The Strengthening Spirit and Culture: A cost-benefit analysis of Dardi Munwurro’s men’s healing programs report builds the evidence base for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men’s healing programs.
It promotes the benefits of men and boys reconnecting with cultural values and shows clearly that government investment in Aboriginal community-led men’s healing and behaviour change programs delivers better healing outcomes and significant economic savings.
The analysis, commissioned by The Healing Foundation and completed by Deloitte Access Economics, found that each dollar invested in Dardi Munwurro is estimated to provide a return on investment of 50-190 per cent.
The largest benefit comes from reduced rates of incarceration: among Dardi Munwurro clients the rate of incarceration decreased from 13 per cent pre-program to 4 per cent post-program. Every avoided case of incarceration represents a saving to government of more than $90,000 each year.
The report provides evidence that governments stand to make significant savings if they invest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-led men’s healing programs.
