Dear About Time,
After reading Issue #13, I am looking forward to reading the highlights from the Reintegration Puzzle Conference in upcoming issues. In particular, I would appreciate “extended highlights” from the Queensland Injectors (QuIVAA) presentations. Being in Queensland and reading your newspaper, as well as queer newsletter Inside Out, our “Sunshine State” seems to be lacking the number of post-release support services that are offered and available in other states. It would be great to find out some more information about QuIVAA as well as other Queensland-based support services.
I think lived experience support services are an important reintegration tool, as well as an important support for those who are still inside, knowing that there are positive experiences and paths for us post release.
Another stigma that I think needs to be broken down is the working experience that most prisoners receive while they are serving their time. Some prisoners spend years in the same job while in prison, continually building on their skills and also training other prisoners. All this experience is then essentially washed down the drain when we walk through the gate. How can we break down this stigma to enable these skills to be used and appreciated post release?
Thanks for providing us with a great monthly source of information and entertainment.
