Programs

Information about some of the specific programs which are available to prisoners can be accessed from this page.

Aboriginal Art Policy Model

The Aboriginal Art Policy Model, which was launched on 2 February 2016, sets out a high-level policy model to enable Aboriginal prisoners to sell artwork they have produced through participation in The Torch's Statewide Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community (SIAPC) program, prior to their release from prison.

Aboriginal Cultural Programs Grants Scheme

The Kaka Wangity, Wangin-Mirrie Aboriginal Cultural Programs Grants Scheme provides funding of $2.25 million over three years from 2016 to 2019 for programs that focus on:

• cultural strengthening 
• family violence aimed at perpetrators
• healing
• parenting
• women's healing and victimisation.

The Grants Scheme supports organisations to deliver Aboriginal programs within prisons and Community Correctional Services (CCS) for Aboriginal prisoners and offenders. Programs supported through the Grants Scheme aim to reduce the prisoner risk of reoffending and improve effective reintegration into the community.

The organisations delivering the culturally focused programs in prisons and Community Correctional Services are:

• Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service
• Connecting Home Ltd
• Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Agency
• Relationships Australia Victoria

The Kaka Wangity, Wangin-Mirrie grants form part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to the Aboriginal Justice Agreement, designed to drive down the over- representation of Indigenous people in Victorian prisons. The programs – funded until December 2019 – are designed to rehabilitate Aboriginal prisoners by focusing on cultural strengthening, family violence, healing, parenting and women’s programs. By boosting connections to family and culture, the grants are designed to reduce the risk of reoffending and contribute to a safer Victoria.

Programs funded by the Kaka Wangity, Wangin-Mirrie cultural grants

Sisters Day In

Provider: Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service
Location: Dame Phyllis Frost Centre
Description: A program dedicated to the prevention of family violence against Aboriginal women, by addressing the root causes of family violence and victimisation.

Women’s Healing Program

Provider: Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
Location: Women prisons
Description: A group-based cultural strengthening and healing program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, supported by Aboriginal elders and leaders.

Growing Up Kids

Provider: Relationships Australia Victoria
Location: Women prisons and male prisons
Description: Focused on the development of culturally focused parenting practices, ensuring that children are provided for and protected.

Men’s Healing Program

Provider: Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
Location: Male prisons
Description: A group-based cultural strengthening and healing program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, supported by Aboriginal elders and leaders.

Dilly Bag

Provider: Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service
Location: Dame Phyllis Frost Centre and Community Correctional Services
Description: An intensive cultural-strengthening program that helps Aboriginal women recover from trauma they may have experienced in their lives.

Women’s Journey

Provider: Relationships Australia Victoria
Location: Women prisons and Community Correctional Services
Description: A cultural strengthening and healing program, supporting women who have experienced trauma from violence and victimisation.

Men’s Cultural Journey

Provider: Relationships Australia Victoria
Location: Male prisons and Community Correctional Services
Description: A cultural resilience program, including follow-up support from Aboriginal community elders.

Marumali Healing Program

Provider: Connecting Home Ltd
Location: Victorian prisons
Description: A group-based healing program for stolen generation members, their families and their communities.

Family Engagement and Parenting Programs and Services Guide

Corrections Victoria has developed programs and initiatives that recognise strong family connections play a pivotal role in promoting rehabilitation, reducing recidivism and supporting reintegration of individuals released from prison.

The Family Engagement Programs Service Guide outlines our response to family engagement across the Victorian prison system. It provides a description of the prison programs and initiatives aimed at increasing family engagement opportunities for adults in prison and their families.

Ruffy Swag Project