Improving Aboriginal Adult Literacy Rates: What Potential Does the 'Yes, I Can!' Adult Literacy Campaign Have for Reducing Offending and Improving Interactions with The Criminal Justice System in NSW Aboriginal Communities?

This research examined the impact of the ‘Yes, I Can!’ adult literacy campaign as a place-based justice reinvestment initiative, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Interviews conducted with 22 key informants working as service providers or criminal justice system employees within (or previously located in) Bourke and Enngonia indicated that the ‘Yes, I Can!’ campaign improved the experiences and interactions of participating community members with the criminal justice system in at least three ways. It helped to alleviate illegal driving practices; it reduced contacts with the law for failure to respond to official documentation; and it improved their interactions with law enforcement officials. There were also significant benefits in terms of increased confidence to access legal advice and other services. However, the analysis of the quantitative BOCSAR data did not reveal conclusive links between the ‘Yes, I Can!’ program and reduced criminal justice system encounters in either community. To investigate this further, a longitudinal study with participants over several years is recommended.