2016-08-30
Ms PENNICUIK — To ask the Minister for Corrections: In relation to women prisoners and in particular their rehabilitation and integration into society which is dependent upon secure housing as well as support programs:
(1) what is the number of Corrections Pathway housing placements available for women exiting prison post sentence and on parole, and
(a) how long must these women wait to access such housing;
(2) how many women are released from prison and remand without immediate access to stable housing of any kind;
(3) what percentage increase in availability of stable housing for women prisoners both on prole and post-sentence can we expect in the next 12 months;
(4) how will the Department of Human Services and the Department of Justice and Regulation housing initiatives referred to in Question on Notice 4896 ensure stable housing for women prisoners exiting prison, and —
(a) what percentage of housing will be allocated to them as part of the broader housing reforms for the future; and
(b) how will the housing initiatives link into the investment in family violence initiatives particularly with regard to housing;
(5) what feedback did women prisoners provide on the expansion of the Dame Phyllis Frost centre and how was that feedback implemented;
(6) will there be additional housing pathways for women prisoners at Tarrengower to facilitate a smooth exit out of prison;
(7) will there be a transitional facility other than at Tarrengower since Tarrengower is remote and this would make it hard for some women’s families to be part of their transition back into community life;
(8) what assistance is being provided specific to the needs of indigenous women prisoners for their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community including the allocation of funds and types of programs;
(9) how have indigenous women prisoners been consulted in regards to their needs for rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.
ANSWER 8 November 2016:
Corrections Victoria operates two housing programs in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services and a range of Registered Housing Agencies. These housing options represent a combination of capital purchases and nomination rights with Registered Housing Agencies. Information about these programs can be found at: http://www.corrections.vic.gov.au/home/release/transition+programs/
Specifically the ReConnect program, launched on 1 January 2015, provides post release support to facilitate the reintegration of exiting prisoners into the community. Information regarding ReConnect can be found at: http://www.corrections.vic.gov.au/home/release/transition+programs/. Information about specific housing initiatives falls outside the Corrections portfolio and it's a matter for the Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing.
The Prisoner Liaison Group at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre have been provided with updates on the expansion at the prison and an opportunity to inform the design process. By way of example, the design of the new gatehouse was informed by consultation with the women on what is important to their family members and friends when visiting and being processed in the gatehouse.
There are no plans for additional housing service pathways for women exiting Tarrengower, nor a dedicated transitional facility for women.
Information regarding the range of supports and services Corrections Victoria offers Aboriginal women prisoners can be found at: http://www.corrections.vic.gov.au/home/release/transition+programs/
Corrections Victoria also has access to two bail properties for Aboriginal women to support their diversion from prison.
Corrections Victoria is currently working with the Department of Health and Human Services to implement a new Aboriginal Transitional Housing Program which will create opportunity for six Aboriginal men and six Aboriginal women to access dedicated transitional housing on release from prison to support their transition and reintegrating to the community. Properties will be custom designed and built to the cultural and reintegration needs for Aboriginal men and women. Access to these properties will also be accompanied by holistic case management support throughout this transition period. The expected timeframe for the completion of this project is 2019-20.
Opportunities are provided for targeted consultation in the development of new initiatives. Consultation is taking place with Aboriginal women prisoners in the planning of this Aboriginal Transitional Housing initiative.