“The Growing Crisis – Limited Support” Sisters Inside Personal Support Programme Jacqueline Johnson and Natalie Bell

“The Growing Crisis – Limited Support” Personal Support Programme Personal Support Program began at Sisters Inside in July 2002 The program currently has 55 participants in the greater South East Queensland area. The regions that we offer this service in are: Gold CoastSouth West Brisbane LoganNorth Brisbane IpswichRedcliffe/Caboolture South East BrisbaneSunshine Coast

“The Growing Crisis – Limited Support” Personal Support Programme Some of the barriers that women are referred with from centrelink could include *Homelessness*Gambling Problems *Drug and/or Alcohol Problems*Poor Communication *Domestic Violence*Depression *Social Isolation/Alienation *Family Relationship Breakdown *Anxiety Conditions *Anger Management *Work Behaviour skills *Financial Management Problems

“The Growing Crisis – Limited Support” Personal Support Programme A survey was completed this year and at the time there was 55 women on the program. Sisters Inside as a service provider for the Personal Support Program is a specialist provider meaning who have a specific target group. The program is open to all women who have been through prison. Women who have been through the system two weeks ago or three years ago. Reintegration back into the community can be a constant uphill battle for some women. Therefore women who were released 5 years ago are still eligible to complete the program with Sisters Inside. The following are some of the results from the survey.

“The Growing Crisis – Limited Support” Personal Support Programme

Women who enter the prison are generally the sole care givers for their children. 85% of women interviewed were sole care givers. It has been noted that women on the PSP sometimes have difficulty meeting with their children both in Departmental care and those who are in the care of family members. Family may think that the mothers need to get their act together before they will let them see or take their children. Family members are reluctant to uproot children who are established in schools and extra curricular activities if the mother still has court hearings to attend.

“The Growing Crisis – Limited Support” Personal Support Programme

Personal Support Programme Case Study Sandy 35 year old Indigenous women Released from prison 5 years ago 6 children, one 18 years and the other five under 16 years of age 3 children are in the care of the Department of Families and 2 are with two separate family members Sandy was referred by centrelink with the following barriers Domestic Violence Homelessness Family Breakdown Other around cancer