Prison Visits

This program provides support to children when they visit their parent in prison. The program helps lessen the often difficult experience of visiting family in prison, where emotions can be strained.

Designed to develop stronger bonds between the child and their parent in prison, the children are given a safe space in the visits room set up with toys and activities where they can play with other kids in a similar situation.

While the child is having fun, the parents and carers have time to talk without having to keep an eye on their child. When children enjoy the experience, the connection between parent and child is strengthened.

The program is run by one of our qualified and experienced child care workers along with our trained volunteers.

Who is it for?

For children and their parents and carers visiting a prison, as well as parent in prison.

Child and Parent Days

These unique days are an opportunity for a parent in prison to spend quality time with their children without other family members present.

During the four hours together within the prison, the parent gets to connect with their children in a more relaxed way than a regular prison visit. They can move about the space and enjoy time together playing games, making craft and eating lunch without the other carer present. These activity days are held during school holidays.

Parents in prison must gain approval from their Correctional Centre to attend a Child and Parent day. Applications open about 10 weeks before the day as there is a strict approval process to go through. Look out for the brochure and poster with details of the event and how to apply in the wings and visiting areas of the Correctional Centre.

Sometimes, grandchildren, nieces or nephews may be able to go if there has been a close relationship with their relative. Again, you must get approval from the Correctional Centre through the formal application process.

Let your loved one know that they need to contact their coordinator in prison if interested.

Who is it for?

Parents in prison who have approval from their Correctional Centre

Where is it?

In the prison area – generally in an outdoor recreational space or indoors in one of the larger recreational areas at some Correctional Centres.

Prison Visits

This program provides support to children when they visit their parent in prison. The program helps lessen the often difficult experience of visiting family in prison, where emotions can be strained.

Designed to develop stronger bonds between the child and their parent in prison, the children are given a safe space in the visits room set up with toys and activities where they can play with other kids in a similar situation.

While the child is having fun, the parents and carers have time to talk without having to keep an eye on their child. When children enjoy the experience, the connection between parent and child is strengthened.

The program is run by one of our qualified and experienced child care workers along with our trained volunteers.

Who is it for?

For children and their parents and carers visiting a prison, as well as parent in prison.

Child and Parent Days

These unique days are an opportunity for a parent in prison to spend quality time with their children without other family members present.

During the four hours together within the prison, the parent gets to connect with their children in a more relaxed way than a regular prison visit. They can move about the space and enjoy time together playing games, making craft and eating lunch without the other carer present. These activity days are held during school holidays.

Parents in prison must gain approval from their Correctional Centre to attend a Child and Parent day. Applications open about 10 weeks before the day as there is a strict approval process to go through. Look out for the brochure and poster with details of the event and how to apply in the wings and visiting areas of the Correctional Centre.

Sometimes, grandchildren, nieces or nephews may be able to go if there has been a close relationship with their relative. Again, you must get approval from the Correctional Centre through the formal application process.

Let your loved one know that they need to contact their coordinator in prison if interested.

Who is it for?

Parents in prison who have approval from their Correctional Centre

Where is it?

In the prison area – generally in an outdoor recreational space or indoors in one of the larger recreational areas at some Correctional Centres.

Stay Together, Play Together

These facilitated play groups help mums and dads strengthen relationships with their children and family, increase their parenting skills and build confidence as well as develop valuable family and social networks.

The supported playgroup provides high-quality structured and unstructured play experiences for children and their mum or dad in custody. Play is freely chosen, largely self-directed, intrinsically motivated, spontaneous and fun.

A broad goal in every playgroup is to help parents in custody learn about their children’s education needs and acknowledge the significance of their role in their child’s early education. Mums and dads are empowered to take the lead and have a say in the design and selection of activities.

They are supported with a program manual which lists activities they can use in their playgroup as well as activity kits.

We developed this playgroup program from Early Years Learning Framework for Australia and while not a formal curriculum, they are good starting points for quality early childhood education.

Who is it for?

Mums and dads in custody and their children.

Prison Visits

This program provides support to children when they visit their parent in prison. The program helps lessen the often difficult experience of visiting family in prison, where emotions can be strained.

Designed to develop stronger bonds between the child and their parent in prison, the children are given a safe space in the visits room set up with toys and activities where they can play with other kids in a similar situation.

While the child is having fun, the parents and carers have time to talk without having to keep an eye on their child. When children enjoy the experience, the connection between parent and child is strengthened.

The program is run by one of our qualified and experienced child care workers along with our trained volunteers.

Who is it for?

For children and their parents and carers visiting a prison, as well as parent in prison.