The pilot project is conducted in partnership with Open Arms, a support service run by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
It aims to help prisoners who are ex-service members connect with vital services such as mental health and counselling.
Department of Justice Veterans Services Manager Fiona Rancnik says incarcerated veterans are often not aware of what support is available and helping them access these services is crucial to successful rehabilitation and reintegration after they leave prison.
“This is the first time in Western Australia we have Open Arms operating within our prisons, offering support to any incarcerated veterans.”
“So far the pilot has delivered more than 50 hours of in-person support at Casuarina and Acacia prisons and Wooroloo Prison Farm,” said Ms Rancnik.
About 170 prisoners have been identified as veterans, but the true number is not yet clear as some may not have disclosed their service.
Rob Goulden from Open Arms says peer support workers understand the challenges facing ex-service members as they are veterans themselves.
“If connections are set up while the veterans are still incarcerated, they can continue getting help after they’re released.”
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said it’s important to acknowledge the service of incarcerated veterans.
“People who have served deserve that recognition and support for their commitment to whatever country they have served, because we have people from all around the world.”
“And in a workplace that’s informed about veterans it means you understand the needs of veterans, you understand the support services available, and you can start working to link incarcerated veterans with that support.”
DVA’s Assistant Secretary of Clinical Operations, Michael Burvill, says Open Arms is looking at opportunities to extend the program to other states.
Print this page
