Who We Are
Who We Are
Healing Voices Foundation (HVF) is a not-for-profit organisation created to break the cycles of harm caused by the criminal justice system and build real pathways for healing and reintegration. We are led by people who know these systems first-hand.
Our founders, Todd and Jacob Little, are a father and son team with lived experience of both incarceration and institutional abuse. Having walked this journey themselves, they understand the barriers of stigma, trauma, and the weight of a justice system that too often fails the very people it’s meant to support. Their story is one of survival, resilience, and transformation - and it drives our commitment to walk alongside others as they rebuild their lives.
At HVF, we believe no one should be defined by their worst mistake or by the systems that harmed them. We deliver trauma-informed, wraparound support that empowers individuals to heal, thrive, and contribute positively to their communities. Our work is about breaking stigma, reducing recidivism, and helping to reshape Australia’s failing justice system into one that heals rather than harms.
Our Mission
Healing Voices Foundation exists to break cycles of incarceration and the harm caused by the criminal justice system and institutional abuse. We deliver wraparound support before, during, and after release, focusing on the foundations of healing: safe housing, employment, physical and mental health care, and strong community connection. We also offer mentoring, counselling, financial guidance, and advocacy.
Led by people with lived experience of these systems, we know the importance of programs designed by and for those who have walked this path. Our work ensures that lived experience voices are heard and respected, alongside best practice principles that guide effective, trauma-informed care. We walk alongside people as they rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose, working to reduce recidivism, break stigma, and help reshape Australia’s failing justice system into one that heals rather than harms.
Our Vision
Healing Voices Foundation envisions a future where people impacted by incarceration and institutional abuse are supported to heal, thrive, and contribute positively to their communities. We believe that by addressing the root causes of trauma and providing holistic, trauma-informed support designed by and for people with lived experience, we can break cycles of recidivism and build a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society.
HVF’s Unique Approach
Healing Voices Foundation is led by people with lived experience of incarceration and institutional abuse. This firsthand understanding allows us to connect with survivors on a deeper level, fostering trust and offering support that feels real and relatable. We recognise the challenges people face when navigating government systems and the justice system, and we work to bridge that gap by creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment.
At the heart of this work is our CEO and co-founder, Jacob Little. Jacob’s lived experience of both incarceration and institutional abuse informs his leadership and advocacy, shaping HVF’s programs to be accessible, relational, and grounded in the realities of those we serve. His journey from prison to law school, alongside his track record in survivor advocacy and justice reform, ensures that our services remain led by and for people with lived experience.
Jacob is supported by a leadership team that combines lived experience with professional expertise in psychology, criminology, and justice reform. Together, we balance personal insight with best practice, enabling us to address the root causes of trauma and provide wraparound support that empowers people to heal, rebuild, and reintegrate with dignity.