New program giving Aboriginal women leaving custody a 'homeward' chance

A life-changing program to help  Aboriginal women who are leaving custody avoid homelessness and find secure housing is paving the way  to turn  lives around. 

Homeward Sisters is a joint initiative of Legal Aid NSW, Homes NSW and Correctives NSW,  to remove barriers for  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women  access housing assistance for when they leave custody.  

Before women are released, they  are referred to a legal aid solicitor  to resolve any outstanding issues that might prevent them from accessing social housing assistance from Homes NSW when they are released.   

This year Homeward Sisters marked a milestone of 245 referrals, meaning it has reached over two thirds of Aboriginal women in custody since the start of this year.  

“This project is changing lives because housing is the gateway to secure employment and improved mental health and social outcomes. Without secure housing, some of these clients risk re-entering the justice system,” said Legal Aid’s Senior Solicitor Housing and Homelessness, Natalie Bradshaw.  

“We often find issues like mental illness or domestic violence might have impacted on previous tenancies , which can then further entrench disadvantage by causing homelessness. Our job is to remove those barriers to housing to  help  integrate back into the community." 

Ms Bradshaw said 64 per cent of program participants have children under 18, which means secure housing also promotes positive outcomes for children. 

“For many of our clients, not having secure housing is a barrier to spending time with their children so the program can prevent children from being placed into care unnecessarily.” 

Many of the women were previously homeless (68 per cent), with the majority also experiencing a mental health condition or disability or experiencing domestic violence. 

Homeward Sisters began as a pilot and, following its success, will become an ongoing initiative. 

Legal Aid NSW CEO Monique Hitter said the partnership gave women leaving custody a second chance. 

“This program ensures that housing is not a barrier to rebuilding lives, reconnecting with family, and contributing to the community. It’s about turning hope into opportunity,” she said.  

“Homes NSW is proud to be part of a program which removes barriers Aboriginal women face when seeking housing after exiting custody,” said Homes NSW CEO Rebecca Pinkstone. 

“Helping these women secure a safe home transforms their lives, giving them the best chance possible to rebuild, reconnect with family and access community supports,” 

“The partnership with Legal Aid and Correctives NSW shows us what’s possible when we work together.” 

Corrective Services NSW Principal Manager, Aboriginal Strategy and Policy, Jermaine Haymond said the Homeward Sisters program gives Aboriginal women a real chance to rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and connection to culture and community.  

“From an Aboriginal perspective, housing is more than a place to live, it’s the foundation for healing and self-determination,” he said. 

“When our women have a secure home, they’re better able to reconnect with their children, families, and community. That sense of belonging is a powerful step in reducing reoffending and creating positive change for the community.  

“Programs like this one work because they take a culturally safe and holistic approach, addressing the underlying causes that can lead to incarceration, things like trauma, family violence, and mental health needs.” 

Case study: Tracy 

When 53-year-old Gamilaroi and Wiradjuri woman Tracy was released from custody, she fell into homelessness. Living with complex health needs including mental illness and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), she was forced to live in a tent during the harsh winter months.  

Through Homeward Sisters, Tracy was able to secure priority housing. She is now housed in an area that she can access supports and healthcare including being on the ground floor, which she needs because of her lung disease. She is approaching her 12-month anniversary of being released from custody and is feeling optimistic and happy to be settled in her home. 

“Ending up in a tent was very stressful. If it wasn't for legal aid I’d still be in a tent waiting for housing. This project has been a big help and life changing because it’s meant I have a roof over my head and it reduces my risk of reoffending,” Tracy said. 

Natalie Bradshaw is available for interview