We are very excited to be introducing a new pilot program. This is a community program for women over the age of 18 years who are leaving prison. It is an evidence-based, gender responsive, and trauma-informed program developed by women for women using a genuine co-design process.
The program has three phases:
1. A. Four (4) months of pre-release support and planning while women are still in prison to prepare for returning to the community and start to identify possibilities for employment, training, services, and social connection possibilities.
During the four-month pre-release phase, WiCP staff visit or contact women regularly to determine their program suitability. Following referral based on the selection criteria, Connection Conversations between the woman and Women’s Advocates will extend to interests, potential to meet program responsibilities, employment readiness indicators, and strengths and needs often informed by numerous biopsychosocial factors.
B. Two (2) months of community life preparation when women first arrive in the program after returning to the community. This is a period of rest, more regular Connection Conversations, and focusing on employment readiness.
2. Community Life Phase: Up to 24 months of intensive holistic support and networking once women are living in the community, with emphasis on safe housing, stable employment, and supported connections.
3. Independent Living: Support to move into the housing market and live independently in line with women’s personal plans.
The program is staffed by an amazing team of Women’s Advocates, an Employment Advocate, and a Coordinator.
The program assists women who want to rebuild their lives and thrive through safe housing, support services, stable employment, and social connections. The program is designed to develop women’s identity and sense of belonging beyond criminal justice settings. Women will initiate their community life in safe and stable accommodation provided and staffed by Embrace People & Place with a view to moving into other housing with community supports.
The primary goals in the program are:
Our primary partner for this program is Corrective Services NSW. A range of other organisations and programs will support women who participate in this program assisting them with their needs and building on their strengths.
Fundamental to this program is connecting with women who have lived experience and lived expertise related to life in prison and the common issues experienced by women involved in the criminal justice system. This includes staff in the program, a Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) who support the program, and other women from the community through consultations.
The program is in very early stages. The staff team of the program have been working on program design for the different phases. They have learned how to connect research evidence and lived experience perspectives to inform a design that recognises the unique needs of women to support and strengthen them.
We are just starting out with the program, so questions will arise as we implement the program and we will use them to improve the program and support our learning and practice.
We’ve just started the Pre-Release Phase where we will meet women to consider them for the program. We’re excited about moving into the Community Life Phase soon.
Get in Touch
Contact the Women in Community Team for more information using the details below:
Email: wicp@embracepp.org.au
Phone: 1300 026 596
You can also make a referral, using the button below
