Bill's Story

Bill was released in July 2008 for aggravated burglary – he had a long history of offending to support his long standing drug addiction. He was able to remain drug free in the prison environment but was finding it very tough to function in the community with the stress of everyday life without the drugs.  We worked closely with Bill and his family, recognising that the best way to support him was by also supporting his family. Monthly family meetings were held to keep everyone informed and give a chance for effective communication to occur. We were able to support Bill into full time employment with an engineering firm and he entered into a relationship with an old friend. Bill received weekly support which he requested be extended, we interacted with CADs - Canterbury Alcohol and Drug service – who had a long standing knowledge of Bill and were providing A/D one on one supports to him.

After six months in the community (the longest period in five years) and a period of difficulty with his partner Bill started using drugs again – this affected his relationships with both family and work. Bill was quickly becoming out of control but was still trying to make positive changes. In desperation he stole a computer from his work place and after driving away for five minutes turned around, confessed to the incident and returned the computer back to a very surprised boss who didn't even know it was missing at that stage. When later asked why he had returned the computer instead of selling it off cheaply has he would have done in the past, Bill recounted that he just thought if he did something really good he may just show himself that he could change and get back on track. Bill’s boss was very supportive but unable to keep him employed, his relationship ended and he struggled with the drug addiction.

In response to these events probation sought his recall back to prison. At the hearing the Judge overseeing the recall agreed that Bill would be better off in a Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation facility than in prison, if one could be provided. By working in closely with CADs we were able to provide an approved A/D residential rehabilitation option to the Judge and within three days Bill was released to complete their 12 month programme. We remain in support of Bill and he is currently three months into his programme, drug free, rebuilding his relationships with his family and still focused on achieving his long term goal of being able to live crime and drug free in the community.