Outcare Awarded for Transforming Mental Health in Justice at the 2025 Mental Health Service Awards of Australia and New Zealand

Outcare is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Innovation in Public Mental Health Services Award at the 2025 Mental Health Service Awards of Australia and New Zealand. The ceremony took place on Thursday, September 4th, at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane. 

This national award highlights the pioneering model of therapeutic jurisprudence that reimagines how the justice system can support people living with mental health challenges.   

Representing Outcare at the ceremony were Ana Afanasieva, Manager Diversion and Prevention, and Nicolette Sparks, Team Leader of Diversion Services, who proudly accepted the award on behalf of our team and partners. 

At its heart, Start Court is a voluntary, person-centered initiative that unites professionals from the Department of Health, Department of Justice, Cyrenian House, Legal Aid, WAPOL, and community-based providers like Outcare. Together, we focus on the root causes of offending behaviour – providing tailored psychosocial support, and peer-led services. By combining tailored, person-centered support and peer-led guidance to vulnerable individuals, the program opens doors to stability, inclusion, and long-term recovery. 

The impact has been remarkable. Outcare’s evaluation of Start Court shows that between July and December 2024: 

• 60% of participants reported improved mental health. 

• Reductions in substance misuse (91%) and re-offending (92%) were closely linked to these gains. 

• 86% strengthened their support networks, while 53% improved family relationships. 

• 45% engaged in positive, pro-social activities, building resilience and reducing the risk of future justice contact. 

These outcomes demonstrate that Start Court is not just transforming individual lives – it is delivering community-wide benefits, from reducing recidivism to lowering incarceration costs. It is a model of justice that prioritises dignity, healing, and safety. 

“We are deeply honoured to receive this award, which recognises the power of compassionate, evidence-based reform. Start Court proves that when we provide the right support and with dignity, the results are profound. Lives change. Families strengthen. Communities become safer. This is an approach which enables people with complex needs to be better understood and supported as they engage with the justice system.” David Cain, Managing Director, Outcare 

About Outcare:
Outcare supports individuals facing challenges such as intergenerational trauma, mental health issues, family and domestic violence, and systemic barriers. While we have deep expertise in the justice and child protection systems, our work extends beyond those sectors to meet people where they are, when they need it most. We help build connected, resilient communities by walking alongside individuals on their journey to healing, empowerment, and positive social engagement. 

Outcare is part of PeopleKind Group. For media enquiries, please contact: communications@outcare.com.au.