Transforming Rehabilitation Through Digital Technology (PID087)

3.30pm – 4.15pm EDT, 24 October 2022 ‐ 45 mins

Parallel Workshops

Technology innovations in CSNSW to deliver online behaviour change programs have been adopted, and are now part of a strategic reform initiatives to provide over 10 000 inmates with in cell devices to enhance rehabilitation opportunities. During COVID, the impacts were reduced for over 5000 inmates who currently have access to in cell tablets. They were able to connect with family and friends and reported improved gaol experience. Community Corrections remotely delivered criminogennic programs to offenders across multiple regional locations in a live therapeutic environment.

Speakers

Renee Van Aaken

Director, Delivery Performance and Culture, Correctional Services, New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice, Australia

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Danielle Matsuo

Director, Offender Transformation, Corrective Services New South Wales, Australia

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Renee Van Aaken

Director, Delivery Performance and Culture, Correctional Services, New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice, Australia

Renee is an experienced leader in the Criminal Justice sector, with extensive and diverse experience in criminal justice including in operational, management and strategic areas. After completing a Criminology degree in 2001, Renee worked with Corrections Victoria in Community Corrections, Court Services and Offender Services and Programs before relocating to Corrective Services NSW in 2007. After several years in frontline operational and management roles in correctional centres, Renee was promoted to Regional Manager Operations, Offender Management and Programs in 2012. Renee then moved into project management where for the past 5 years she has project managed multiple initiatives under large scale reforms and restructures including the NSW Government’s Strategy to Reduce Reoffending Program and the Premier’s Priority to Reduce Recidivism. Last year she graduated with Honours in a Masters In Public Administration. Renee is passionate about making a difference, including for people impacted by the criminal justice system and those working within what is a very challenging system. She is driven to implement change effectively and make a difference and is currently focussed on a number of projects supporting the Premier’s Priority.

Danielle Matsuo

Director, Offender Transformation, Corrective Services New South Wales, Australia

Danielle Matsuo is the Director, Offender Transformation, Corrective Services NSW. She has worked for CSNSW for over 24 years; the first 12 years as a psychologist in a correctional environment. She completed her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology at the University of New South Wales and is currently completing a PhD considering similarities and differences between men who have committed homicide offences.

In her current role Danielle is responsible for the development, implementation, and ongoing integrity monitoring of all of CSNSWs behaviour change programs. This includes the high-intensity Violent Offender Therapeutic Program, Sex Offender Programs, Intensive Drug & Alcohol Treatment Program, and Countering Violent Extremism programs. She also provides advice and oversight of committees related to the Crimes High Risk Offenders and Terrorism High Risk Offenders Act.