Pre and post-release services for men

Find out more about what we do

• Family support services

  We deliver a range of family support programs at Ravenhall. MCM's Family Support Team provide advice and advocacy on child and family issues. These services assist men in their role as fathers and aim to ensure best possible outcomes for themselves and their children.

• Life skills

  The Life Skills Program provides support and advice for men to deal with the demands and challenges of everyday life. It’s delivered in 6 modules, each comprising two 2-hour sessions, covering topics such as:

  • money management
  • healthy living
  • healthy mind
  • better connections
  • taking control
  • healthy me

  The program works to build confidence, self-awareness and skills to assist in securing employment, education and housing.

  The Brain Gym Program provides weekly group sessions for men who want to improve their thinking and social skills. Activities may include, but are not limited to: word activities, brainteasers, trivia, board/card games, creative writing, music and visual art. A book club and conversation club are also part of the program. All activities are delivered by a facilitator and volunteers.

  The Debt Reduction program provides high-quality support to men incarcerated at Ravenhall to assist them to reduce debts being accumulated whilst in prison.

• Housing

  The Housing Information Program provides high-quality housing information and referral support to help men access suitable housing on release. It supports them to reintegrate into the community and reduce the likelihood of reoffending and return to prison. The program also supports men to maintain housing while in custody.

  The Atrium Housing and Support Program assists people who are on bail, by offering a supported pathway and short-term transitional housing. The program provides tailored support that addresses each participant’s needs. This may include assistance with drug and alcohol issues, mental health support, finding secure sustainable housing and employment.

  Entry into the program is by referral only.

• Employment

  We offer pre and post-release employment services at Ravenhall Correctional Centre.

  Our programs provide:

  • comprehensive job search training, including interview skills, resume development and employment applications
  • development of individualised job search plans
  • information on labour market trends and facilitation of employer connections in industries and regions with identified skill shortages
  • links to training and support service providers
  • post-employment support as needed
  • employment expos (6 per year)
  • information on the federal government jobactive program and other employment services

• Pastoral Care

  We provide pastoral care services for men exiting Ravenhall. The Pastoral Care program offers tailored one-on-one support for men after their release and includes a volunteer mentoring component. The program assists men to engage with community and faith-based groups to establish a positive support network according to their religious and cultural needs.

• Education

  MCM strongly promotes education in the prison system. Education programs are available to young people 35 years and under at Ravenhall Correctional Centre. We provide VCAL courses to young adults who enrol in a senior secondary qualification or haven’t successfully completed the minimum requirements for year 10.

  Previous experiences and personal goals are considered to ensure each person is enrolled at the appropriate level. We offer a range of VCAL units, including Literacy, Numeracy, Work Related Skills, Personal Development, and Industry Specific Skills. Studying while in prison opens many doors and can aid in finding employment upon release.

• Reintegration with the community

  The Emerge reintegration program provides intensive, holistic and high-quality case management support to men exiting Ravenhall. Successful reintegration into society after prison can reduce the likelihood of reoffending and ensure they remain engaged with the community.
  
  The program is participant-focused and includes specialist support for men with disability, as well as pre-release housing information and post-release subsidised housing.