Communities and Justice

Video conferencing keeps community safe

Last published on 21 Sep 2021 

Forbes Community Corrections is continuing to offer crucial programs to offenders living remotely thanks to the LiViT video conference platform.

LiViT allows offenders to participate virtually in psychology services and group programs on dedicated laptops or computer booths, to help reduce their risk of reoffending.

Forbes Community Corrections Manager Natalie Talbot said the virtual platform was introduced because some rural communities, such as Condobolin, had no access to in-person programs.

“Forbes Community Corrections provides community supervision to offenders across the Central West - an area spanning more than 200km,” Ms Talbot said.

“Some of the offenders and their families do not have access to technology, smart phones or reliable data so providing them with the equipment and an opportunity to participate has made a big impact.”

"Many offenders prefer to engage in programs remotely on this platform because there's no risk of someone local sharing their situation as gossip around town.

“One offender in Parkes was on home detention and had a chronic health condition, so he participated in his designated program from a laptop in bed.”

Through LiViT, their offenders have completed EQUIPS Domestic and Family Violence, Foundations and Maintenance and Sober Driver programs with a 90-95 per cent completion rate.

One offender is currently participating in the domestic violence program from his home, 100km from the Forbes office.

“I’m really enjoying the program,” he said.

“I’m trying to get something out of it for the future.  I’ve exchanged contact details with another participant so we can workshop scenarios together and achieve a good outcome for each other.”

Assistant Commissioner Community Corrections Sandra Crawford said LiViT is proving to be more crucial than ever because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We are continuing to roll out this service state-wide while face-to-face programs are suspended due to the current COVID outbreak,” Ms Crawford said.

“We plan to offer programs on the LiViT platform in the future, that will support face-to-face program delivery. This will enable CSNSW to place offenders into programs as they are released from custody, if they still require program content as part of the case plan.”

Last updated:

18 Nov 2021