Initial Transition support (ITS)

Acquired brain injury &
high complex needs specialist services provider

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What is Initial Transition Support (ITS)

Initial Transitional Support (ITS) is a specialized 12-week programme funded by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) under the Funded Partnerships Initiative (FPI). It provides targeted support for individuals transitioning from custody into the community, addressing immediate needs and laying the foundation for long-term stability. 

This programme focuses on practical support, addressing critical areas such as housing, employment, healthcare, and building community connections. By empowering individuals during this critical phase, ITS helps reduce the risk of reoffending and promotes meaningful reintegration. 

How to get support

Initial Transition Support (ITS) at arbias

At arbias, ITS is exclusively offered in New South Wales for individuals referred directly by NSW Corrective Services. We work closely with participants during their transition to ensure their needs are met and their goals are achieved. 

The programme is designed to empower participants by providing practical assistance, connecting them with essential services, and helping them take control of their lives. With a focus on results, arbias ensures the service aligns with government objectives while creating meaningful outcomes for participants. 

Eligibility: This service is only available to individuals referred by NSW Corrective Services, such as from the parole unit during pre-release preparation and or the local Community Corrections Office. 

arbias delivers this service across various locations in New South Wales, ensuring accessibility for individuals in both regional and metropolitan areas.

Our service locations include:

  • Bathurst
  • Campbelltown
  • Dubbo (including Wellington)
  • Gosford
  • Bowral/Goulburn
  • Grafton
  • Kempsey
  • Lake Macquarie
  • Leichhardt
  • Lismore (including Casino)
  • Mt Druitt (including Penrith)
  • Nowra
  • Parramatta (including Blacktown)
  • Taree
  • Wagga Wagga
  • Wollongong
  • Wyong
  • Newcastle

How can we help

Assessing immediate needs

We work closely with NSW Corrective Services to identify and address key priorities such as housing, financial support (Centrelink), identification, physical and mental health services, alcohol and other drug (AOD) support, employment, education, and other essential needs to ensure a smooth transition.

Personalized support plans

We develop individual plans that focus on your specific goals and challenges, ensuring you receive effective and relevant support.

️ Building community connections

We help you connect with local services and programs to establish strong networks and rebuild your life.

Stakeholder coordination

We collaborate with NSW Corrective Services and other partners to deliver well-coordinated, cohesive support.

Specialist support and case management

We offer ongoing support from case managers to specialist support workers, ensuring you receive the right services at the right time. This includes personalised guidance, referrals, and service coordination to help you navigate complex systems and achieve stability.

️ Practical support

We assist you in navigating systems, accessing resources, and overcoming barriers during your transition.

Ongoing assistance

We provide consistent guidance and support throughout the program’s 12 weeks, ensuring you stay on track and feel supported.

Our Approach

Tailored and participant-centered

We recognize that each person’s situation is unique and deliver individualized support that reflects their needs, goals, and priorities.

Compassion and respect

Our team fosters trust by providing nonjudgmental, compassionate, and respectful support to every participant.

Collaboration

We work closely with NSW Corrective Services and other stakeholders to ensure smooth transitions and shared outcomes.

Empowerment

We encourage participants to take control of their lives, helping them develop confidence and independence during their transition.

️ Consistency and reliability

We offer structured, dependable support throughout the program, giving participants a sense of security during this critical period.

Focus on long-term impact

Our goal is not just immediate success but to create lasting outcomes—helping participants reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

step by step guide on

How to get support

Step 1

Referral

Referrals are made by NSW Corrective Services, typically through parole or community corrections units. Participants cannot self-refer but can discuss program availability with their officer.

Step 2

Assessment and consent

Once referred, our team works with the participant to gain consent and complete a comprehensive assessment to identify their needs and goals.

Step 3

Personalized plan

A tailored support plan is created based on the participant’s specific circumstances, addressing key areas such as housing, employment, and community reintegration.

Step 4

Begin the program

Participants start the 12-week program, receiving ongoing guidance, practical assistance, and access to resources to ensure a successful transition.

Step 5

Exit planning and continued support

As participants complete the program, we assist with exit planning, ensuring a smooth transition by linking them to community services, ongoing support networks, and relevant programs to promote long-term stability and continued rehabilitation.

Our People

We take pride in what we do and the care we bring to every person we support. Hear from our clients on how we try to make a difference.

"As a young father, I faced many challenges, especially in securing stable housing and overcoming struggles with alcohol, AOD, and mental health. With the support of Parramatta ITS, I turned my life around. I found stable housing, accessed vital mental health services, and regained my confidence".
"As a young father, I faced many challenges, especially in securing stable housing and overcoming struggles with alcohol, AOD, and mental health. With the support of Parramatta ITS, I turned my life around. I found stable housing, accessed vital mental health services, and regained my confidence".
"I have 3 arbias staff per week; each of them are EXTREMELY knowledgeable about my needs, EXTREMELY respectful and friendly and I genuinely look forward to my times with them". - Lynda Davis, Client
"I have 3 arbias staff per week; each of them are EXTREMELY knowledgeable about my needs, EXTREMELY respectful and friendly and I genuinely look forward to my times with them". - Lynda Davis, Client
“Having an ITS Caseworker from ARBIAS as part of our team enhances the quality of the case management that we are able to deliver and assists our clients to navigate the many challenges that they often face as they re-integrate back into the community. They have the time to work individually with our higher risk clients to make the most appropriate referrals and access services to support them to break the cycle of offending.” - ITS Gatekeeper
“Having an ITS Caseworker from ARBIAS as part of our team enhances the quality of the case management that we are able to deliver and assists our clients to navigate the many challenges that they often face as they re-integrate back into the community. They have the time to work individually with our higher risk clients to make the most appropriate referrals and access services to support them to break the cycle of offending.” - ITS Gatekeeper
“I get really frustrated and angry when I have to fill out forms and answer the same questions, it really helped having someone to sit with me and help me fill it out – now I might get the right services I need” - Kylie, Client
“I get really frustrated and angry when I have to fill out forms and answer the same questions, it really helped having someone to sit with me and help me fill it out – now I might get the right services I need” - Kylie, Client
“Mark has been mad, he helped me with my birth certificate, and it looks like a hundred dollar note. It is so shiny. He also helped me get up to the RTA to get my paperwork sent off for my photo ID card”. - Mitchell, Client
“Mark has been mad, he helped me with my birth certificate, and it looks like a hundred dollar note. It is so shiny. He also helped me get up to the RTA to get my paperwork sent off for my photo ID card”. - Mitchell, Client
"arbias has supported me for the past three years, helping me rebuild my confidence, independence, and self-belief. I have faced significant trauma and challenges that left me feeling isolated, with low self-esteem and poor health".
"arbias has supported me for the past three years, helping me rebuild my confidence, independence, and self-belief. I have faced significant trauma and challenges that left me feeling isolated, with low self-esteem and poor health".

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We uphold the highest standards through regular audits and strict compliance with industry regulations. If you have any concerns or feedback, please reach out we’re committed to listening, improving, and ensuring the best possible support.

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Frequently asked questions

Please find answers to some of the most common questions. If you still need help, we’re just a message away.

Eligibility is determined by Corrective Services NSW. ITS is available to people under community supervision (e.g., parole or intensive correction orders) who are assessed as medium to high risk of reoffending. Referrals must come through Community Corrections.

As an ITS service provider, arbias offers short-term, practical support to help individuals settle into the community. This may include help with housing, daily routines, service access, and building stability all aligned with the person’s case plan.

Referrals for ITS must be made by Community Corrections staff through the official FPI process. arbias cannot accept direct referrals for this program, but we’re happy to answer questions from professionals supporting a client in the system.

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