Women prisoners lose family access

Issue 

SYDNEY — The Department of Corrective Services' decision to reduce family contact with women prisoners, and children seeing their mothers, is "heartless mismanagement that will have disastrous effects on prisoners' rehabilitation" said Kat Armstrong from Justice Action on July 12.

At Emu Plains women's prison, visits have been available for seven hours on each day of weekends and holidays, and the local Rotary Club organised a BBQ for the visiting families. However, families have been told that they will in future have only half-day visits, without a joint meal with the mothers, and will have to book their visits in advance. They are now standing in queues trying to get in in the limited time available.

Kerry Smith

From Green Left Weekly, July 19, 2006.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.


If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.