By Allyson Fonseca
RED Cross is calling for volunteers for a pilot program that aims to provide information and emotional support to families and friends visiting inmates at Port Phillip Prison in Laverton.
The Red Cross program, in partnership with the Victorian Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (VACRO) and Port Phillip Prison, was launched this month.
It plans to have volunteers in the prison’s Visitor Centre providing reassurance and emotional support, information on visiting procedures and specialist support agencies and services, and resources to occupy children.
Australian Red Cross Victoria project officer Leonie Poynter said Red Cross was seeking reliable people with a mature outlook and good interpersonal skills for the Prison Visitor Resource Centre Program.
She said families visiting prison often experienced high levels of anxiety and stress. Particularly during a first-time visit, there were the emotions of shock, grief, shame and loss. Children were often unsettled and confused.
This could be a negative experience that could make them reluctant to return, leading to a breakdown in the family relationship.
“If families are supported to maintain positive links with the imprisoned family member, that person’s return to the community is often more successful, and the recidivism rate can also be reduced,” Ms Poynter said.
VACRO chief executive officer Andrea Lott said she was pleased to be partnering Red Cross to work in this area, as it was a trusted and valued organisation.
Port Phillip Prison director Dennis Roach said the prison was delighted to be entering into a partnership to support visitors.
“Providing opportunities for prisoners to maintain family ties during their period of imprisonment is a critical component of the overall goal of reducing the risk of re-offending upon their eventual release from prison,” Mr Roach said.
Information sessions will be held in November at Red Cross in North Melbourne. Volunteers will be fully trained and supported. Details are available at the website; www.redcross.org.au
