John was released from prison earlier this year, having served out his four-year sentence. Like most newly released prisoners, his situation was precarious.
The 30-year-old was released into substandard boarding house accommodation, where he was robbed of his few possessions. Accessing the services and support he needed was challenging. Childhood abuse and a history of violence had resulted in a range of complex physical and mental health issues, including low levels of literacy, a traumatic brain injury and difficulty with managing emotions and developing positive relationships.
10 November is Prison Sunday – a day when the Catholic Church in Australia shines a light on the plight of prisoners and the people and services that support them.
When John arrived for his appointment at Centacare Post Release Service (CPS) in South Brisbane, he was wearing the clothes he was arrested in and was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was met at the door with a warm smile and a friendly handshake – a welcome he seldom receives.
Senior Mental Health Social Worker Cherelle Evans sat with John and, over a cup of coffee, they began John’s formal intake process. He talked about his needs and goals and, together, they agreed on a personalised plan for his post release services. He was given a bag of fresh new clothes, a new pair of shoes and some toiletries.
CPS works in a complex and challenging environment to support the return of one of the most disadvantaged, marginalised and vulnerable groups to a meaningful and productive life in the community. The team work with men and women released from 14 prisons in South East Queensland. Last year the service supported 128 clients. Only four of those clients returned to prison in that year.
CPS recognises that there are social and emotional disadvantages that characterise prison populations and seeks to bridge this divide in clients’ post release lives.
“People that are released from prison are one of the most marginalised and vulnerable groups in the community,” said Ms Evans.
“We work in a compassionate and non-judgemental way to help people reclaim their dignity and achieve self-identified personal goals. The broader community benefits from decreased crime and increased social and economic capacity when people have the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful life in the community.”
John was put in touch with CPS prior to his parole. His cellmate assisted him to write a letter to the service and, a month before his release, he met with Cherelle and her colleague, Rom Sayon, over video call.
John has been working with CPS for 12 months now. He attends regularly for confidential counselling, which has given him the opportunity to share and make sense of his life story and to work through the effects of prison on his social and emotional wellbeing. He has improved his coping skills and his ability to engage effectively as part of his community.
“We worked with John’s doctor and supported him to apply for the NDIS,” said Ms Evans. “One of the most beautiful parts of John’s journey is seeing the relationship he has formed with his NDIS support worker. They go fishing together and work in the garden. His support worker assists him to attend to daily tasks and appointments, which includes regular visits with John’s mother”.
Your tax-deductible gift today will provide care and support to those released from prison
Donations are used to meet the practical needs of our clients, which can include obtaining ID, a phone, clothing and other essential items which help ground them and establish a sense of safety. When basic needs are met and clients feel safe, they are able to engage in counselling. Donations also assist the service to grow, via additional professional staff. Visit Catholic Foundation to make a donation or phone 07 3324 3200.