Oars SA

OARS CT has been delivering high quality professional services and support to people who have offended and their families for over 130 years.

While the Vision and Mission statements have changed slightly over the years, our core business serving the most vulnerable clients in the community has remained unchanged.

Over recent years OARS CT has been working very hard to advocate for better public policy to reduce the overuse of incarceration, implement Restorative Justice and improve community safety.

Our Vision

Strong communities with positive social connections underpinned by restorative practices.

Our Mission

Reduce social harm by strengthening communities and social inclusion through the provision of restorative justice services, high quality treatment and rehabilitation services, support and advocacy, at critical transition points.

Guiding Principles
Social Justice
Restorative Justice
Community Participation
Human Rights
Continuous Improvement
Advocacy
Prison as a Last Resort
Principles

OARS Community Transitions believes that restorative principles should guide the development of policy and services in the criminal justice system.

We subscribe to the International Covenant on Victims’ Rights.

Diversity in human life is valued as an important community asset and specific groups of disadvantaged people should not be further disadvantaged through interaction with the criminal justice system.

Provision for minimum standards in accord with the United Nations Minimum Standards should be implemented within correctional facilities.
Capital punishment is not acceptable in our society.People have the right to choose their lifestyle whilst accepting responsibility for their actions.
Investment in early intervention and crime prevention strategies will prove beneficial at both the individual and social levels.
Alternative sentencing options to imprisonment should be regarded as high priorities.

People who have offended and their families should be treated with a non-judgemental attitude.

Prisoners are punished by the restriction of their liberty and whilst imprisoned they must be treated humanely and with dignity.

Implicit in this is recognition of the fundamental importance of active and respected involvement of families and children in the lives of offenders.

Offenders have the right to be involved in the decision-making processes of their restoration, reconciliation and rehabilitation.
Participation of offenders in rehabilitative processes will enhance reintegration into their families and the wider community.
Social justice principles should be applied in the criminal justice system.

Collaborative decision making with all stakeholders involved should be central to policy development and service delivery in the justice system.

Service development should be based on social science research whenever possible.

Freedom of religion and spiritual expression should be granted to all persons residing in South Australia prisons.