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Aboriginal Community Justice Panels (ACJP) Program

The ACJP Program is a volunteer-based community initiative supporting communities and individuals needing assistance in justice or legal related matters.

The Panels take a diversionary approach in supporting preventative initiatives for community and individual participation as well as providing direct support through
a ‘Call-Out’ service to individuals held in Police custody.

The primary roles of the ACJP Panels include: 

  • Liaising with legal and welfare agencies to assist in the delivery of services to Aboriginal people in the criminal
    justice system;

     

  • Assisting to minimise contact of Aboriginal persons with the criminal justice system by working with the police
    and other agencies on appropriate diversionary programs; and

     

  • Assisting police in assuring the safety of Aboriginal persons in custody. 

 

Although the initial contact point when Aboriginal people are arrested continues to remain a vital focus, ACJPs have been involved in a range of other activities including: 

  • Follow-up support with families and persons who may have contact with police;

  • School holiday program support, positive alcohol, drug and violence free children’s activities; 

  • Crisis and emergency/welfare relief; 

  • Support for drug and alcohol-free sporting events including football, netball, and basketball; and 

  • Attending various community justice related meetings including: LAJAC, IFVRAG, LAECG, Aboriginal Health and Well-Being, Drug and Alcohol, Corrections, Sheriffs’ and Police. 

The twelve ACJPs across Victoria:

  • Shepparton
  • Echuca
  • Swan Hill/Robinvale
  • Mildura
  • Horsham
  • Portland/Heywood
  • Warrnambool
  • Geelong
  • Bendigo
  • Ballarat
  • Northern Metropolitan
  • Dandenong 
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

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