stolen generations and removal is acknowledged
as contributing to the over-representation of Koori
people in prison. It also drives mental health
problems among prisoners. Hence, "increased
availability of cultural and spiritual practices and
supports are required to assist Koories while
incarcerated."
been delivered on a sustainable basis.
Marumali program identified these benefits:
· it brought the group closer together
· support built with the Koori women
· spoke about what we wanted too
· it was culturally appropriate and safe, we felt
works well in prison for Koori women. However,
it is delivered sporadically and deals with only
one component (the cultural component) that
is needed to address Koori women's offending
and reoffending. On its own, participation in
Marumali will not reduce Koori women's high rates
of recidivism. Other supports inside and outside
prison are needed to address the complexity
of Koori women prisoner's lives and to undo the
damage done to them on their pathway to prison.
the non-parole period of a sentence and meeting
conditions for release, or on straight release at the
expiration of their sentence.
planning is vital in minimising the risk of
re-offending.
State of Victoria, Department of Justice, Justice Health,
`Koori Prisoner Mental Health', above n 7.
Focus group interview, 6 March 2013.
is lacking and services need to
communicate to each other. Aboriginal
women need access to appropriate
services to have any chance of staying
out. Unless governments get real
about it, nothing will change.
Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer plays a significant
role in supporting women and connecting them
with local Aboriginal co-operatives and appropriate
service providers.
community there are a range of services offered to
Koori women in prison, with some continuing post-
release.
DPFC.
a Corrections Victoria program offered to all
sentenced prisoners within the final six months
of their sentence. It provides prisoners with
information about community-based services and
supports available to assist their transition.
Women's Integrated Support Program (WISP)
(page 74)
women at DPFC. The program is designed to
provide women with emotional support upon
release to ease their transition back into the
community.
City Mission) a housing project that provides
support, training and long-term accommodation
options for women with complex needs and their
children.
regarding Centrelink enquiries and payments
within two weeks of release.
Key informant interview, Victorian Aboriginal Community
Controlled Health Organisation, 7 March 2013.
Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Dame Phyllis Frost Centre
Programs Directory (2011).
Restart is a program established by Mission Australia
and Melbourne City Mission. It is funded as a
Homelessness Innovation Action Project under the
Victorian Homelessness Action Plan 2011-15. See,
State of Victoria, Department of Human Services,
Homelessness Innovation Action Projects. <http://www.
dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/funding,-grants-
and-tenders/homelessness-innovation-action-projects>
at 2 July 2013.