❓ Hon Giz Watson asks the Minister for Corrective Services about progress on recommendations from a report on Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women, focusing on services for Aboriginal women and prisoner programs. The Minister provides detailed updates on collaborations, strategies, and timelines.
AnsweredQoN 6218Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services' 'Report of an announced inspection of Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women' published in July 2012, and I ask —
(1) Regarding Recommendation 1 and the response thereto —
(a) what progress has been made to date (please provide full details); and
(b) when will the reviewed, updated information about Boronia be available to Aboriginal women?
(2) Regarding Recommendation 3 and the response thereto —
(a) with which Aboriginal institutions and agencies does Boronia currently collaborate on in-reach and out-reach programs and activities, and how (please provide full details);
(b) what specific further strategies have been introduced to date following Recommendation 3; and
(c) what specific further strategies are to be introduced during the remainder of the current term of government, following Recommendation 3?
(3) Regarding Recommendation 8 and the response and the footnote thereto, what has your department proactively done to ensure Boronia's residents can continue to access the previous level of services from State Training Providers and to ensure the total number of allocated hours is increased in line with the increasing prison population?
(4) Regarding Recommendations 9 and 10 and the responses thereto —
(a) when will the review of Policy Directive 68 (Prisoner Employment Program) be completed;
(b) if the review has already been completed, what was the outcome; and
(c) what additional strategies have been implemented since Recommendation 9 was made, to ensure all staff and managers actively support and promote the Prisoner Employment Program?
(5) Regarding Recommendation 11 and the response thereto, when will the updated orientation DVD be available?
(6) Regarding Recommendation 12 and the response thereto —
(a) when will the communication material for distribution to suitable Bandyup prisoners be available;
(b) if the communication material is already available, how many Bandyup prisoners have received it to date;
(c) have Bandyup assessment staff visited Boronia;
(d) if no to (6)(c), when will this take place;
(e) what further strategies have been identified to reinvigorate the transition process of prisoners from Bandyup to Boronia (please provide full details); and
(f) what progress has been made to date on those?
(7) Regarding Recommendation 13 and the response thereto —
(a) why is a feasibility study necessary given Skype's successful use at other Western Australian prisons;
(b) has the feasibility study been completed yet; and
(c) if no to (7)(b), when is it due to be completed?
(8) Regarding Recommendation 16 and the response thereto —
(a) what recommendations were made by the review; and
(b) what is the timetable for implementing those recommendations?
(9) Regarding Recommendation 18 and the response thereto, what steps have been taken to secure funding for a methodologically robust independent evaluation of Boronia's post-release outcomes, including a comparison with other male and female prisons?
(1) Regarding Recommendation 1 and the response thereto —
(a) what progress has been made to date (please provide full details); and
(b) when will the reviewed, updated information about Boronia be available to Aboriginal women?
(2) Regarding Recommendation 3 and the response thereto —
(a) with which Aboriginal institutions and agencies does Boronia currently collaborate on in-reach and out-reach programs and activities, and how (please provide full details);
(b) what specific further strategies have been introduced to date following Recommendation 3; and
(c) what specific further strategies are to be introduced during the remainder of the current term of government, following Recommendation 3?
(3) Regarding Recommendation 8 and the response and the footnote thereto, what has your department proactively done to ensure Boronia's residents can continue to access the previous level of services from State Training Providers and to ensure the total number of allocated hours is increased in line with the increasing prison population?
(4) Regarding Recommendations 9 and 10 and the responses thereto —
(a) when will the review of Policy Directive 68 (Prisoner Employment Program) be completed;
(b) if the review has already been completed, what was the outcome; and
(c) what additional strategies have been implemented since Recommendation 9 was made, to ensure all staff and managers actively support and promote the Prisoner Employment Program?
(5) Regarding Recommendation 11 and the response thereto, when will the updated orientation DVD be available?
(6) Regarding Recommendation 12 and the response thereto —
(a) when will the communication material for distribution to suitable Bandyup prisoners be available;
(b) if the communication material is already available, how many Bandyup prisoners have received it to date;
(c) have Bandyup assessment staff visited Boronia;
(d) if no to (6)(c), when will this take place;
(e) what further strategies have been identified to reinvigorate the transition process of prisoners from Bandyup to Boronia (please provide full details); and
(f) what progress has been made to date on those?
(7) Regarding Recommendation 13 and the response thereto —
(a) why is a feasibility study necessary given Skype's successful use at other Western Australian prisons;
(b) has the feasibility study been completed yet; and
(c) if no to (7)(b), when is it due to be completed?
(8) Regarding Recommendation 16 and the response thereto —
(a) what recommendations were made by the review; and
(b) what is the timetable for implementing those recommendations?
(9) Regarding Recommendation 18 and the response thereto, what steps have been taken to secure funding for a methodologically robust independent evaluation of Boronia's post-release outcomes, including a comparison with other male and female prisons?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
13 November 2012
Responded by
Minister for Education representing the Minister for Corrective Services
Response time
28 days
(1)(a) An updated information package is being developed in conjunction with an Aboriginal advisory group to provide material designed to appeal to Aboriginal women.
The issue of access to departmental facilities by Aboriginal prisoners has been raised on other occasions and whilst the Department of Corrective Services (the Department) is adamant that placement is based on the assessment of risk and other factors, there is a need to ensure there are no systematic barriers to that are limiting opportunities for Aboriginal prisoners.
The Department's Aboriginal Policy, Planning and Services business area is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of current practices across the entire correctional estate to identify any potential barriers and if they exist to implement strategies to rectify the problem
This report is due to be completed and presented to the Commissioners Executive Team in December 2012.
(1)(b) The Department advises that in order to provide culturally appropriate material that is acceptable to Aboriginal stakeholders, it is necessary for the Department to engage in an extensive consultation process with various Aboriginal groups. It is anticipated that this process will be fully complete by mid-2013, however, there will be opportunities to 'rollout' components of the information package as they are completed.
(2)(a) The Department advises that Boronia Pre-Release Centre for Women (Boronia) maintains a relationship with the following Aboriginal institutions and agencies. Services are accessed according to the needs of individual prisoners.
· Ruah Women's Services provides a dedicated Aboriginal caseworker who delivers individual re-entry services and culturally appropriate counselling. Ruah also offers group counselling via the Moorditj Yorga's Yarning Group.
· Langford Aboriginal Corporation, a support service providing post-release assistance and parenting workshops. Boronia prisoners, including Aboriginal women, are assisting with landscaping this group's premises.
· Indigenous Parent Factor provides education and mentorship for Aboriginal parents.
· Marr Mooditj Training group delivers a First Aid training group.
· Ngulluk Koolbang, a group of agencies providing support to Aboriginal people in a number of areas such as health and life skills. Boronia prisoners have attended events arranged by this group.
· Aboriginal women attend Extra Edge Community Services every two weeks. This group provides the women with access to the whole suit of services provided by Ngulluk Koolbang.
· Noongar Radio provides Boronia prisoners with the opportunity of participating in events where women can interact with positive role models.
· Boronia runs a training and employment program targeted at Aboriginal prisoners as part of its Adult Basic Education program. It is run by an Aboriginal tutor and Indigenous guest speakers also attend to discuss employment options.
· Wanslea Family Services provide specialist Aboriginal support services. Boronia refers prisoners to this service at need.
· Aboriginal Health attend Boronia on a regular basis and provide workshops presented by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal women. Topics range from food preparation to managing diabetes and smoking cessation.
· Boronia has an Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer on-site whose role is to refer women to various agencies in the community including the Aboriginal Medical Service and diabetes services such as Mordent Djena.
· Aboriginal Health Workers form the Cervical Cancer support network, the Heart Foundation of WA and the Asthma Foundation of WA have attended Boronia to speak to Aboriginal prisoners.
· Polytechnic West delivers the Real Jobs training course in conjunction with the Burswood Aboriginal Employment Program. The program is targeted at Aboriginal job seekers and is run and managed by Aboriginal people.
(2)(b) The Department advises that an Aboriginal Services portfolio has recently been allocated to Boronia's Manager Family and Community Services who will be responsible for building future networks with appropriate Aboriginal agencies.
(2)(c) The Department advises that further strategies will be introduced as required and will be tailored to the individual needs of Boronia prisoners.
(3) The Department is allocated an annual capped number of State Training Provider from the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD). DTWD hours are made in support of the Department's education and training of prisoners but are not based on prisoner population needs and requirements. Traineeship numbers for prisoners are outside of the capped limit and can expand to meet the needs of the prisoner population.
(4)(a)-(b) The Departments response to recommendation 9 of the 'Report of an announced inspection of Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women' relates to the outcome of an Internal Audit of the Prisoner Employment Program.
As a consequence, the Department undertook a risk assessment to evaluate the level of risk and adequacy of associated controls and to identify opportunities for simplifying the process relating to the Prisoner Employment Program (PEP). This was completed in July 2012 and it was resolved that action items would be implemented as part of a future formal review of the PEP Policy (Policy Directive 68) That formal review has yet to commence and is anticipated to be completed in 2013. However, components of the simplification process have already been approved and one of relevance is to now categorise the risk level of PEP activity and therefore simplify the process for those activities deemed to be low risk which will result in a more streamlined and timely process.
(4)(c) The Department's PEP, which operates under the banner of the Department's Career and Employment Services, has embarked on a "Promotional Marketing Strategy" in 2012.
This strategy outlines a range of internal and external marketing initiatives to raise the profile of the Career and Employment Services available in WA prisons. Employment Coordinators interview all prisoners upon orientation, where they are provided with the opportunity to develop a Career Plan which allows them to undertake employment, education, training and work experience.
Further, Employment Coordinators are developing stronger relationships with external industries and community organisations which are also promoted through the Department's intranet site.
(5) The Department advises that updates to the orientation DVD will be considered as part of the updated information package currently under development. It is anticipated that the complete information package will be completed by mid-2013 but the DVD will be completed before in early 2013.
(6)(a) The Department advises that communication material will be provided as part of the updated information package which is currently under development. It is anticipated that this will be completed by mid-2013.
(6)(b) The Department advises that the material is not yet available.
(6)(c) The current Bandyup Case Management Coordinator, who is responsible for coordinating prisoner transfers, is an ex-Boronia officer possessing detailed knowledge of the facility and this has assisted in the transfer of information and familiarity with daily lives of prisoners at the Boronia facility.
(6)(d) The Department advises that scheduled visits to Boronia for assessment staff will be taking place prior to the end of November 2012.
(6)(e) As outlined in the response to question 1 (a), the Department has initiated an evaluation across the correctional estates to identify any potential barriers limiting the placement or opportunities for Aboriginal prisoners and to implement remedial strategies.
(6)(f) The evaluation is well underway and involves departmental aboriginal staff. The final report is due to be delivered to the Commissioners Executive Team in December 2012.
(7)(a) The Department advises that feasibility studies have been completed at individual prisons to assess site specific factors such as connectivity and security issues. It should be acknowledged that the Department is leading the way in Australia and New Zealand with the introduction of this technology and therefore it is important to continually assess and implement mitigating strategies to address areas of identified risk. The introduction of this technology does not mean there are no ongoing issues.
(7)(b) Yes.
(7)(c) Not applicable.
(8)(a)-(b) The Department advises that a Language Services issues paper is in development and will be completed when reviewed in conjunction with the
Western Australian Language Services Policy 2008
, a policy that is currently under review by the Office of Multicultural Interests.
Stage 1 of this review has been completed, with 12 recommendations made. However, the review is not complete until Stage 2 has been carried out. This second stage involves consultation with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) community members (and other community members) with resulting revision of the policy a possibility.
It is therefore expedient to finalise the Department's issues paper after taking into account the outcomes of the second stage of the review. Recommendations contained within the Department's issues paper will then be in line with the fully revised WALSP 2008, and can be put forward to the Department's Executive Team for consideration at that time.
(9) The Department advises that this evaluation has been scoped and is being considered as one of a number of evaluation and research priorities for the Department. The budget considerations of such an evaluation are balanced with other organisational priorities and a decision will be made accordingly.
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The issue of access to departmental facilities by Aboriginal prisoners has been raised on other occasions and whilst the Department of Corrective Services (the Department) is adamant that placement is based on the assessment of risk and other factors, there is a need to ensure there are no systematic barriers to that are limiting opportunities for Aboriginal prisoners.
The Department's Aboriginal Policy, Planning and Services business area is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of current practices across the entire correctional estate to identify any potential barriers and if they exist to implement strategies to rectify the problem
This report is due to be completed and presented to the Commissioners Executive Team in December 2012.
(1)(b) The Department advises that in order to provide culturally appropriate material that is acceptable to Aboriginal stakeholders, it is necessary for the Department to engage in an extensive consultation process with various Aboriginal groups. It is anticipated that this process will be fully complete by mid-2013, however, there will be opportunities to 'rollout' components of the information package as they are completed.
(2)(a) The Department advises that Boronia Pre-Release Centre for Women (Boronia) maintains a relationship with the following Aboriginal institutions and agencies. Services are accessed according to the needs of individual prisoners.
· Ruah Women's Services provides a dedicated Aboriginal caseworker who delivers individual re-entry services and culturally appropriate counselling. Ruah also offers group counselling via the Moorditj Yorga's Yarning Group.
· Langford Aboriginal Corporation, a support service providing post-release assistance and parenting workshops. Boronia prisoners, including Aboriginal women, are assisting with landscaping this group's premises.
· Indigenous Parent Factor provides education and mentorship for Aboriginal parents.
· Marr Mooditj Training group delivers a First Aid training group.
· Ngulluk Koolbang, a group of agencies providing support to Aboriginal people in a number of areas such as health and life skills. Boronia prisoners have attended events arranged by this group.
· Aboriginal women attend Extra Edge Community Services every two weeks. This group provides the women with access to the whole suit of services provided by Ngulluk Koolbang.
· Noongar Radio provides Boronia prisoners with the opportunity of participating in events where women can interact with positive role models.
· Boronia runs a training and employment program targeted at Aboriginal prisoners as part of its Adult Basic Education program. It is run by an Aboriginal tutor and Indigenous guest speakers also attend to discuss employment options.
· Wanslea Family Services provide specialist Aboriginal support services. Boronia refers prisoners to this service at need.
· Aboriginal Health attend Boronia on a regular basis and provide workshops presented by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal women. Topics range from food preparation to managing diabetes and smoking cessation.
· Boronia has an Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer on-site whose role is to refer women to various agencies in the community including the Aboriginal Medical Service and diabetes services such as Mordent Djena.
· Aboriginal Health Workers form the Cervical Cancer support network, the Heart Foundation of WA and the Asthma Foundation of WA have attended Boronia to speak to Aboriginal prisoners.
· Polytechnic West delivers the Real Jobs training course in conjunction with the Burswood Aboriginal Employment Program. The program is targeted at Aboriginal job seekers and is run and managed by Aboriginal people.
(2)(b) The Department advises that an Aboriginal Services portfolio has recently been allocated to Boronia's Manager Family and Community Services who will be responsible for building future networks with appropriate Aboriginal agencies.
(2)(c) The Department advises that further strategies will be introduced as required and will be tailored to the individual needs of Boronia prisoners.
(3) The Department is allocated an annual capped number of State Training Provider from the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD). DTWD hours are made in support of the Department's education and training of prisoners but are not based on prisoner population needs and requirements. Traineeship numbers for prisoners are outside of the capped limit and can expand to meet the needs of the prisoner population.
(4)(a)-(b) The Departments response to recommendation 9 of the 'Report of an announced inspection of Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women' relates to the outcome of an Internal Audit of the Prisoner Employment Program.
As a consequence, the Department undertook a risk assessment to evaluate the level of risk and adequacy of associated controls and to identify opportunities for simplifying the process relating to the Prisoner Employment Program (PEP). This was completed in July 2012 and it was resolved that action items would be implemented as part of a future formal review of the PEP Policy (Policy Directive 68) That formal review has yet to commence and is anticipated to be completed in 2013. However, components of the simplification process have already been approved and one of relevance is to now categorise the risk level of PEP activity and therefore simplify the process for those activities deemed to be low risk which will result in a more streamlined and timely process.
(4)(c) The Department's PEP, which operates under the banner of the Department's Career and Employment Services, has embarked on a "Promotional Marketing Strategy" in 2012.
This strategy outlines a range of internal and external marketing initiatives to raise the profile of the Career and Employment Services available in WA prisons. Employment Coordinators interview all prisoners upon orientation, where they are provided with the opportunity to develop a Career Plan which allows them to undertake employment, education, training and work experience.
Further, Employment Coordinators are developing stronger relationships with external industries and community organisations which are also promoted through the Department's intranet site.
(5) The Department advises that updates to the orientation DVD will be considered as part of the updated information package currently under development. It is anticipated that the complete information package will be completed by mid-2013 but the DVD will be completed before in early 2013.
(6)(a) The Department advises that communication material will be provided as part of the updated information package which is currently under development. It is anticipated that this will be completed by mid-2013.
(6)(b) The Department advises that the material is not yet available.
(6)(c) The current Bandyup Case Management Coordinator, who is responsible for coordinating prisoner transfers, is an ex-Boronia officer possessing detailed knowledge of the facility and this has assisted in the transfer of information and familiarity with daily lives of prisoners at the Boronia facility.
(6)(d) The Department advises that scheduled visits to Boronia for assessment staff will be taking place prior to the end of November 2012.
(6)(e) As outlined in the response to question 1 (a), the Department has initiated an evaluation across the correctional estates to identify any potential barriers limiting the placement or opportunities for Aboriginal prisoners and to implement remedial strategies.
(6)(f) The evaluation is well underway and involves departmental aboriginal staff. The final report is due to be delivered to the Commissioners Executive Team in December 2012.
(7)(a) The Department advises that feasibility studies have been completed at individual prisons to assess site specific factors such as connectivity and security issues. It should be acknowledged that the Department is leading the way in Australia and New Zealand with the introduction of this technology and therefore it is important to continually assess and implement mitigating strategies to address areas of identified risk. The introduction of this technology does not mean there are no ongoing issues.
(7)(b) Yes.
(7)(c) Not applicable.
(8)(a)-(b) The Department advises that a Language Services issues paper is in development and will be completed when reviewed in conjunction with the
Western Australian Language Services Policy 2008
, a policy that is currently under review by the Office of Multicultural Interests.
Stage 1 of this review has been completed, with 12 recommendations made. However, the review is not complete until Stage 2 has been carried out. This second stage involves consultation with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) community members (and other community members) with resulting revision of the policy a possibility.
It is therefore expedient to finalise the Department's issues paper after taking into account the outcomes of the second stage of the review. Recommendations contained within the Department's issues paper will then be in line with the fully revised WALSP 2008, and can be put forward to the Department's Executive Team for consideration at that time.
(9) The Department advises that this evaluation has been scoped and is being considered as one of a number of evaluation and research priorities for the Department. The budget considerations of such an evaluation are balanced with other organisational priorities and a decision will be made accordingly.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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