Low levels of literacy and education are often associated with negative interactions with and experiences of the criminal justice system. Low literacy also contributes to the over-representation of Indigenous Australians in the justice system. This paper examines service provider and criminal justice practitioner perspectives of the ‘Yes, I Can!’ adult literacy campaign. Interviews with 22 workers in regional New South Wales suggest that the majority believe the ‘Yes, I Can!’ program can potentially improve the type and frequency of interactions between Indigenous Australians and the criminal justice system. Overwhelmingly, participants viewed increasing literacy levels as key in empowering Indigenous Australians and enhancing encounters with criminal justice service providers. Further study and evaluation, including interviewing participants of the ‘Yes, I Can!’ campaign and community Elders, is of utmost importance.

This research addresses the overarching question: What impact has the Literacy for Life Foundation (LFLF) ‘Yes, I Can!’ adult literacy campaign had on Aboriginal members’ encounters with the criminal justice system in the NSW towns of Bourke and Enngonia? ‘Yes, I Can!’ uses a campaign model to raise the adult literacy rate within a community. It was introduced in Wilcannia in 2012, and extended to Bourke and Enngonia Aboriginal communities in 2013–14, running four different times in Bourke and once in Enngonia. The team identified the following research questions: 1. Has the campaign facilitated improved interactions with officials in the justice system? 2. Has participation in the campaign influenced how community members access legal resources and advocacy? 3. Do informants see any change in the frequency of encounters with the justice system following participation in the campaign? 4. Does participation influence how criminal justice officials respond to individual community members?