It's no secret that effective behavioural management is especially vital in Australia, where drug and alcohol abuse continue to pose significant challenges to individuals, families, and communities.
Uncle John Close is a prominent First Nations man of the Yugara & Turrbal peoples in the Brisbane region with ancestral ties to Goenpul (Stradbroke Island, QLD), Githabul (Woodenbong, NSW), Butchulla (Fraser Island, QLD), and Gungulu people of Rockhampton.
With more than three decades of experience in the field of counselling and behaviour management education, he has made significant contributions to the alcohol and drug addiction therapeutic residential care sector.
Mr Close's expertise and leadership have resulted in the development of a series of new and simple education programs that focuses on self-awareness and self-development.
The Blueprint to Success Education Program developed by Mr Close at FNI Education, aims to address the problem of drug and alcohol-related violence in Australian society.
It offers intervention services to guide clients and their families in developing easy-to-use and culturally-sensitive treatment plans, accessible to everyone.
Mr Close notes "it was my intention to develop simple practical user-friendly specialised self-awareness life skills development programs."
"It took time and commitment to create and perfect each program, but finally The Blueprint to Success Education Series was born, and the goal is to set a new benchmark that over time will effect change."
The program uses a layered approach to help individuals break the cycle of alcohol abuse and violence, promoting a safer and more harmonious society for all.
"One of the key strengths of this program is its early intervention focus, aiming to prevent drug and alcohol-related violence from escalating at an individual and community level." Mr Close said.
"Additionally, the program is a tailored model that can be adapted to harness existing services and funding in communities to achieve outcomes for affected individuals, families, and communities."
The program offers an educational approach to help workers and communities address drug and alcohol-related violence, providing tailored training to existing resources and workers on an area-by-area basis.
"The program is highly adaptable and can cater to the specific needs of various target markets such as justice clients, long-term unemployed individuals, corporate clients, family members, and community individuals," Mr Close said.
"As we continue to develop marketing materials, we aim to create customised solutions that effectively serve the unique needs of each of these groups."
Trained specialists will work with the police to defuse potentially violent situations, allowing for an effective alternative to the current approach.
The SIRITIS data collection and case management system will provide essential support to the program by enabling better outcomes for clients.
Developed in Australia by experienced counsellors and case managers, the system incorporates over 25 years of practice experience to ensure its effectiveness.
Its user-friendly design makes it easy to set up, use and navigate, resulting in reduced administrative overheads and improved client outcomes.
Lionel Johnson, a client of the Blueprint to Success Education Program said that "the program taught me not only to be responsible and trustworthy, but how to train and give myself the energy to strive towards my goals."
"Whilst in the program, I got to play for Tweed Heads Seagulls then for North Devils rugby league clubs in Brisbane. During this time, I trained very hard at the gym and with proper meal preparation."
"Today I live in the Tweed Heads area, play in a local football club, and work full time at popular restaurant at Fingal Heads as an apprentice chef."
For more information or to get in contact with Mr Close, click here.
