Outreach Services
Program Overview:
Outreach Services provides support to men in prison and upon their release. It works in all Metropolitan and some Regional prisons. It provides support primarily to those who have served long sentences and have lost their support base and connections to the outside community.
The support has two aspects:
- Practical support upon release: Outreach has a number of units of accommodation available. It also provides assistance with transport, connection to essential services, budgeting, shopping, cooking, and connection to educational and employment agencies
- Support through the development of relationships: The extensive use of volunteers allows Outreach to develop a sound relationships with the client over a period of at least three months (but usually longer) before an impending release. Both prior to, and after release, in a relationship of respect and trust, clients can reflect upon any issues of concern with Outreach members. This contributes to making them less vulnerable to the pressures of society, to loneliness, and to reoffending. They are encouraged and supported to live independently.
Eligibility and Referral:
The program is aimed at men who have served a prison term of three years or more. Clients self refer, at least three months prior to exiting prison, by placing a request with prison staff to see the Outreach team. Outreach teams visit the prisons on a regular basis, (fortnightly in the metropolitan prisons).
Contact Information:
Address:
Outreach Services
Myaree Business Centre
Ph: (08) 93174861
Fax: (08) 93174862
Email: outreach.services@unitingcarewest.org.au