NCJ Number
187945
Date Published
2000
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the structure, staffing, clients, programming, and effectiveness of Australia's Parramatta Transitional Centre, which is a facility devoted exclusively to preparing women inmates for reintegration into the community upon release.
Abstract
The Centre's organizational and staffing structure allow it to function as an autonomous body with personnel dedicated to the requirements of the Centre's operations. This autonomy, together with support from the hierarchy, has encouraged the implementation of creative and innovative initiatives. It has also consolidated a management framework based on teamwork, consistency, and professionalism. A system of case management that defines roles and boundaries, while assisting the women to develop their own solutions to their problems and situations, allows them to work toward empowerment. The application of living skills to the realities of community living is an invaluable experience for these women. They can engage with the problems of accommodation, families and children, employment, finance, and ongoing health issues prior to their release during this transition period. The willingness of the local community to work with the Centre in establishing both prerelease and postrelease supports is a critical factor in transition and also in the deinstitutionalization of female offenders. Participatory management by resident representatives and members of the community has allowed the women to participate in the management of the Centre at a more sophisticated level that has resulted in a partnership between staff and residents to maintain the integrity of the Centre and its programs, while simultaneously providing the community with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and the confidence to take ownership of corrections. 6 references