The release of a framework for Canberra’s Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) will better support women in custody in the Territory, according to the ACT Government.
The framework has been developed to recognise the fact women in the correctional service system are a minority, with specific needs different to their male counterparts.
It aims to better-equip staff to support female detainees at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) through and a trauma-informed and individualised approach to programs and interventions.
ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) CEO Emma Campbell said the framework acknowledges most women in detention have experienced “significant trauma and disadvantage”.
“Achieving positive outcomes for women engaged with the justice system requires trauma-informed responses.”
Dr Campbell said support services like housing, mental health, financial counselling, disability, employment and drug and alcohol treatment must be adequately funded and readily accessible for women to divert them from the justice system, as well as for women in custody and on their release.
She said key areas left unaddressed by the framework include women detainees in transitional release programs and recommendations to allow very young children to stay with their mothers.
“ACTCOSS will continue to advocate for these and other issues raised in the Healthy Prison Review,” Dr Campbell said.
“Policy documents are one thing; concrete outcomes are another. The AMC and the ACT Government must remain accountable to the community for the implementation of the new framework.”
Minister for Women Yvette Berry said new framework would enable more comprehensive and integrated support services for women in custody and would enhance “health and social outcomes for women, their families and the broader community”.
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