Prisoners Aid has been operating as a community organisation in Canberra since 1963. Over the years we have assisted thousands of clients - including prisoners, released prisoners, families of prisoners, and those involved in the court system.
Our key principles are based on natural justice for the prisoner and on rehabilitation in order to reduce the risk of further offending. Our twin objectives are to:
ensure a ‘fair go’ for all those involved directly and indirectly in the prison system, including the families of prisoners;We remain the only community organisation in the ACT devoted solely to support for prisoners, released prisoners and their families. Prisoners Aid has an office in the new ACT Courts building and an office in the Visitor Entry Area at the AMC. We have about 20 active volunteers who perform various tasks, including direct assistance to clients and administrative duties. The range of assistance provided by Prisoners Aid is very wide. We undertake tasks that no other organisation does, whether community or government, as well as tasks that complement and assist the work of other organisations.
SupportFamilies and friends are the most important part of a prisoner's life.We know that things do not always go smoothly in relationships and we have some ways to offer support. Volunteers are not counsellors, but receive ongoing training to offer you the most useful and relevant support. |
VolunteersVolunteers are always welcome! Join our teams! We offer an exciting and challenging environment for people who want to help others. We offer training to help build your skills - there's something for everyone to do, easy and challenging, and not all of our work involves people work. |
LinksKeep up to date - and gather the best suggestions and background information. Here is our collection of useful links ... ... for families ... for friends ... for volunteers Please send us suggestions to add further content. |
Our volunteers come from a range of professional backgrounds and we are all very passionate about the needs of detainees during incarceration and following their release. Prisoners Aid relies heavily on the assistance given by volunteers. Volunteers work at the Court office or the AMC visitor’s office in a range of different ways. The assistance given to Prisoners Aid by volunteers increases the services that we are able to offer our clients. We greatly appreciate the assistance we receive from volunteers.
