Elders Visiting Program
The Northern Territory Elders Visiting Program was developed in partnership between the NT Department of Justice, ATSIC, Community Councils and Elders. The program commenced in 2005 and operates in the Darwin and Alice Springs Correctional Centres and the Don Dale Juvenile Detention Centre.
The program recognises that cultural contact with Indigenous Elders can improve the reintegration prospects of Indigenous offenders by maintaining links to community and culture while in prison.
Indigenous prisoners represent approximately 80 per cent of the Northern Territory prison population and many of them may not have spoken to an Elder in years because of their lifestyle and substance abuse problems. The Elders Visiting Program provides an opportunity for them to talk together with their Elders when their minds are clear. The Elders encourage and assist these prisoners to take on a new direction in their lives and to develop post-release plans.
The Elders Visiting Program also provides an important cultural link between Indigenous inmates and Corrections staff, advising staff on cultural and community issues that may impact on an inmate’s behaviour or ability to address their offending. They keep the community informed on the offender’s progress and also on prison processes such as attending funerals and conducting sorry business. They advise offenders on difficulties they are likely to face on their release and strive to assist and support them while they readjust back into their communities.
Elders are also able to advise Northern Territory Correctional Services on what reintegration options are available within the community and what community hopes and expectations may exist. This advice can then help to inform a more meaningful and comprehensive release plan.
The Elders involved with this program are committed to addressing the negative impact the high rates of Indigenous imprisonment has on community values and culture.
Communities currently involved in the Elders Visiting Program include Beswick/Burunga, Kalkaringji, Lajamanu, Groote Eylandt, Tiwi, Hermannsburg, Yuendumu, Tennant Creek/Barkly Region and Gove region with plans to expand the program to further communities in Central Australia and Arnhem Land.
For more information about the Elders Visiting Program contact ntcsinquiries@nt.gov.au.
ELDERS VISITING PROGRAM DVD
Two DVDs have been produced and are an extension of the Elders Visiting Program. The are as follows:
Inside: the Elders Visiting Program
The concept of Inside: the Elders Visiting Program is to visually show what prison looks like and through stories the Indigenous prisoners tell, learn how they have been affected by their life 'behind the wire'.
The DVD was designed to send a strong message to young Indigenous people that prison is not a healthy and productive option for their cultural and spiritual well being and prison is not an attractive place to be. Prison is a place that restricts freedom and contact with family who may find it difficult to travel to Darwin or Alice Springs for visits.
Left Behind
The concept of Left Behind is to continue the story of imprisonment and the impact it has on the family. The DVD shows what it is like for the families and communities of Indigenous prisoners who are left behind when they are sent to prison.
Indigenous family members tell their stories about how they feel about having a key family member in prison. That the families need to stay together to provide strength, support, care and guidance to their children in a positive way.
Copies of the DVDs may be obtained by contacting ntcsinquiries@nt.gov.au
