The Solaris Therapeutic Community program is a voluntary program for adult males in the Alexander Maconochie Centre who have alcohol and other drug dependencies using the therapeutic community approach to treatment.
About Solaris
Treatment in the Solaris Therapeutic Community begins 6-12 months prior to release from AMC and is a three-tiered program. Detainees on methadone or stable on other pharmacotherapies are able to access the program however men with a history of sex offences are ineligible, due to the nature of their offence.
The program length is four months and participants are accommodated in a separate cottage and area on the AMC complex. The program is based on the therapeutic community model and is intensive by its very nature. During this time participants are engaged in a range of activities including psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational groups, community projects, debates, parenting, creative therapy, healthy lifestyles plan, Tai Chi and a range of other activities aimed at helping them develop pro-social and cognitive resilience skills
Level One: Readiness Phase 4 Weeks
This phase is underpinned by strategies to enhance motivation and includes orientation to TC, introduction to Social, Cognitive and emotional skills and life-style narratives.
Level Two: Treatment Phase 12 Weeks
This phase is underpinned by work education and therapy and includes psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic group’s aimed at reducing the incidence of recidivism related to substance misuse through the provision of targeted interventions.
Level Three: Transition Phase
This phase ensures a seamless transition from the TC out into the community. The Solaris Transitional Worker establishes ongoing rapport with participants providing dynamic, individually tailored aftercare services designed to consolidate recovery skills and to support community reintegration strategies. The Transitional Worker facilitates fortnightly community maintenance groups for all previous Solaris participants.
A program of intensive throughcare exists to support each man’s transition and reintegration into the community. This program commences during Phase One and continues post-release from AMC, according to individual client needs. Fortnightly community Solaris maintenance groups are facilitated by the Solaris Transitional worker.
Women in Prison’s Project
Karralika Programs Inc. is developing a specific alcohol and other drug program for women within the Alexander Maconochie Centre. The program is underpinned by Therapeutic Community principles and is assisting through activities to reduce recidivism and improve the transition of female detainees back into the community after a period of incarceration.
For more information
For more information about the program and its stages you can visit http://www.solaris.act.gov.au/ or contact the team on 02 6163 0200.
