Education

Education services are prioritised to those who are assessed as having the greatest need. The subjects taught target rehabilitation and reintegration with a strong focus on employment skills.

DCS has a Registered Training Organisation - VTEC-SA.

VTEC-SA deliver nationally accredited courses and training packages in numeracy and literacy and vocational studies to prisoners and offenders.

We currently offer studies in a variety of subjects including Certificates in Business up to Certificate IV level.

Many of the prisons engage with other Registered Training Organisations such as TAFE SA to offer courses in a wide range of vocational studies such as horticulture, civil construction, kitchen operations and cooking.

Classes are offered most days of the week and are accessible to most prisoners depending on the prisoner regime.

Allowances

Prisoners attending approved education or training courses are paid an allowance.

Many courses are organised with work rosters, to enable prisoners to participate in both education and work opportunities.

Literacy and numeracy eligibility

Prisoners are assessed before being accepted on to some courses.

Prisoners who would not be able to take part effectively in criminal behaviour programs due to poor reading, writing and comprehension skills are offered literacy courses.

Prisoners who need to improve their literacy and numeracy skills are offered courses so that they can take advantage of vocational training and prepare to be an effective part of the community on release from prison.

Facilities

All sites apart from the Adelaide Remand Centre and Adelaide Pre-Release Centre have staffed educational centres.

Sites also have libraries and computing suites where the certificates in business are taught. Internet facilities are not available.

How to get on to a study course

Prisoners need to speak to their Education Coordinator who will discuss the various options available.