The KickStart programs work
Addressing a critical gap
60-72%
Completion rates for the mens’ programs
The KickStart programs work
Getting a handle on substance use and criminal activities is a massive challenge for people in the justice system. KickStart programs deliver the strategies to meet those challenges.
KickStart’s fundamental aim is to create prosocial behaviour change. Internal and external evaluations have demonstrated that the progress successfully engages both moderate and high-risk individuals due in part to the group program model. Participants achieve positive outcomes in terms of individual wellbeing, knowledge and strategies to prevent re-offending and improved social connections.
Importantly, the data reveals that completion of the KickStart Program is likely to predict successful completion of a community correction order.
The individual effect
From program kick-off to completion, participants noticed marked improvements in motivation, self-efficacy, psychological health and social relationships.
MOTIVATION LEVELS INCREASED*
*as the program progressed
IMPROVED EMOTIONAL REGULATION*
*as measured by the DERS
REDUCED PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS*
*as measured by the K10
REDUCED CURRENT CRIMINAL THINKING*
*as measured by the PICTS
IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE*
*as measured by the WHO-QoL
“[The program] gave me a much better understanding about myself.”
96% of participants would recommend the program to others
"Gave me the tools to hopefully live with sobriety”
The Group Model fosters a sense of belonging and community and allows participants to learn from the experiences of others.
Completion of KickStart is likely to predict successful completion of a community correction Order.
The outside perspective
Community Correction Case Managers and AOD Treatment providers report that the program contributes to a deeper understanding of offending, increased knowledge of strategies to prevent offending in future, improved social connections and a greater confidence to share ones’ stories and experiences.
The KickStart program overview
The foundations for change.
There are six variants of the KickStart Program available based on the participants’ risk level, gender and suitability for group.
The variants for men include a 42-hour and a 24-hour group program, as well as a 15-hour and an 8-hour individual program.
In recognition that women have different pathways to offending and substance use, and different criminogenic needs, to men, the KickStart Suite includes gender-responsive programs for women.
The variants for women including a 24-hour group program and an 8-hour individual program.
Group Program
42 hours (15 sessions) OR 24 hours (8 sessions)
Anyone at risk of harmful substance use and with a recent offending history.
Individual Program
15 hours OR 8 hours
Anyone who is suitable for KickStart, but is assessed as being unsuitable for a group program.
Digital KickStart
The KickStart programs can now be accessed via a web-based platform incorporating digital enhancements to create a more accessible and engaging experience for participants.
The majority of participants say they would prefer to access the KickStart program online and complete the activities digitally.
Facilitators report that the digital programs reduce administration time, are fun to deliver and allow for real-time tracking of participant’s progress.
3 big outcomes
1.
Increases self-awareness of the relationship between drug use and offending
2.
Provides skills development while increasing motivation and self-efficacy for change
3.
Guides the development of realistic and actionable self-management plans.
