Around a month ago, our prison was supplied with several copies of your newspaper in our rec room and they were an instant hit! I personally enjoyed reading about what different states’ rules were on prison-related things, such as: how people can put money into inmate’s accounts, how much money different prisons allow inmates to have, and visit processes. I also thoroughly enjoyed reading about what different states offered regarding things such as housing for the homeless. We’re really hoping to continue getting access to the papers!
Something I was hoping to contribute/ask the question about, was what do other prisons or states have on offer regarding reintegration/re-entry? Here in Tasmania this is something that lacks tremendously. Generally, inmates are sent back out into the community with no re-integration and it’s an extreme shock to them. Our prison also has not equipped inmates with employment to date, and regularly releases inmates to homelessness. Tasmania’s housing issue is extreme and inmates generally do not get their chance at parole unless they have a friend/family member with no recent criminal records.
I was sentenced 6 years 6 months, with half for parole. My eligibility for resocialisation is not going to be considered until 6 months before my parole eligibility date. These socialisation leaves are also not a given and are highly unlikely to occur, based on no one being trained in doing them, being told that lockdowns or lack of staff would mean no leave and the fact that no resocialisation leaves have occurred within the past 8+ years. We can, however, attempt re-integration leave at 12 months to volunteer or study, and this did happen a few years with one inmate. That’s something… I guess.
I am already at the 2-year mark and I am highly institutionalised. I have severe anxiety and depression and the prison takes on a ‘one size fits all’ approach, due to it being too much work for them. In our prison we generally have around 40-70 women.
I am extremely interested in what other states and prisons have on offer regarding re-integration and resocialisation with family approaching parole dates. I have read that in some states, inmates are often allowed to do home detention before their parole begins, this sounds brilliant!
Hopefully this makes it through to you.
Warm regards,
Gabrielle
