Frameworks, policies and standards

Remand

Alleged offenders on remand are held in custody before and during their trial (on criminal charges) by order of a court.

Prisoner placement

Prisoner placement is the process of ensuring that prisoners are placed in prison locations that are appropriate to prison security and management as well as prisoners’ individual welfare and rehabilitation needs.

Arrival

Upon arrival at any of Victoria's prisons, prisoners undergo reception, assessment and orientation.

Healthcare

The quality and standard of health care provided to prisoners is the same as that provided in the community through the public health system.

Money

Prisoner monies are held in trust using a computerised accounting system.

Programs

Corrections Victoria provides a wide range of program opportunities for prisoners to assist in their rehabilitation and successful return to the community after release from custody.

Personal information and privacy

Corrections Victoria collects personal information about prisoners, offenders, their families and prison visitors.

Pregnancy and childcare

Women in custody who are pregnant or who are the primary carers of young children may apply for the Living with Mum Program.

Prohibited items (contraband)

A prohibited item ('contraband') is anything introduced or found in a prison that is not permitted.

Property and clothing

The type and amount of property and clothing prisoners are allowed to keep varies from prison to prison.

Recreation

Activities in Victorian prisons ensure access to fresh air for at least an hour a day and access to a library.

Work, education and training

Prisoners have the opportunity to work during their sentence to build work habits and skills.

Leaving prison

All Victorian prisons have Transitional staff to assist prisoners to prepare for their release.

Commissioner's Requirements

The Commissioner’s Requirements are high-level requirements for operational matters for all prisons in Victoria. They are issued when specificity is required to ensure consistency and/or continuity of correctional practice across the whole of the prison system, encompassing both publicly and privately managed prisons.

Read or download Commissioner’s Requirements.

Deputy Commissioner's Instructions

Deputy Commissioner’s Instructions apply to public prisons. They put the Correctional Management Standards and Commissioner’s Requirements into operation. They provide a level of prescription and ensure consistency across public prisons. They are developed in consultation with prison management and must properly consider human rights.

Read or download Deputy Commissioner's Instructions.

Sentence Management Manual

The Sentence Management Manual gives guidance to all people involved in sentence management functions. This includes assessment and classification, prisoner management and prisoner transfers. This manual ensures that staff conduct their duties consistently and in line with legal requirements and the principles enshrined in the Offender Management Framework.

Read or download the Sentence Management Manual.

Correctional Practice Framework

The Correctional Practice Framework outlines the theory, evidence base and practice principles that will influence reforms during the next decade in Custodial and Community Correctional Services. It replaces the Offender Management Framework.

Read or download the Correctional Practice Framework.

Women's Policy for the Victorian Corrections System

The Women's Policy for the Victorian Corrections System is to provide an evidence-based framework for addressing the particular issues and offending pathways for women in the corrections system. The policy applies to Corrections Victoria, Justice Health and our key partners involved in delivering services and programs to women offenders.

Read or download the Women’s policy for the Victorian Corrections System.

Aboriginal Art Policy Model

The Statewide Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community (SIAPC) program, which has been operating since 2010, is delivered by The Torch with oversight by Corrections Victoria's Aboriginal Programs Unit and focuses on the role of culture and cultural identity in the rehabilitative process of Aboriginal prisoners.

Read and download the Aboriginal Art Policy Model.

Family violence initiatives

Download Corrections Victoria's Family Violence Programs and Services Guide and read about the initiatives Corrections Victoria is driving as a result of the Royal Commission into Family Violence (2015), including the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS).

Read about family violence initiatives.