Page 786 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 31 March 2021
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Subject to COVID restrictions, it is proposed that the Elders Family and Culture program be offered on a quarterly basis during school holidays. The program will be held in partnership with SHINE for Kids and local Indigenous Elders.
• Circle of Security
Circle of Security is an eight-week program that is offered to female detainees with active parenting roles (also offered to male detainees but in separate groups). The program is designed to improve the development pathways of children and their parents and promote secure attachments within the family unit. The last Circle of Security program finished in September 2019, and it is anticipated that the program will recommence in mid-2021.
Alexander Maconochie Centre—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander detainees
(Question No 117)
Mrs Kikkert asked the Minister for Corrections, upon notice, on 12 February 2021:
(1) In relation to recommendation 41 of the Alexander Maconochie Centre Healthy Prison Review 2019, what potential options for Indigenous detainees have been explored for increasing opportunities for social interactions between them and extended family members.
(2) When were these opportunities reported to the ACT Government.
Mr Gentleman : I am advised that the answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) Following recommendation 41 of the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) Healthy Prison Review 2019, the Indigenous Services Unit has identified the following opportunities for increased social interaction between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander detainees with extended family members at the AMC.
o The Elders Family Engagement Program offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander detainees with extended family members at the AMC a social setting for engagement, with Elder participation to facilitate conversation on important topics of Culture, Country and Community. The program encourages strengthening sense of identity, connection, and resilience of family. The program will run on a quarterly basis.
o The Elders Family and Culture Program is due to commence following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and has been developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female detainees who have children in the community. Eligible female detainees will be able to nominate one incarcerated family member to join them, with the children of all participating detainees being brought into the facility for specific family and culture engagements, strengthening cultural connections and maintaining parental and familial bonds. This will include activities such as artwork, jewellery making, story-telling or traditional dance, provided by a local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service provider. The program will also run quarterly with sessions during school holidays.
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