Supporting Women’s Reintegration

Next Step Home (NSH) is a program funded by Queensland’s Department of Housing, providing a select number of women with secure housing for up to 12 months upon their release from custody. This initiative offers not only funding but also tailored support to help women transition successfully into independent living.

 

A Woman-Centred Approach

As a specialist women-centred service, NSH ensures each woman leads her own journey. We believe in empowering women to make informed decisions about their physical, psychological, social, emotional, spiritual, and cultural well-being. Utilising the Justice Outcomes Star assessment, women identify their goals and readiness for change , which is then mapped into a structured Action Plan alongside their NSH worker. The MARA NSH model helps women explore strategies, connect with service providers, and build sustainable relationships to support their Path to Change.

 

Delivering Complex and High-Impact Support

Our work requires a deep commitment to understanding the effects of violence and trauma, which often limit opportunities for women to thrive. The changing demographics of women in custody are continually monitored, ensuring MARA programs engage specialist service providers to meet emerging needs.

 

Collaborative Exit Planning

To facilitate successful reintegration, MARA Workers collaborate with Department of Housing NSH staff to identify eligible women based on:

• Risk of homelessness

• Domestic & Family Violence considerations

• Urgency of the situation

• Capacity for intensive community support

 

Given the limited number of NSH placements, equity and fairness are central to the selection process, ensuring the most vulnerable women receive the support they need.

 

Through Next Step Home, we provide a foundation for lasting change—empowering women to build stable, independent lives beyond custody.