What is a Digital Toolkit and why do we Need to Help One Another to Create One?
Margaret Anderson
Australian Classification Board
Director
Even though it is 2019, the impact and role of digital technology may not always be considered (in depth) by corrections staff when they are developing pre- and post-release plans and conditional warnings, for inmates about to leave prison to return to community living. The obvious may be considered, eg: do not ring your ex-partner, or you will breach your parole conditions, but the positive way mobile phones and other digital technology can feature in the life of someone returning to community living, may be overlooked, and it may not be discussed at all with Aunty or Uncle, even though they will be pivotal in the life of the ex-prisoner in the community, and even though digital media and communications devices are prevalent in communities. Different forms of digital technology are with us – even in the remoter parts of Australia!
This session will explore how digital technology does not always have to be negative, and ways in which it may be embraced and harnessed to maximise opportunities for successful community reintegration after prison, in terms of both identity, health and well-being, and culture. How to create a “digital toolkit” and who should be involved in creating it, will be explored. This is a participatory session – come along with your ideas and experiences, and share!