Forensic Therapeutic Program

SASS has worked Tasmanian in custodial settings since 1999, bringing decades of experience supporting victim‑survivors impacted by sexual harm within the prison system. Today, our Forensic Therapeutic Program provides trauma‑focussed psychological support to victim‑survivors involved in the criminal justice system, both in custody and on Community-based Orders.

What sets this service apart is its commitment to continuity of care. Support begins in custody, continues as people transition back into the community, and can resume if someone re‑enters custody. This helps ensure no one is left without support during the most vulnerable periods of transition. Similarly, for individuals on Community based Orders, if they enter a custodial setting, their episode of care does not need to be disrupted.

Consistent, trauma-informed care can interrupt cycles of harm, reduce the risk re-traumatisation, support emotional regulation, and contribute to safer outcomes for individuals and the community at large. Our clinicians work alongside individuals to build understanding of the impact of trauma and trauma responses, develop coping and grounding strategies, and strengthen resilience. All support is tailored to the individual and aims to help them reach their healing goals and recognise their human potential and innate strengths and skills.
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People with lived experience of the justice system often face overlapping challenges, including trauma, stigma, disrupted access to services, and systemic barriers. These challenges can make it harder to access support, despite people’s strengths, insight, and capacity for change. These challenges are the result of systemic inequities, not individual shortcomings.

By embedding therapeutic services both in custody and in the community, SASS helps break intergenerational cycles of sexual trauma and abuse-supporting individual healing and contributing to a safer, more just society.

Where a person chooses to pursue the National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, the Forensic Therapeutic Program offers trauma-informed support to help them understand their options and assist in navigating the application process and accessing specialist legal support.

Safety, choice, empowerment and collaboration underpin all aspects of our forensic therapeutic work. Engagement is voluntary, guided by the individual’s goals and readiness, and centred on dignity, respect, and informed choice, and a fundamental belief that change and healing is possible.
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If you’d like to refer someone to the Forensic Therapeutic Program, you can visit our referral page here.

Referral Form