Offenders’ families often serve a ‘silent sentence’ and suffer many hardships as a result of imprisonment.

Maintaining unity and stability reduces the stress placed on family members. It can also alleviate the pressure on ex-offenders upon release.
Outcare operates Family Support Centres at Bandyup, Boronia, Casuarina, Hakea, Karnet and Wooroloo prisons to reduce the impact of imprisonment on offenders, their families, children and visitors. These centres are run by professional, qualified staff.

Prison assistance
One of the biggest challenges families face when someone is imprisoned is visiting the prison, especially if children are involved.
Centre staff make this easier by guiding families through the prison procedures.

They can also provide supervised access visits for prisoners’ children at some prisons, interview prisoners regarding family issues and help visitors to lodge complaint/feedback forms if necessary.

Living arrangements
When someone is imprisoned it can have a significant impact on a family’s financial position and, as a result, may affect their living arrangements.
Centre staff help families investigate housing and rental options and guide them through the application process.

They also help them negotiate with crisis accommodation providers and deal with tenancy issues.

Financial assistance
The Family Support Centres can help families negotiate payment terms with creditors and provide assistance with everyday budgeting.
Staff also provide information about support services and Centrelink payments, help family members check their entitlements and assist with reviews and appeals.

Emergency relief assistance may also be available on assessment.