huge

success.

During her 11 month stay in Tus Nua, Carol gained supervisory access to her chil-

dren, with one highlight being when she used the communal room, decorated it

and held a birthday party for her children with her mum, dad, brother and her

social worker in attendance at Tus Nua. She was so excited that she was given an

opportunity to do something positive for her children as their mum. Carol partici-

pated in activities and cooking communal meals on many occasions, and was so

passionate in ensuring that her apartment was clean and tidy all the time. She

actively contributed at residents’ meetings and suggested how to improve our

service delivery at our annual resident review day. Carol was also engaged in

voluntary work with a local voluntary service for two months. After 8 months Car-

ol was successful in accessing further supported accommodation as a step to-

wards her independent living.

*The service*The service*The service*The service----user asked that her real name not be used when she gave permission for her user asked that her real name not be used when she gave permission for her user asked that her real name not be used when she gave permission for her user asked that her real name not be used when she gave permission for her story to be told in this report.story to be told in this report.story to be told in this report.story to be told in this report.

09

Tenancy duration Tenancy duration Tenancy duration Tenancy duration 2012 2011* 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Under 9 days 2 0 0 0 0 2 4 4 0 3

Between 9- 31 days 4 2 2 1 3 2 3 8 2 9

31- 90 days (1-3 months) 2 6 4 7 4 9 2 10 4 5

90 – 150 days (3-5 months) 6 4 1 6 5 5 2 1 4 3

5 months plus 9 8 7 4 7 5 5 3 4 0

*At the 2012 year end 6 residents continued over to 2013 their tenancy duration statistics are included and calculated from when they moved in until the 2012 year end.

YearYearYearYear No. of Service UsersNo. of Service UsersNo. of Service UsersNo. of Service Users Occupancy levels % Resettlement Unable to SustainOccupancy levels % Resettlement Unable to SustainOccupancy levels % Resettlement Unable to SustainOccupancy levels % Resettlement Unable to Sustain ResidenceResidenceResidenceResidence

2003 16 46% 0 12

2004 12 59% 3 7

2005 26 60% 3 17

2006 21 76% 2 10

2007 22 + 1 repeat service user 72% 6 8



2010 14 + 1 repeat service user 95 % 4 1



Total Total Total Total 188188188188 44444444 77777777

Priority Support Needs Presented Priority Support Needs Presented Priority Support Needs Presented Priority Support Needs Presented These figures represent the number of women experiencing these needs some women may present with more than one of these needs.

YearYearYearYear Alcohol use Alcohol use Alcohol use Alcohol use Drug use Mental Health ChallengingDrug use Mental Health ChallengingDrug use Mental Health ChallengingDrug use Mental Health Challenging (suspected) Issues BehaviourIssues BehaviourIssues BehaviourIssues Behaviour

2003 6 12 3 8

2004 10 14 5 8

2005 11 17 11 10

2006 5 13 4 2

2007 3 12 5 4

2008 8 11 15 11

2009 5 12 12 10

2010 5 12 14 12

2011 5 17 18 6

2012 7 18 12 10

TotalTotalTotalTotal 65656565 138138138138 99999999 81818181

COMPARISON STATISTICS > 2003-2012


10

MODEL OF WORK >

COMMUNITY

REINTEGRATION

INTERAGENCY PARTNERSHIP/ CASE MANAGE-

MENT

SERVICE-USER INVOLVEMENT

PROGRESS & CHANGE:

NEEDS, RISK & SUPPORT

QUALITY

ACCOMMODA-TION

PERSON-CENTRED

& LOW

THRESHOLD

MODEL OF

WORK

OccupancyOccupancyOccupancyOccupancy In 2012 the occupancy was 86%, slightly above the 2011 occupancy levels. This is historically high based on a longer view of occupancy, but lower than some previous years. The occupancy has remained high due to proactive referral relationships with Probation and the Irish Prison Service to fill spaces as they arise and intensive work from the staff team on retention of service-users de-spite a high level of presenting needs with the women accessing the service, especially as we con-tinue to ensure our threshold for access is set low enough for those women who need the service most.

Number of women residing in Tus NuaNumber of women residing in Tus NuaNumber of women residing in Tus NuaNumber of women residing in Tus Nua and Presenting Needsand Presenting Needsand Presenting Needsand Presenting Needs 22 women resided in Tus Nua in 2012 with one woman returning during the year. In total since Tus Nua opened in 2003, 188 women have been accommodated at Tus Nua. 7 women were unable to sustain their accommodation in 2012 and again this is indicative of the presenting needs of the women. Whilst there was a drop in those with mental health issues, there was an increase in wom-en with challenging behaviour and the continued high number of women with drug use issues. Furthermore many of the women present with complex needs, where multiple challenges and needs intersect, and this contributed to abandonment and breaches of Temporary Release condi-tions. We remain open to re-referrals in the future of these women from the community through The Probation Service.

ResettlementResettlementResettlementResettlement We are very pleased that 9 women were successfully resettled in 2012 and this is testament to their hard work and that of the team. However there was a clear difficulty in accessing positive and ap-propriate move on options, especially for women with complex needs. This was due to housing stock and availability, especially in the private rental sector, but also due to appropriate move on accommodation that retains support for those women ready for a further step towards independ-ence, but still in need to support.

Tus Nua offers a person-centred wrap-around service that focusses on quality, homely ac-commodation including a structured program

of support geared towards independence, ad-dressing offending behaviour and community re-integration.

The support approach is a highly relational model that values service user participation and mutual respect, and incorporates holistic assessment, risk management, support plan-ning and ongoing review focused on progres-sion, alongside intensive work with other

agencies in a joined up approach.

The outline here shows some of the main The outline here shows some of the main The outline here shows some of the main The outline here shows some of the main aspects of the model of support.aspects of the model of support.aspects of the model of support.aspects of the model of support.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS >

11

BEFRIENDING

Our befriending programme is a targeted

approach utilising volunteers to work

alongside service-users to assist a smooth

transition and reintegration into the com-

munity. By providing socialisation, reduc-

ing isolation and stimulating independent

living skills and the creation of community

based support networks this is achieved.

Depaul Ireland’s Community Befriending

service has run successfully for several

years, and in 2012 this approach has been

adopted for Tus Nua and is being piloted in

Tus Nua in 2013. It is designed to enhance

the service and provide another strand of

support at critical moments of transition –

from prison to Tus Nua and from Tus Nua to

independence in the community.

Befriending volunteers commit to regular

time every week to spend with service-

users, both individually and in groups,

working under three areas:

Informal Social Support Informal Social Support Informal Social Support Informal Social Support –––– Volunteers will

support former service users socially

through meeting for coffee, home visits

etc., organising group social activities

from time to time.

Life skill Support Life skill Support Life skill Support Life skill Support ---- Supporting former

service users with life skills issues such

as cookery, budgeting, household man-

agement, etc.

Community Support Community Support Community Support Community Support –––– Assisting the ser-

vice users to familiarise themselves with

their local community and appropriate

services to link in with.

THE FUTURE > NEW THINKING, NEW APPROACHES

DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE

Depaul Ireland is committed to the continuous improvement of its services, and the ser-Depaul Ireland is committed to the continuous improvement of its services, and the ser-Depaul Ireland is committed to the continuous improvement of its services, and the ser-Depaul Ireland is committed to the continuous improvement of its services, and the ser-

vice to the women in Tus Nua has been reviewed and improved over many years, seeking vice to the women in Tus Nua has been reviewed and improved over many years, seeking vice to the women in Tus Nua has been reviewed and improved over many years, seeking vice to the women in Tus Nua has been reviewed and improved over many years, seeking

to be responsive to the changing needs and trends of women in the criminal justice sys-to be responsive to the changing needs and trends of women in the criminal justice sys-to be responsive to the changing needs and trends of women in the criminal justice sys-to be responsive to the changing needs and trends of women in the criminal justice sys-

tem in Ireland.tem in Ireland.tem in Ireland.tem in Ireland.

In this regard in 2013, and in partnership with our key stakeholders, we are undertaking a

review of our work in Tus Nua. Reviewing the approach, effectiveness and potential for

change that could benefit the women with whom we work and look at the range of ser-

vices that can be provided. We believe that working on ever more effective joint partner-

ships, and by constantly learning from the presenting needs and experiences of the wom-

en who are sentenced to imprisonment and use our service, there is opportunity to devel-

op new thinking on how services can be delivered, and new approaches to service deliv-

ery that meet those needs effectively, both short and long-term.

CLOSING COMMENTS >

It is clear that within the last year a momentum has been

created to address how the criminal justice system reacts

and responds to women who come in contact with it.

In the summer of 2012 many organisations were brought

together by the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Ser-

vice in the Dochas Unit in Mountjoy to discuss the future

and arrive at a different vision on how we all could work

better together, harness the resources available and most

importantly avoid imprisoning women who do not require

it. A consensus has been arrived at that there can be differ-

ent approaches to women offenders that utilises non cus-

todial measures.

Since opening Tus Nua has been part of pioneering and

testing this alternative path. It has created an environment

and perspective that other methods must be adopted to

avoid the profound affect that imprisonment has on wom-

en and those around them. Pragmatically Tus Nua also

provides a way in which the pressure on overcrowded cus-

todial approaches can be relieved. 22 women used our

services this year as a part of an approach to support re-

integration from prison.

It is clear that we are all on the cusp of a radical, different

approach to dealing with women offenders. Depaul Ireland

and Tus Nua go into 2013 optimistically that it can continue

to be at the forefront with our partners of delivering rele-

vant services that have a meaningful affect on women’s

lives and wider society .

DDDDaaaavivivividddd CCCCaaaarrorrorrorrollllllll Director of Services Depaul Ireland


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If you are interested in learning more about Tus Nua, the work of Depaul Ireland or would like more copies of this Annual Review, please contact: Depaul Ireland Services Department Depaul Ireland Services Department Depaul Ireland Services Department Depaul Ireland Services Department Dublin Office Belfast Office 00353 (0) 1 453 7111 / T 0044 (0) 28 9064 7755 / T [email protected] / E [email protected] / E www.depaulireland.org / W

tus nua annual report 2012

Documents

women of tus nua

progression tus nua

tus nua mural redesign

irish prison service

cover image

hope opportunity

hope optimism

probation service