General Court Intervention Program (GCIP)
The General Court Intervention Program (GCIP) is a pilot program led by the Department of Justice, in partnership with Connect Wanju, based at Perth Magistrates Court. The program focusses on providing people on Bail with needs based support through case management and priority access to community services.
Accused persons are able to participate in the GCIP from their first appearance in court, if referred and assessed as suitable.
Participation in the GCIP is voluntary.
The program is available to all accused persons, regardless of whether a plea has been entered or whether they intend to plead guilty or not.
GCIP Case Managers conduct assessments of individuals to determine their suitability for the program. If deemed suitable, the Case Manager forwards a referral to Connect Wanju identifying the supports required as discussed with the participant. The Case Manager continues to engage with the participant on a regular basis when referred to Connect Wanju to provide additional support.
Contact Information
General Court Intervention Program
Level 4 (opposite Court 41)
Central Law Courts
501 Hay Street
PERTH WA 6000
Phone: (08) 9425 2521
Email: gcip@justice.wa.gov.au
The waiting area for program participants is located outside of Court 41. Please note this waiting room is also used by people accessing Aboriginal Legal Service, Court Welfare and Legal Aid WA.
Palmerston Association, in partnership with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation are the contracted service provider for GCIP. Together, these services facilitate the Connect Wanju (Connect Welcome) program. Connect Wanju was developed to specifically meet the needs of GCIP participants.
1. Apply to be referred.
2. Be assessed as suitable.
3. Chat with a Case Manager to work on a plan.
4. Engage with Connect Wanju.
The GCIP and Connect Wanju team will work closely with you over 12 weeks to provide access to a range of services and programs relating to four areas of need:
- Physical and/or mental health concerns.
- Drug and alcohol dependency and misuse issues.
- Social and economic needs that contribute to the frequency or severity of offending.
- Homelessness.
Support provided may include:
- One on one counselling.
- Group sessions.
- Case management.
- Culturally appropriate support.
- Linked to employment and training services.
- Linked with agencies to assist with accommodation needs.
- Family and parenting support.
- Access to health services.
The benefits may include:
- improved health and wellbeing.
- assistance with drug and alcohol issues.
- increased community support.
- beyond the program - where necessary, participants are connected to long term supports.
GCIP is open to adults who are appearing before the Perth Magistrates Court and meet the following requirements:
- be granted bail.
- have one or more of the identified needs.
- consent to be in the program.
- you do not have to have entered a plea to participate in GCIP.
It is your responsibility to:
- agree to adjourn your matter.
- engage with the program for about 12 weeks.
- be respectful towards others.
- be open and honest throughout the program.
You can voluntarily withdraw from GCIP at any time.
A person appearing at Perth Magistrates Court can apply themselves or be referred by:
- family or friends.
- lawyers.
- a support services agency.
- the Court.
- police.
Participants need to be referred to the program using the referral form.
The GCIP will let the Court know about your progress towards your agreed goals and advise on the support services you have been linked to.
Your personal and health information will be kept secure and only shared with Connect Wanju to better support you.
Information that will not be shared:
- Specific information about past or alleged offending behaviour.
- Information that is not relevant to your participation in GCIP.
If you do not speak English or your English is limited, contact the Translation and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact the National Relay Service.
Aboriginal Interpreting WA (AIWA) provides accredited interpreters for more than 40 WA Aboriginal languages to clients.
Free Call: 1800 330 331
Bookings: bookings@aiwaac.org.au
Last updated: 2-Dec-2020
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