Inside Out, a program where criminology and justice students from RMIT University study with students on the ‘inside’ of Victorian prisons has been recognised internationally for its innovation.
The Australian first program pairs ‘outside’ justice and criminology students from RMIT with people in custody or ‘inside’ students – providing a chance to combine textbook knowledge with lived experience of the justice system.
RMIT Associate Professor of Criminology and Justice, Marietta Martinovic, who introduced Inside Out to Victorian prisons in 2015 was last month awarded the Asia Pacific Triple E Award for ‘Impactful Collaboration of the Year’ for this work.
As part of the program, students study and compare criminal justice systems around the world, with a focus on systemic improvement, humanisation of people in custody and how best to enhance rehabilitation prospects.
Since the program began, it has operated in 8 prison locations including Judy Lazarus Transition Centre, Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Tarrengower, Ravenhall, Marngoneet (including Kareenga) and Loddon (including Middleton).
Once all students complete the program, they can join RMIT’s prison-based ‘Think Tanks’ providing a powerful and unique environment for further positive change.
The ‘Think Tanks’ have precipitated more than 100 stakeholder consultations, and seen students produce more than 50 thought provoking reports for Corrections Victoria and aligned stakeholders.
The program provides those in custody with a platform to gain an education and be empowered – therefore enhancing their rehabilitation prospects and making them less likely to reoffend.
Find out more about the Inside Out program.