Pulling All the ‘StoX’ Out – Meeting Clients Where They’re At
Tracks
Prince Room - In-Person & Virtual
| Thursday, May 28, 2026 |
| 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM |
Overview
Andy Niblock, Anna Calverley & Kristie Rowe, Palmerston Association Incorporated
Details
Three Key Learnings
1. Innovative Service Models Improve Accessibility Traditional AOD treatment criteria often exclude individuals with co-occurring mental health or trauma histories. Palmerston’s StOX model demonstrates how flexible, individually tailored approaches—prioritising stabilisation before detox—can engage clients who are otherwise unable to access conventional programs.
2. Gradual and Flexible Care Enhances Client Outcomes Preliminary findings suggest that short-term, flexible residential options and intensive case management lead to improved treatment retention and smoother transitions into long-term programs. Supporting clients at various stages of readiness fosters resilience and better integration into therapeutic communities.
3. Evidence-Based Evaluation Supports Broader Adoption Documented outcomes from the StOX project may guide expansion of accessible, trauma-informed stabilisation and detox services across broader health networks.
1. Innovative Service Models Improve Accessibility Traditional AOD treatment criteria often exclude individuals with co-occurring mental health or trauma histories. Palmerston’s StOX model demonstrates how flexible, individually tailored approaches—prioritising stabilisation before detox—can engage clients who are otherwise unable to access conventional programs.
2. Gradual and Flexible Care Enhances Client Outcomes Preliminary findings suggest that short-term, flexible residential options and intensive case management lead to improved treatment retention and smoother transitions into long-term programs. Supporting clients at various stages of readiness fosters resilience and better integration into therapeutic communities.
3. Evidence-Based Evaluation Supports Broader Adoption Documented outcomes from the StOX project may guide expansion of accessible, trauma-informed stabilisation and detox services across broader health networks.
Speaker
Ms Anna Calverley
General Manager, Justice Programs and Therapeutic Communities
Palmerston Association
Pulling all the ‘StoX’ out – Meeting clients where they’re at.
Biography
Mr Andy Niblock
Executive Manager, Business Development
Palmerston Association Incorporated
Pulling all the ‘StoX’ out – Meeting clients where they’re at.
Abstract
AOD treatment services often face significant accessibility and availability issues, particularly for individuals with complex needs such as co-occurring mental health and trauma histories. Strict program criteria can exclude these clients, who may also lack existing GP or specialist mental health support. Palmerston is responding by trialling an innovative alternative service model that authentically meets those struggling most significantly in accessing services.
Commencing in late 2023, the StOX (Stabilisation and Detox) approach prioritises stabilisation before detox and delivers tailored, accessible support in flexible settings to meet clients at their current recovery stage.
For individuals not yet prepared for long-term residential treatment, Palmerston’s enhanced program offers flexible, short-term residential options—delivering respite and supported stabilisation either at home or within an AOD residential site. This model extends community-based stabilisation and detox services, prioritising clients with unstable housing or complex health needs. GPs and case workers provide tailored clinical and practical support, readying clients for detox. Inspired by international best practice, the approach is therapeutic and adaptable, featuring intensive case management for those excluded from mainstream services.
Initial qualitative findings highlight enhanced treatment outcomes from pre-entry through intensive case management, supporting clients as they transition into community or residential withdrawal programs. The initiative has increased treatment retention, with clients reporting that a gradual immersion into Therapeutic Community life has been beneficial. This presentation will explore these findings and include case studies illustrating the positive impact of the program on two individual client journeys.
This project includes an evaluation component through the University of Notre Dame that aims to validate the approach for broader adoption and improving treatment outcomes for vulnerable populations. Ultimately, we hope to support an increase in the availability of services for those seeking to reduce AOD use via stabilisation and detox.
Commencing in late 2023, the StOX (Stabilisation and Detox) approach prioritises stabilisation before detox and delivers tailored, accessible support in flexible settings to meet clients at their current recovery stage.
For individuals not yet prepared for long-term residential treatment, Palmerston’s enhanced program offers flexible, short-term residential options—delivering respite and supported stabilisation either at home or within an AOD residential site. This model extends community-based stabilisation and detox services, prioritising clients with unstable housing or complex health needs. GPs and case workers provide tailored clinical and practical support, readying clients for detox. Inspired by international best practice, the approach is therapeutic and adaptable, featuring intensive case management for those excluded from mainstream services.
Initial qualitative findings highlight enhanced treatment outcomes from pre-entry through intensive case management, supporting clients as they transition into community or residential withdrawal programs. The initiative has increased treatment retention, with clients reporting that a gradual immersion into Therapeutic Community life has been beneficial. This presentation will explore these findings and include case studies illustrating the positive impact of the program on two individual client journeys.
This project includes an evaluation component through the University of Notre Dame that aims to validate the approach for broader adoption and improving treatment outcomes for vulnerable populations. Ultimately, we hope to support an increase in the availability of services for those seeking to reduce AOD use via stabilisation and detox.
Biography
Anna Calverley is the General Manager for Justice Programs and Therapeutic Communities at Palmerston Association and has a passion for improving the lives of individuals directly involved with the criminal justice system. Anna has a BSc Hons in Criminology and 20 years of experience working in a variety of therapeutic community and custodial settings in the UK, Queensland, and WA.
Kristie Rowe is the Service Manager at Palmerston Association's Therapeutic Community in Perth. With a deep passion for the AOD sector, Kristie holds a degree in Social Work from Curtin University and has worked across various community organisations since 2014.
Ms Kristie Rowe
Service Mmanager
Palmerston Association
Pulling all the ‘StoX’ out – Meeting clients where they’re at.
Biography
