Connect Wanju is a partnership, between Palmerston and Wungening Aboriginal Corporation, funded by the Department of Justice, to deliver the General Court Intervention Program (GCIP) across metropolitan Perth.
Connect Wanju Program
CONNECT WANJU (Connect, Welcome)
Wanju is a Noongar word meaning 'welcome'
What is the program about?
The program aims to improve access to treatment and support services for accused persons within the Court system. This will connect people through case management over a 12 week period to opportunities for longer term change. There will be specific focus on four areas, in particular:
- Physical and mental health
- Alcohol and other drugs
- Socio-economic needs
- Homelessness
Services are available Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, at Wungening’s office in East Perth.
We also provide services at all our existing partnership locations across the metropolitan area.
Connect Wanju case workers and peer workers will focus on delivering the service in a collaborative, individualised and culturally informed approach, working with a range of partner organisations to deliver the best outcomes for participants.
”The amount of help from everybody, who made me feel like I was a somebody
”The professionalism and confidentiality. I felt awkward about disclosing things and they made it ok to do so.
”Learning strategies on how to cope in the day to to day and how to deal with my past drug use and trauma
Who is eligible?
Individuals charged with a criminal offence can be referred to the program from their first appearance in Court, provided they are assessed as suitable. Participation is voluntary and available to all accused persons, regardless of whether a plea has been entered or their intended plea.
Referral to the Program
Clients are referred by Department of Justice GCIP Case Managers based at the Courts.
A person appearing at Perth Magistrates Court can refer themselves to the GCIP program at the Central Law Courts or be referred by:
- family or friends
- lawyers
- a support services agency
- a registrar
- a judicial officer
- the police
Please note that the Connect Wanju team does not accept direct referrals and all referral enquiries regarding the program should be directed to:
General Court Intervention Program (GCIP)
Central Law Courts, Level 4,
501 Hay Street
PERTH WA 6000
Tel: 9425 2521.
Email: GCIP@justice.wa.gov.au
Contacting the Connect Wanju team
All enquiries for Connect Wanju should be directed to:
Tel: 08 9553 8765
Email: mail@connectwanju.org.au
