1. Release preparation in an uncertain timeframe: Assistance for remand prisoners discharged from court Tess Jenkin Acting Offender Services Manager Metropolitan Remand Centre Corrections Victoria

2. Presentation Overview Issues facing remand prisoners discharged from court No. of Victorian remand prisoners discharged from court What does this mean for the North West Metropolitan Justice Region? What does this mean for the Metropolitan Remand Centre?

3. Release Preparation Corrections Victoria has benchmarks and standards relating to preparation for release for sentenced prisoners - Offender Management Framework -Transitional Assistance Program -Intensive case management for high-risk/needs individuals

4. Remand Prisoner Release Preparation Current release preparation programs & services do not extend to remand prisoners - no release date - whose responsibility? - limited opportunity (may exit directly from court) Post-release supports are provided by non-government organisations (Salvation Army) or volunteer services (ie. Court Network) Intensive case-management programs provided through the Court Integrated Services Program (CISP) and Forensicare

5. Issues facing remand prisoners discharged from court Income Support Transport Medication Accommodation Property Collection

6. Current Focus on Remand Prisoners Recognition that Corrections Victoria has a role to play in release preparation for remand prisoners. Work has been undertaken to: Identify scale and frequency of discharge from court; and Identify opportunities and strategies to provide this support.

7. Remand Prisoner locations Four prison locations accommodate remand prisoners. All four locations sit within the North West Metropolitan Justice Region. Men Melbourne Assessment Prison (MAP) – approx 300 beds Metropolitan Remand Centre (MRC) – approx 650 beds Port Phillip Prison (PPP) – approx 800 beds Women Dame Phyllis Frost Centre (DPFC) – approx 260 beds

8. Exit Types across CV’s four remand locations 08/09 & 09/10

9. Length of Remand Served

10. What type of release preparation is required? Priority focus on providing information about immediate release supports Generally, crisis supports/links are available, however information on how to access these needs to be communicated (and remembered!) Recognition that some individuals will require referrals to more intensive supports (eg. Forensicare, Court Integrated Services Program)

11. What does this mean for the North West Justice Region? Given that all four locations will be in the North-West region, opportunities for providing information in prison is a regional responsibility Individuals returning to prison to collect their property will be re- entering the Region (and may need to access a number of justice services) Recognition that providing release support lessens likelihood of returning to prison (aligns with Regional Priority to reduce demand pressures)

12. What does this mean for the Metropolitan Remand Centre?

13. What does this mean for the MRC? (cont.) The MRC has a significant role to play - –43% of all remand prisoners exiting custody in 2009/10 were accommodated at the MRC –49% of male remand prisoners Remand prisoners exiting custody comprise only 12% of MRC’s total court movements each year (over the past two years) MRC is located about 35 kms west of the CBD.

14. MRC Response Reception Assessments – discuss likelihood of discharge from court (and required supports) Regular Remand Prisoner Information Sessions Preferential use/promotion of Tele-courts Offender Services involvement when an individual is bailed from MRC Option of participation in TAP (on request) Extended property collection times and streamlined bus route Targeted referrals to intensive support programs Court Integrated Support Program (CISP) and Forensicare Community Integration Program

15. MRC 2010/11 Priorities Development of Regional Information Packs to distribute at courts Development of wallet-size information cards for all remand prisoners Continue to work with Head Office on a partnership approach with Courts, Victoria Police and Melbourne Custody Centre

16. THANK YOU Questions? Corrections Victoria