Key information
- Status: Not open for application
- Grant amount: $1,300,000
Program objective
A total of $1.3 million over two years is available to fund and test the HI MBCP program in NSW.
The HI MBCP aims to:
- Assess whether structured high-intensity augmentation of an MBCP program improves engagement, strengthens risk management and consolidates behaviour change for high-risk participants
- Test feasibility, workforce requirements and scalability of the program
- Maintain survivor and child safety as the central indicator of program effectiveness
- Generate empirical and practice-based evidence to inform statewide MBCPs and long-term service design.
The pilot program positions HI MBCP support as a continuum of survivor-centred, risk-responsive pathways, linked to the RSSF. It integrates participant case management, balances flexibility with accountability, and embeds survivor advocacy, cultural safety, and robust governance.
The model, including intended outcomes and a theory of change, is outlined in the Grant Program Guidelines, which include Appendix A, and Appendix B – Post MBCP Grant Accountability Safety Model
This program is administered by Department of Communities and Justice.
Grant recipients
Recipients for this program were selected to meet the program objectives.
Eligible recipients were invited to participate and were required to meet the objectives.
What was approved
Approved for CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Ltd
CCWF will deliver a HI-MBCP in Cobar to address local demand and system gaps. Funds will resource a dedicated 4.6 FTE team—male facilitator, female facilitator, two case managers, Women’s Advocacy Worker—with practice leadership from the Team Leader (Parkes). The program will operate from CCWF’s Cobar hub (SHS, SHLV, Financial Counselling, Family Workers/Parenting Educators), with a small portion of funds needed to rent additional office space for the pilot team. Activities and delivery model: • Targeted recruitment via Community Corrections, NSW Police, Courts, Legal Aid/ALS, DCJ, and community partners; information sessions tailored to local referrers. • Readiness pathway: 4–6 structured intake sessions as part of 20 hours of pre‑group case management to stabilise risk (AOD/MH, housing, employment), build internal motivation and set expectations. • Risk and safety: RSSF‑aligned; ongoing partner contact and safety planning led by the Women’s Advocacy Worker; individual Risk & Safety Management Plans for every participant. • SEEDS: Weekly groupwork (CBT‑informed, strengths‑based, narrative-approaches) with an average of 2 hours/week of parallel case management (total 20 hours) per participant. • Cultural safety: Aboriginal staff, partnerships with local ACCOs, culturally responsive options (including on‑Country engagement). • Transitions and maintenance: Structured transition meeting at completion with pathways to post‑group, tapered case management (min. 15 hours), parenting programs (Circle of Security, Black Box Parenting), SistaCare peer support for women, pro‑social activities, and booster/re‑entry options when risk escalates or additional dosage is required. • Brokerage for practical assistance if other avenues (e.g. Vinnies) have been exhausted. • Monitoring & evaluation: Routine outcomes tracking (safety, accountability, stability), fidelity checks, contribution to departmental and internal evaluations for continuous improvement. Expected outcomes: Improved safety for victim‑survivors and children; increased accountability, reduced recidivism risk among men; greater stability across drivers of risk; enhanced cultural safety/ access for Aboriginal families; more coordinated regional response through strengthened interagency partnerships.
$1,300,000 was approved by
DCJ delegated decision makerDate approved
May 2026Location of the project
Cobar 2835Location of the recipient
Forbes 2871About the grant
Applications approved
1
Applications received
7
High Intensity Men's Behaviour Change Program (HI MBCP) Grant Program
Program term
30/06/2026Support and contact
Innovative DFV Perpetrator Responses Team
Grant Design and Support
GrantDesignandSupport@dcj.nsw.gov.au
Strategy Policy and Commissioning
Department of Communities and Justice