Northern Territory Correctional Services Elders Visiting Program
Juanita Jones
NT Attorney General and Justice
Manager Elders Visiting Program
The Northern Territory Elders Visiting Program (EVP) was developed in partnership between the NT Department of Justice, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), Community Councils and Elders.
The Elders Visiting Program commenced in 2005 and operates throughout NT Correctional facilities and communities. The program recognizes that cultural contact with Aboriginal Elders can improve the reintegration prospects of Aboriginal prisoners by maintaining links to community and culture while in prison.
The Elders Visiting Program (EVP) objectives are:
1. To support the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal prisoners by maintaining links to community and culture while in prison; and
2. To improve the reintegration prospects of Aboriginal prisoners by talking about behaviors that led to their incarceration and discussing their post release plans, obligations and expectations upon returning to community.
The Elders advise prisoners on the difficulties they are likely to face on their release and strive to assist and support them while they readjust back into their communities.
The program currently has representation from 16 communities in the Northern Territory and works across government and non-government agencies to provide support in the reintegration process of Aboriginal people retuning to home.