5/5/04
In a national first, the State Government today opened a purpose-built prison which is designed to stop women prisoners from re-offending.
Justice Minister Michelle Roberts said the $14million Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women in Bentley was based on international best practice.
"This is the nation's first pre-release centre which is dedicated to the needs and demographics of women in custody," Mrs Roberts said.
"Most importantly it has been commissioned by the Government to make our communities safer and more secure by stopping these women prisoners from re-offending."
The Minister said the 70-bed state-of-the-art facility put Western Australia at the forefront of managing women offenders.
She said the Boronia Centre was about preparing women for re-entry to the community in terms of their social skills, work skills and links with their family, positive friends and the wider community.
"This centre recognises women offenders have different needs and issues than male offenders," Mrs Roberts said.
"More than 60 per cent of women prisoners have children under 18 and about two-thirds of them are the primary care-givers.
"The new facilities will provide for children up to the age of four to stay with their mothers and for older children - up to the age of 12 - there will be the chance to have overnight stays with their mothers.
It is important bonding time that will build parenting skills and a sense of responsibility."
Mrs Roberts said the Boronia Centre was an effective long-term approach to the management of women prisoners.
"Boronia will have an extremely tough anti-drug regime and provide incentives for good behaviour. The women will have to work hard at meeting personal, family and community responsibilities," she said.
"The local community will also continue to be a key element of Boronia, with local residents playing an important part in all facets of the planning and development programs."
Minister's office: 9213 6600
