Designing Indigenous-led services to improve outcomes for First Nations peoples exiting the justice system.
On this page:
The Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL) Program helps improve the economic security of First Nations peoples transitioning out of the justice system and reestablishing themselves in the community.
This voluntary program builds on community feedback to offer support and mentoring services up to 6 months pre-release and 12 months post-release, which helps participants to prepare for work, learning and connects them to community, Country, health, housing and other social services.
The program was developed through extensive consultations with First Nations communities and stakeholders, including:
- First Nations peoples and leaders
- Service providers
- Community leaders
- Government agencies
- People with lived experience
This collaborative approach demonstrates DEWR’s commitment to working in partnership with First Nations communities to design solutions that genuinely reflect the experiences and insights of those it aims to serve. The feedback received during these consultations was instrumental in shaping the program, allowing it to be tailored to the specific needs of participants.
Consultations
In 2023, the department published a discussion paper and received 39 responses from stakeholders. Departmental staff consulted with First Nations peoples, people with lived experience of the justice system, community leaders, state and territory governments and organisations, including visits to prisons to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the gaps and support required to improve outcomes.
In 2024, the department sought stakeholder feedback on the REAL Program design, to ensure it was fit-for-purpose. This consultation included a public discussion paper, visits to places that were earmarked for the initial rollout of the new program, and online sessions with First Nations representative organisations, providers and Aboriginal legal services. These conversations helped refine the program’s policy design.
In March 2025, the draft Grant Opportunity Guidelines were released for stakeholder feedback, resulting in 26 submissions. This continuing level of engagement on the program shows strong stakeholder interest in the program’s success. The feedback influenced the final development of the REAL Program grant opportunity and program delivery.
The REAL Program builds on the Australian Government’s commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the recently signed First Nations Economic Partnership through:
- establishing a service to provide mentoring and support to First Nations peoples exiting the justice system (Targets 7, 8, 10, 11 and 14).
- building the capacity of the community-controlled sector and co-designing policies with First Nations peoples when it impacts them (Priority Reforms 1 and 2).
- leveraging the First Nations Economic Partnership to strengthen co-design and economic participation.
This program is a part of the department’s reconciliation journey, building stronger relationships with First Nations peoples, by taking meaningful action that incorporates the voices of the people most impacted by this program. The department’s commitment to extensive stakeholder engagement will underpin future policy work and contribute to our reconciliation efforts.