The first seven days

Finding the right place for the prisoner may take time and prisoners should be prepared to be transferred and be moved from cell to cell.

Orientation

Prisoners are subject to a 7 day induction period when they enter prison. Prisoners who conform to the induction requirements will be progressed to a standard regime upon completion.

Prisoners who fail to conform with the induction regime will be assessed and managed in an approriate manner.

Each prison unit has an induction pack that is given to each prisoner with information on procedures and schedules.

The first few days and weeks in prison are often the hardest. If a prisoner is worried about themselves or someone on the outside they can talk to a case officer, social worker or an Aboriginal Liaison Officer.

At this time a case management plan will also be developed to help the prisoner adjust and get the most out of their time in prison.

Many prisoners find first few days and weeks are often the hardest.

This is often due to:

  • a loss of personal freedom
  • separation from the people they love and care about and from the issues that they are dealing with
  • fear, uncertainty and doubt.

Prisoners who feel depressed or anxious should let their case officer, or any other member of staff know. Prisoners are encouraged to maintain a relationships with friends and family. This can be done via visits, letters and phone calls. Prisoners with strong family ties tend to do better in prison.

Asking for help

Prisoners can ask for help by talking to a correctional officer, unit officer, case officer or case management coordinator. Prisoners can also request to see a Visiting Inspector.

To ask to talk to other staff or request access to other services either

  • a ‘Prisoner Request Form’ needs to be completed or
  • the electronic self-service kiosk [called KEX].

This includes asking for professional visitors and non-emergency health services.

The Prisoner Request Form can be obtained from any officer.