Delivering Better Outcomes for People in Custody Through Reform, Rehabilitation and Facilities
24 - 26 March, 2025
| Aerial UTS Function Space
Workshop Day: Monday, 24th March 2025
9:55 am - 10:00 am
Introduction and Opening Remarks
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Hackathon: Designing the Correctional Facility of the Future
Step into the role of visionary innovators in this dynamic, fast-paced hackathon! Participants will form teams to conceptualise and design a correctional facility of the future that integrates cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and rehabilitative solutions. Drawing inspiration from AI-powered monitoring systems, smart infrastructure, and holistic inmate rehabilitation programmes, each team will present their ideas to the audience for feedback and discussion.
The focus will be on crafting facilities that are not only efficient and secure but also prioritise staff wellbeing, inmate reform, and community reintegration. Think beyond traditional boundaries to reimagine what modern corrections can achieve.
Takeaways:
- Insight into emerging trends and technologies revolutionising correctional facilities.
- Practical ideas for integrating technology and sustainability into facility design.
- Actionable strategies to enhance rehabilitation outcomes and staff productivity.
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Lunch Break - Savor, Share, and Socialise
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Workshop B: Mental Health & Offending - Understanding Risk & Creating Safety
Cathy Cooper -
Forensic Clinical Specialist,
Eastern Health
Joanne Tweed - Senior Mental Health Clinician, Alfred Health
his workshop explores the intersection of mental health, psychological distress, and offending, with a focus on understanding and managing the risk of aggression and violence in mental health and correctional settings. Attendees will develop critical skills to create safer environments for both staff and clients.
Key Takeaways and Learnings:
- Enhanced Understanding of Risk: Improved awareness of the factors that contribute to aggression and violence in mental health and correctional settings.
- Practical Communication Skills: Increased confidence in using verbal de-escalation techniques and recognizing early signs of agitation to prevent violence.
- Legal Knowledge: Clarity on legal responsibilities regarding safety, the Mental Health Act, and responding to aggression appropriately.
- Safety & Risk Management: Tools to identify and mitigate risks of aggression, including proactive measures and post-incident support systems.
- Practical Experience: Hands-on practice with de-escalation techniques in a safe, supportive environment to increase real-world application.
Joanne Tweed
Senior Mental Health ClinicianAlfred Health
