Abstract:

Diffuse is a group based psycho-educational program specifically designed for incarcerated individuals addressing respectful relationships, communication skills, intervention orders, drivers of domestic and family violence, gender roles, sources of support (inside and outside prison) and managing emotions. The Diffuse program uses a strength based and trauma informed approach acknowledging that individuals have diverse lived experiences and backgrounds. Each session is a building block in promoting positive and sustainable relationship connections.

The program was developed as a response to feedback across several other programs delivered by Relationships Australia Victoria where participants identified the need to discuss and address their attitudes and behaviours towards relationships, parenting and sources of support.

In this session we will explore the learnings and outcomes observed for participants focusing on their experiences, stories and changes observed within the program and post-program. We will outline what works and what does not inside and outside prison environments with clients that are on a corrections order. We will also highlight the positive impact group-based dynamics can have on behaviour change and education.