Child and Family Centres

Visiting a prison can be a daunting experience for anyone. Our Child and Family Centres provide a welcoming child friendly place for families and children to drop in when visiting their loved one.

Parents, carers and family can drop in to one of our centres to have a cup of tea and relax before or after visiting family in prison. Visitors can use the time at the centre to speak with staff or share their problems and challenges with other parents and carers.

Children can also enjoy this time to play or make friends with other children. This time can help build a child’s confidence and self-esteem while also helping them to feel more relaxed about visiting their parent. Parents can also leave their children at the centre if they don’t require supervision.

Families new to the prison system often have no idea of what to expect or how the process works. During a drop in, we can explain how we can help them in other ways or provide referrals to relevant community agencies. Families leave feeling more at ease and with a better understanding of what assistance is available.

We also partner with various food charities, depending on the location, who often deliver food supplies to the centre for pick up by parents and carers for home if needed.

Who is it for?

Parents and carers and their families can take advantage of the drop-in program before or after their prison visit.

Where is it?

Our Child and Family Centres at Correctional Centres operate within the grounds of some Correctional Centres (usually a cottage in or near the car park). Activities vary depending on the centre.