What We Do

 

At Guthrie House, we provide a safe and supportive residential recovery program for women involved in the criminal justice system. Our program is specifically designed to support First Nations women, pregnant women, women with babies in their care and women at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Our service is trauma-informed, culturally inclusive, and built around a three-stage recovery model.  We understand that healing takes time, and our program walks alongside women as they stabilise, reconnect, and rebuild their lives.

Residential Program

When you arrive at Guthrie House, you’ll be welcomed into a respectful, structured environment where safety, wellbeing, and dignity come first. You’ll be paired with a dedicated Case Manager or Family Worker who will work with you throughout your stay, supporting you to identify your goals and build a personalised case plan. You’ll also have access to our broader multidisciplinary team, including our First Nations Support Worker, Health Worker, Residential Support Workers, AOD Counsellor, General Practitioner and Psychologist.

During your stay, we’ll assist you with:

  • Meeting immediate needs such as Centrelink payments, identification, clothing, and medical care
  • Developing a case plan based on your strengths, goals, and needs
  • Addressing alcohol and other drug use through counselling, group work, and external referrals
  • Accessing physical and mental health services
  • Connecting to culture and community, especially for First Nations women
  • Strengthening family relationships and parenting capacity
  • Navigating DCJ (child protection and out-of-home care) matters, including support to attend case meetings, understand court processes, and work towards family reunification
  • Engaging in group sessions and life skills activities
  • Receiving support with court, legal matters, and housing applications
  • Participating in recreation, learning, and wellbeing activities

Our 12-week residential program provides a structured routine that encourages healing, stability, and empowerment.

Outreach and Aftercare

Women who complete the residential program are invited to continue their recovery journey through our Outreach Program. This transitional support is for 12 – 18 months and is designed to help you to further develop your case plan goals, navigate independent living, and stay connected to support.

To participate, you must be abstinent from alcohol and other drugs, living within an hour of Guthrie House, and committed to engaging in ongoing case management and wellbeing support.

Outreach support includes:

  • Regular home visits with your Case Manager or Family Worker
  • Continued case planning and referrals to community-based services
  • Support with tenancy, budgeting, and daily life skills
  • Assistance navigating legal and DCJ systems
  • Access to weekly SMART Recovery groups at Guthrie House
  • Help reconnecting with family, community, education or employment

Our outreach services ensure that the support doesn’t end when you walk out the door. We’re here to walk beside you as you take the next steps in your journey.