27 June 2007

Red Cross needs volunteers for a pilot program which 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, will see 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 Visitor Resource Centre Program.

She said families visiting prison often experienced high levels of anxiety and stress - especially during a first-time visit - as well as shock, grief, shame and loss.  Children were often unsettled and confused.

On occasions, this can be a negative experience which can 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.

She said volunteers would be fully trained and supported.

VACRO chief executive officer Andrea Lott welcomed the program:  'We're pleased to be partnering with the Red Cross to work in this area, as it's a trusted and valued organisation within the community.'

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.