How To Get Out Of Prison In Nsw

Transcription

1 PLANNING YOUR RELEASE Produced by Community Restorative Centre Ph (02) and NSW Department of Corrective Services Ph (02) Printed September 2008 NSW Exit Checklist

2 NAME: MIN: Release Date: / / Case Officer: For help using this checklist, ask the following staff: Welfare Officer or Services and Programs Officer (SPO) For debt, ID, housing and accommodation, Centrelink and family issues. Name: Correctional Education Officer For literacy support, education and training, driver s licence, and employment information. Name: Parole Officer For information on parole, debt, ID, housing and accommodation, Centrelink and family issues. Name: Psychologist For emotional support, coping strategies etc. (See the clinic about physical and mental health issues). Name: For comments, questions, or updates, please contact the Community Restorative Centre (CRC). Ph: (02) info@crcnsw.org.au

3 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday PLANNER FOURTH WEEK OUT CONTENTS How to use this checklist 2 ID Points Table 5 Do this now! 7 Three months before release 25 Four weeks before release 35 One week before release 43 On the day 47 Who to Call * Emergency/General 49 Department of Corrective Services 50 Housing and Accommodation 52 Family and Community Support 54 Finances 57 Health 59 Identification 61 Parole and Legal 63 Property, Clothing, and Transport 64 My Numbers 67 Resources Application Forms 69 Other Resources 71 Four week planner Use this diary to plan the first weeks after your release 73 *1800 numbers are a free call from anywhere in Australia. 13 numbers cost the same as a local call. You can t call 1800 numbers from some correctional centres. Page 76

4 HOW TO USE THIS CHECKLIST This booklet is designed to help you plan for your release. In it you will find a lot of information on things you can do to make the move out of custody and back to the community a bit easier for yourself and your family. The checklist is designed for you to go through with a Welfare Officer or Services and Programs Officer or other staff at your correctional centre. You can write their names in the inside cover. Ask to use their phones to make calls regarding your release. The checklist sets out what you need to do: do this now three months before release four weeks before release one week before release, and on the day of release. Answer each question in turn. If you answer yes, tick the box. No more action is needed; simply go on to the next question. If you answer no, what you need to do is set out below the question. Date the responses to keep track of your progress. Some questions will refer you to organisations that offer help with health, housing, finances etc. More information about who to call can be found in Who To Call on page 49. Resources (page 69) contains a list of other resources that go with this checklist. Page 2 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday PLANNER THIRD WEEK OUT Page 75

5 Monday Tuesday PLANNER SECOND WEEK OUT HOW TO USE THIS CHECKLIST Some questions will have answers that refer to these documents. This section will tell you what they are and where to find them. Use the Planner at the end of this booklet to plan the first few weeks after you get out. WHEN DO I START? It s never too early to start planning in preparation for your release. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Even though the checklist starts at six months, many things - like ID or debts - can be sorted out well before that. Whether you re serving a short or a long sentence, begin using the checklist as soon as you can after coming into custody. The sooner you get organised, the easier it s going to be when you get out. It is important and beneficial for you to participate in programs and employment at the very earliest opportunity whilst in custody. The capacity to earn money whilst in custody will enable you to be as selfsufficient as possible and save towards your release. No matter how long you re serving, you need to start with the Do This Now section, then 3 months etc. Work out when to start each section by counting back from your release date and write the dates in the table on the next page. Start straight away so you can get everything done by the time you get out! Page 74 Page 3

6 HOW TO USE THIS CHECKLIST Earliest Possible Release Date Months and weeks to go Do this Now! Date Page See page 7 3 months See page 25 4 weeks See page 35 Monday Tuesday Wednesday PLANNER FIRST WEEK OUT * Catch bus number from * Go to Centrelink - remember to take release papers 1 week See page 43 Last day! See page 47 Thursday If you don t have access to a calendar, work with someone who is helping you prepare for release. This might be your case officer, welfare or SPO, parole officer, education officer or overseer. Identification is very important. Without ID it can be hard to get help on the outside. You need 100 points of ID for Centrelink, to open a bank account etc (see the ID Points Table on page 5). Start collecting your ID as soon as you can. For problems staff can t help you with, call Corrective Services Support Line (CSSL). Enter your MIN & PIN, Press 2, then 1. Friday Saturday Sunday Page 4 Page 73

7 RESOURCES ID POINTS TABLE Getting Around - Transport Finding transport to Centrelink, Probation and Parole, health services and other places you want to go to can be a hassle. For important appointments it s a good idea to plan how you are going to get there well in advance. For information on public transport in and around Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast, Blue Mountains and Wollongong call the Transport Infoline For country train services call CountryLink The NSW Government provides subsidised or concession travel to NSW residents in receipt of most Centrelink befits. The NSW Half Fare Entitlement Card is issued by Centrelink and you need to apply at your local office. Some councils and community groups run subsidised or free bus services, where public transport is poor. In rural areas they often run from isolated areas to the nearest town. Local community transport groups, community centres and councils are a good place to enquire about these services. You can also call: Ministry of Transport (02) Community Transport Organisation (02) Centrelink Banks Medicare Current Australian Passport Original Australian Birth Certificate Certificate of Australian Residency or Citizenship Marriage certificate Child's birth certificate 40 Divorce papers 40 Learners Permit or Drivers Licence ATM or credit card with signature Current bank statement with address Educational or trade certificate Reference from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Organisation Medicare card Electoral enrolment card One of these required for a new card Two items proving residency required. Termination notice or separation certificate from an employer 10 Page 72 Page 5

8 RESOURCES Other resources Community Tenancy Scheme Directory NSW federation of Housing Associations Suite 301, Kippax Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 Phone: Fax: Centrelink pamphlets For information about looking for work, benefits, sickness, carers, disability, etc. Employment: Disability, Sickness and Carers: Family Assistance Office: Youth and Student Services: Multilingual Call: TTY: Getting Out Handbook A handbook for former inmates available in NSW from CRC: Broadway (cnr Shepherd St), Broadway 2007 Ph: (02) reverse charges accepted Fax: (02) Renting Guide Booklet Advice and information about private renting. Contact the NSW Office of Fair Trading: 1 Fitzwilliam Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 Ph: (02) , or Fax: (02) Page 6 Page 71

9 RESOURCES Medicare Application for Medicare Card Replacement Medicare Enrolment Application (for a new card) GPO Box 9822, Sydney 2000 Ph: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Line: NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander birth certificate, etc. GPO Box 30, Sydney NSW 2001 Ph: Fax: (02) RTA (Roads and Traffic Authority) Licence renewal application form Ph: DO THIS NOW IDENTIFICATION You will need 100 points of ID You need 100 points of ID for Centrelink, the bank, etc. Different organisations have different point systems. Use the Points Table on page 5 as a guide. Prison staff will assist you. Even if someone is holding ID for you, collect as much as you can. It may not always be where you left it. Do you have an Australian birth certificate (70 Points)? If you were born in NSW, call Births, Deaths and Marriages for an application form. Post with copies of your other ID and $38 fee to: NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages GPO Box 30, Sydney NSW 2001 Ph: If you were born in another state, you need to apply to the registry office in that state. Fees may differ. Aboriginal inmates can apply by completing the Births, Deaths and Marriages application form and Inmate Application Form and attach photocopy of MIN card. Sign and forward to: Aboriginal Support and Planning Unit Vagg Building, Long Bay Correctional Complex Ph: (02) Fax: (02) Date: Date: Page 70 Page 7

10 NOTES RESOURCES Application Forms Talk to the Services and Programs Officer or your Parole officer to get these forms. Some can also be downloaded from the websites listed. ATO (Australian Taxation Office) Tax File Number application or enquiry PO Box 9942, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 Ph: Department of Housing - also known as Housing NSW Forms for the general register, priority housing, etc. Ph: Department of Immigration and Citizenship Application for Citizenship Certificate (Form 119) Application for Residency Certificate (Form 164) GPO Box 9984, Sydney NSW 2001 Ph: Family Court of Australia Document Request Form for Divorce Certificate GPO Box 9991, Sydney NSW 2001 Ph: Page 8 Page 69

11 DO THIS NOW Do you have a Certificate of Australian Citizenship or Residency? (70 points) If you are an Australian citizen you can apply for a Certificate of Evidence of Australian Citizenship from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Call them for the forms. There is a $55 fee and you need to send them certified copies of other ID and an endorsed photo. GPO Box 9984, Sydney NSW 2001 Ph: If you were not born in Australia you can get a Certificate of Evidence of Resident Status from them. The fee for this is $70, and again, you need to send them copies of other ID. Do you have an Australian marriage certificate, child s birth certificate, or divorce papers (40 points)? For your Marriage Certificate or a child s Birth Certificate that names you as parent/guardian, apply to the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages as with Birth Certificate. The fee is $36. Prison staff can assist you, or call Births, Deaths & Marriages on For divorce papers, call the Family Court (on , or , and ask for a Document Request Form. Post with fee (about $20) to: Family Court of Australia GPO Box 9991 Sydney NSW Page 68 Page 9

12 NOTES MY NUMBERS Use this space to write your own useful contact numbers. Page 10 Page 67

13 Salvation Army Provide a range of services including assistance with housing, food, property and clothing. Ph: (02) St Vincent de Paul Provide a range of services including assistance with housing, food, property and clothing. Ph: (02) Sydney City Mission Provide a range of services including assistance with housing, food, property and clothing. Ph: (02) Wesley Mission Provide a range of services including assistance with housing, food, property and clothing. Ph: (02) DO THIS NOW Do you have a current Learner s Permit or Driver s Licence (40 points)? Learners test may be available through AEVTI. See the education staff at your centre or call (02) If your licence expires while you are in custody, or you need a new card, you will have to renew it in person at an RTA office after release. Call the RTA on to find out more. Do you have a current Medicare Card (20 points)? Call Medicare to see if you are already enrolled, and ask whether you need a new or replacement card. They will send you the form. There is no fee but you need to include other kinds of ID. Mail the form to: Medicare, GPO Box 9822 Sydney 2001 Ph: (02) For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applications, call Medicare for an ATSI enrolment form. If you don t have any ID, this can be signed by an Elder, Regional Aboriginal Project Officer (RAPO), Services and Programs Officer or education worker who knows you. Send to: Liaison Officer Indigenous Access HIC Reply Paid Ph: (ATSI Access Line) A Medicare card means you can go to hospital or see a doctor. You also need a Medicare card to get into most rehabs. Page 66 Page 11

14 NOTES WHO TO CALL Property, Clothing, Transport These are just a few of the many services in NSW which offer help with clothing, household goods, returning to work expenses, and travel costs. Ring ahead to find out what they can do for you. Anglicare Provides emergency assistance - locations in Sydney and Wollongong. Ph: (02) CRC Offers a range of services to inmates, former inmates, and their families. 174 Broadway (cnr Shepherd St) Broadway NSW 2007 Ph: (02) Fax: (02) Mission Australia Provide a range of services including assistance with housing, food, property and clothing. Ph: (02) Prisoners Aid Association Prisoners Aid can assist with property and clothing. Ph: (02) Public Transport Information Line Timetable and fare information for public transport in greater Metropolitan Sydney (bounded by Port Stephens, Dungog and Scone, Bathurst, Goulburn, and Nowra). 6am to 10pm, 7 days a week. Ph: Page 12 Page 65

15 WHO TO CALL Community Legal Centres CLCs provide legal advice and assistance with a range of issues including credit and debt. To find your nearest centre, contact the State Office. Ph: (02) Fax: (02) Law Access Provides legal information and referral to Legal Aid. Ph: (TTY) Probation and Parole Offices (Community Offender Services) For enquiries about parole, ring your nearest office. Northwest (02) Southwest (02) Outer Sydney Metro (02) Inner Sydney Metro (02) Prisoners Legal Service A specialist section of Legal Aid for prisoners. Ph: (02) Fax: (02) Page 64 DO THIS NOW If appropriate, do you have a reference from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation (20 points)? Get a reference from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation, verifying your full details and length of time they ve known you. Contact Aboriginal Legal Service on (02) or Aboriginal Medical Service on (02) , or your local Aboriginal Land Council via the NSW ALC on (02) They will give you the details of your nearest service. HOUSING AND ACCOMMODATION Have you checked that you have a place to stay on release? Check that it is still OK to stay there as circumstances may have changed. See Who to Call: Housing and Accommodation, page 52. Are you registered with the Department of Housing, also known as Housing NSW? Contact the Department of Housing on to find your local office. There are eligibility rules that you have to fit. DoH staff may visit your Centre and run information sessions. Services and Programs Officers and Parole staff can provide the forms and help you fill them in. If you are a former DoH tenant with a debt you can organise to begin paying back some of the money while in custody. This will help show them that you can be housed again. Page 13

16 NOTES WHO TO CALL Department of Immigration and Citizenship For Certificate of citizenship or residency. GPO Box 9984, Sydney NSW 2001 Ph: Family Court of Australia For Divorce papers. GPO Box 9991, Sydney NSW 2001 Ph: Medicare For Medicare card and number information. GPO Box 9822 Sydney 2001 Ph: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Line: NSW Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages For birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. GPO Box 30, Sydney NSW Regent St, Sydney (near Central Station) Ph: Fax: (02) Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) For driver s licence renewals, test requirements, etc. Ph: PAROLE & LEGAL Aboriginal Legal Service Free legal advice and assistance to people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island descent. Ph: (02) (Sydney office) Page 14 Page 63

17 WHO TO CALL AEC (Australian Electoral Commission) The AEC issues electoral enrolment cards. Ph: ATO (Australian Tax Office) The ATO issues Tax File Numbers. Contact them to find out their ID requirements. PO Box 9942, Moonee Ponds, VIC 3039 Ph: (Publication service for ID info) Banks ID requirements vary. As an alternative, think about a credit union. Commonwealth Bank: Westpac: National Australia Bank: ANZ: St George: Bendigo Bank: Centrelink Contact Centrelink to find out their ID requirements. Employment: Disability, Sickness and Carers: Family Assistance Office: Youth and Student Services: Multilingual Call: TTY: Department of Housing - also known as Housing NSW Call to find out their ID requirements. Ph: (24 hours, 7 days) DO THIS NOW Community Housing Associations provide affordable housing similar to the Department of Housing. To find out more, ask the DoH. Be aware that there are often long waiting lists for public and community housing. Have you been in contact with the Department of Housing, also known as Housing NSW, in the last three months? If not, your file may be suspended or made inactive. You don t lose your place on the waiting list. An SPO or Parole Officer can help you check the status of your file, or ask the DoH if they visit your centre. Tell the DoH your release date so your file can be reactivated when you get out. Have you contacted your Parole Officer about where you re going to live? See your Parole Officer to make sure the housing you have organised will be OK for parole. FINANCES Do you have a referral to a Financial Counsellor? Financial Counsellors can help you find out your credit history, work out how to repay debts and help you manage your finances after you re released. They provide free, confidential options. They are not financial planners and do not provide money. Page 62 Page 15

18 NOTES WHO TO CALL Narcotics Anonymous Contact for a group in your area. Ph: (02) (02) Ph: (02) helpline NSW Dept of Sport and Recreation (DSR) Contact DSR to find sporting groups in local area. Ph: NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) Peer-based service for people who use drugs. Ph: (02) (freecall across NSW) Quitline Advice and information on how to quit smoking. Ph: Mission Australia Counselling Service Ph: (02) IDENTIFICATION Aboriginal Land Council (NSW ALC) Contact to find local Land Council for a reference for Aboriginal people. PO Box 1125, Parramatta NSW 2150 Ph: (02) or Fax: (02) Page 16 Page 61

19 WHO TO CALL Hep C Helpline Advice, information and referrals about Hepatitis C. Ph: (02) Justice Health Mental Health 24 Hour Telephone Service Mental Health information service. Ph: Kirketon Road Centre Needle exchange, methadone, and specialist AOD services. Kirketon Road, Kings Cross Ph: (02) Langton Centre Specialist AOD treatment service. 591 South Dowling St, Surry Hills 2010 Ph: (02) Methadone Advice and Complaints Service (MACS) Advice about accessing methadone. Ph: (9.30-5pm, Mon-Fri) Mental Health Information Service Advice, information and referral about mental health. Ph: (metrop. & NSW) (Centre for) Mental Health, Rural & Remote Advice, information and referral, dedicated to rural and remote areas. Ph: Based at Orange Page 60 DO THIS NOW Arrange to see one before or after you re released, by calling the Credit Hotline on For more help, see Who to Call: Finances, page 57. Do you have tax you can claim? Call Tax Help on , free service from July to October, for help to fill in your tax return. Do you have debts with the State Debt Recovery Office (SDRO)? Call the SDRO on to find out if you owe any money for fines - e.g. fare evasion. Ask for copies of your enforcement orders and see if you can pay any. You can apply for the debts to be deferred (put off until later) or paid back in installments. For help with SDRO debts, contact a financial counsellor. See Who to Call: Finances, page 57. If you have debts with other organisations, have you contacted them? If you owe money to Centrelink, the Department of Housing, Child Support, or other organisations, contact them to find out if you can defer payment. Contact a Financial Counsellor when you can. If you owe money for unpaid bills etc, call Baycorp Advantage and ask them to send a copy of your credit file to help you organise your debts. Baycorp Advantage PO Box 964, North Sydney NSW 2059 Fax: (02) Ph: (02) Page 17

20 WHO TO CALL Health Aboriginal Medical Service Health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, based in Redfern in Sydney. Ph: (02) for your nearest service AIDS Council of NSW (ACON) Health promotion organisation based in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community. Ph: (02) Albion St Centre Community health care centre with services for people with (or at risk of contracting) blood-borne viruses. Ph: (02) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Contact AA for a support group in your area. Ph: (02) or phone ADIS Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) Advice, information and referrals about drugs and alcohol, rehab, detox, needle exchanges etc. Ph: (02) (metro) (rural) Community Health Centres Ring the NSW Health Department to find your local Community Health Centre. Ph: (02) Page 18 Page 59

21 WHO TO CALL Energy & Water Ombudsman Help in resolving electricity, gas and water complaints. Ph: Gamblers Anonymous Contact GA for a support group in your area. Ph: (02) or G-line below. G-line Counselling and referral to help with problem gambling. Ph: Office of the Protective Commissioner Under the Guardianship Act, the Guardianship Tribunal can appoint Financial Managers for people who are incapable of managing their own financial affairs and need someone with legal authority to make important financial decisions on their behalf. Ph: (02) (from outside and within Sydney) State Debt Recovery Office Contact SDRO to find out about non-civil debts (parking fines, fare evasion, etc). PO Box A2571, Sydney South NSW 1235 Ph: Fax: (02) Victims Compensation Tribunal Contact if you are required to pay compensation. Ph: Welfare Rights Centre Contact if you have problems with Centrelink. Ph: (02) or Page 58 DO THIS NOW If you are under a Restitution Order, have you arranged payment? Call the Victims Compensation Tribunal to arrange payment or deferral. Phone: (02) or Fax: (02) If you have to pay Child Support, have you contacted the Child Support Agency? Contact the Child Support Agency on to arrange payment. If a Public Guardian has been appointed to help with decision-making on your behalf the Guardian should be involved with your pre-release planning. Ask the SPO or Welfare to contact them. Phone , or freecall (from outside Sydney or after hours calls) Is your money being looked after by the Office of the Protective Commissioner? If so, you will need to contact your Estate Manager before you get out, to tell them when you ll be getting out and where you ll be living so you can collect your money. Ask the SPO or Welfare to help you call them on or Page 19

22 DO THIS NOW WHO TO CALL FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT Have you made contact with your local community or religious group? See the Services and Programs Officer for help finding groups in the area you want to live. For some ideas, see Who to Call: Family and Community Support, page 54. Have you told your family and friends about relevant support groups? Support groups may include: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Hep C Helpline, Gamblers Anonymous, the Children of Prisoners Support Group, etc. See Who to Call on page 54 for contact details. Families can also contact CRC for help: Ph: (02) call reverse charges if you need to. Finances Veda Advantage Contact to find out about your debts and credit rating. Ph: or PO Box 966, North Sydney NSW 2060 Fax: (02) Centrelink For information about looking for work, benefits, etc. Employment: Disability, Sickness and Carers: Family Assistance Office: Youth and Student Services: Multilingual Call: TTY: Child Support Agency Administrates child support payments. Ph: Consumer Credit Legal Centre Legal assistance with debt issues. Ph: Credit & Debt Hotline Free credit and debt counselling by phone and/or outreach, available Mon-Fri Ph: Page 20 Page 57

23 WHO TO CALL Kids Helpline Telephone and online counselling for young people aged between 5 and 25. Ph: Lifeline Free and confidential telephone counselling, 24hrs. Ph: Mensline Telephone counselling, information referral for men. Ph: Narcotics Anonymous Contact NA to find a support group in your area. Ph: (02) (02) (02) (recorded meeting information) or phone ADIS Rape Crisis Centre Sexual assault counselling and support Ph: (02) Relationships Australia Provides relationship counselling to couples, individuals and families. Ph: Salvo Care Line Free 24 hour counselling and referral. Ph: SWOP (Sex Workers Outreach Program) Ph: (02) (metrop.) (rural) Page 56 DO THIS NOW Do you have a support person upon your release? A support person can help you prepare for release and be key contact on the outside. They could be a family member, community representative, or trusted friend. They can act as a mentor or sponsor to help you adjust to life after release. You may want a facilitator when meeting with your support person. They could be the chaplain, Aboriginal Client Service Officer, SPO, Parole Officer, Case Officer, Psychologist, Restorative Justice facilitator, CHS Project Officer, or other worker. Some issues you might want to address in the meeting are: your expectations about post-release living and the expectations of your support person what has changed (e.g. family, work) and how your roles have changed what might go wrong dealing with financial issues such as debt and gambling coping with relapse and where to find help what to do in a crisis and who to call. My support person is: Page 21

24 DO THIS NOW Will you be on parole or probation supervision when you are released? If unsure check with a Parole Officer. Check with your Parole Officer that reports required by the Parole Board are being completed. Discuss your proposed accommodation with your parole officer to ensure an assessment is being completed. WHO TO CALL Community Restorative Centre (CRC) Support for inmates, former inmates and their families. 174 Broadway (cnr Shepherd St) Broadway NSW 2007 Ph: (02) reverse charges accepted. Fax: (02) Department of Community Services (DoCS) DoCS can assist with family support. Ph: (02) (head office) (Helpline) Domestic Violence Line Advice about safety, AVOs, child protection, where to get legal help, etc. Run by DoCS. Ph: (24hr) Gamblers Anonymous (GA) Contact GA to find a support group in your area. Ph: (02) Haymarket Clinic Primary health care and welfare services for inner city homeless and disadvantaged people. Ph: (02) Hep C Helpline Free and confidential advice about Hepatitis C. Ph: (02) Ph: Page 22 Page 55

25 WHO TO CALL Yulawirri Nurai Indigenous Association Accommodation and other support service for Aboriginal people in the Lake Macquarie area. Ph: (02) Family and Community Support Advocates for Survivors of Child Abuse Service for those who have been abused as a child. Ph: Al-Anon Family Groups/Alateen Alcoholics Anonymous self help groups for families and children of alcoholics. Ph: (02) (02) (west Sydney) or phone ADIS Child Abuse Prevention Service Supports parents and families to stop child abuse. Ph: (24hr) Child Protection and Family Crisis Service 24hr hotline for families in crisis. DOCS Helpline SHINE For Kids Formerly Children of Prisoners Support Group Supports children with a carer in custody. PO Box 67, Ermington NSW 2115 Ph: (02) Fax: (02) DO THIS NOW Have you thought about Victim-Offender Conferencing or Mediation? You may get some closure on your crime by meeting with your victim/s or their family to apologise, explain, or reassure them. Meeting them can make it harder for you to commit a crime again, so it might also help you to stay out of custody. You can help your victims recover from your crime by letting them ask you questions or tell you how they have been affected by what you did, or by offering to write them a letter of apology. Victim-Offender Conferencing or Mediation is voluntary. A facilitator will come and meet you to see what you want to do. They can make sure it s a positive meeting for everyone. Contact the Restorative Justice Unit: (02) If appropriate, have you contacted your Public Guardian and/or the Office of Protective Commissioner? If a Public Guardian has been appointed to assist you with making decisions, they should be involved with your pre-release planning. If your finances are managed by the Office of Protective Commissioner, you need to tell them when you will be released so that they can arrange for you to collect your money. Ask the Welfare or Services and Programs Officer to contact them. Public Guardian: (02) or Office of Protective Commissioner: (02) or Page 54 Page 23

26 If you are serving less than three months start at the DO THIS NOW section: page 7. WHO TO CALL Inner-City Homelessness Outreach and Support Service (I-CHOSS) Inner city support service for homeless people. Ph: am - 10pm, 7 days or, Homeless Persons Information Centre This hotline will refer you to somewhere to stay in an emergency. 9am - 10pm, 7 days. Ph: (02) (freecall) Office of Fair Trading Government department that holds rental bonds and provides information about private renting. Ph: (02) or Rainbow Lodge Short term accommodation. Apply before release. Ph: (02) Tenants Union Hotline Advice on private renting and tenants rights. Ph: Youth Emergency Accommodation Line A recorded listing of vacancies for young people. Ph: (02) (ouside Sydney) Wayback Housing service for men on methadone. Ph: (02) Western Housing for Youth Housing for people under 21 in western Sydney. Ph: (02) Page 24 Page 53

27 WHO TO CALL Housing and accommodation Aboriginal Tenants Advice Assists with public and private tenancies, temporary accommodation, and tenants rights. Ph: (02) or Community Restorative Centre (CRC) CRC can assist with private, public, or community housing and help you find emergency accommodation. Ph: (02) reverse charge calls accepted. Department of Housing, also known as Housing NSW Public & community housing, Rentstart, temp. housing, etc. Ph: (8:30am - 24 hours, 7 days) After hours temporary accommodation Mon Fri 4:30pm 10pm Sat/Sun 10am 10pm Ph: Aboriginal Enquiry Service Friendship House Short-term accommodation for men in Newcastle. Ph: (02) THREE MONTHS Have you got the CRC book The Getting Out Handbook? This book can help you adjust to life on the outside. Ask the Services and Programs Officer or ring CRC on (02) IDENTIFICATION You will need ID when you apply to Centrelink, Department of Housing, open a bank account, apply for a Medicare card and other services e.g. when you re out and want to hire a video. See the ID Points Table on page 5. Do you have a student ID card (20 points), an original certificate (40 points), or an education report (20 points)? Ring AEVTI on (02) to get your certificates. Do you have a reference, termination notice, or separation certificate from a former employer (10 points)? Contact anyone you have worked for in the past. For work you have done in a correctional centre, speak to the CSI Manager (usually called Manager of Industries) in your centre for a reference. Page 52 Page 25

28 NOTES If you are serving less than three months start at the DO THIS NOW section: page 7. WHO TO CALL AEVTI (Adult Education and Vocational Training Institute) AEVTI run TAFE and other courses in correctional centres and can assist with student ID and certificates. Ph: (02) Fax: (02) Chaplaincy Services Ph: (02) or Mob.: Corrective Services Industries (CSI) CSI can assist with work references. It is best to contact the CSI Manager at your correctional centre directly, otherwise head office is at: PO Box 6066, Silverwater NSW 1811 Statewide Disability Services Can provide advice on disability agencies and support services. Ph: (02) Fax: (02) Justice Health Mental Health 24 Hour Telephone Service Mental Health information and referrals. Ph: Multiculturalism Co-ordinator For multicultural information. Ph: (02) Restorative Justice Unit Arranges Victim/Offender Conferencing. Ph: (02) Page 26 Page 51

29 WHO TO CALL Mental Health Information and Referral Service Advice, information and referrals about mental health and mental illness. Ph: (Sydney and NSW) NSW Ombudsman Handles impartial complaints about NSW government agencies & certain non-government agencies. Ph: (02) (metro) (rural) TTY (02) fax: Prisoners Legal Service A department of Legal Aid for inmates. Ph: (02) (Law Access hotline) (TTY) Translating and Interpreter Services (TIS) Has interpreters in many languages, over the phone or in person. Can arrange three-way phone calls. Ph: Department of Corrective Services Aboriginal Support and Planning Unit Assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander inmates. Vagg Building, Long Bay Correctional Complex Ph: (02) Fax: (02) THREE MONTHS Do you have a Medicare Card (20 points)? Call Medicare about getting a card (see page 11 for more information). Ph: Ph: (ATSI Access Line) HOUSING AND ACCOMMODATION Have you checked that you have a place to stay when you get out? Check that it is still OK to stay there as circumstances may change. See Who to Call: Housing and Accommodation, page 52. Check with your Parole Officer that your proposed accommodation is satisfactory. FINANCES Have you got a printout of your account? Get a printout of your Inmate Account Cash Record (showing the last 3 months of transactions). You need this to apply for things like clothing, gratuities (gate money), and travel money. Do you have a current bank account? To open a bank account you need 100 points of ID (see the ID points table on page 5). Contact numbers for the major banks are listed under Who to Call: Finances, page 57. Page 50 Page 27

30 NOTES If you are serving less than three months start at the DO THIS NOW section: page 7. WHO TO CALL 1800 numbers are a free call from anywhere in Australia. 13 numbers cost the same as a local call. Because you can t call 1800 numbers in some correctional centres, other numbers have been provided when available. People in rural or regional NSW, please use these numbers to find services available in your area. Emergency/General ADIS (Alcohol and Drug Information Service) Advice, information, and referrals to rehab and health care, 24hrs. Ph: (metro) (rural) Credit & Debt Helpline Referral to a financial counsellor in your area and telephone financial counselling for urgent debt issues. Ph: (02) (for appointment) Phone helpline Homeless Persons Information Centre This hotline will refer you to somewhere to stay in an emergency. Ph: (02) (metro) (rural) See Department of Housing temporary accommodation page 52. Lifeline Free and confidential telephone counselling, 24hrs. Ph: Page 28 Page 49

31 ON THE DAY Are you on supervised parole? You will be given a copy of your parole order and details of where and when you have to report. You will usually have to report on the day of your release or the next working day. M a k e s u r e y o u k e e p y o u r r e p o r t i n g arrangements. If, for a good reason, you are unable to report, make sure you telephone the parole office to make other arrangements. Remember your parole officer is there to help you complete your period of parole and avoid further imprisonment. Discuss any problems you may be having with him or her. Your Parole Officer may give you directions regarding: Counselling Programs Employment Avoiding certain people or places Accommodation THREE MONTHS Have you contacted the bank to make sure your account is still open? Contact the branch where you opened the account. If your account is suspended, you can reopen it. Banks charge monthly fees so when you deposit money again, they will take out fees that haven t been paid while your account has been suspended. If it is closed, you will need to open a new account (see previous question). Have you applied for Gate Money (Gratuity) and Special Gratuity payment? If you came into custody before March 1997 you can apply for Gate Money (Gratuity) of 30 cents per week of custody, up to a maximum of $150. If you are on work release you may not be able to get this payment. You can also apply for Special Gratuity if you show that you are in need, e.g. you need clothes. The Special Gratuity payment is harder to get. Applications must include: amount of money you will have on release any amounts sent out of your account the condition of your current clothing. The amount you can get depends on how long you have been in custody: Served Maximum special gratuity 6-12 months $ years $ years $200 Apply to the Governor/Manager for these payments. Include a printout of your account (see page 27). Page 48 Page 29

32 NOTES If you are serving less than three months start at the DO THIS NOW section: page 7. ON THE DAY Do you have your discharge papers? Discharge papers are not a form of ID but you need them to get your Centrelink Crisis Payment after release if you haven t arranged it aready. You can also use them to get help from the Department of Housing with rent, bond, and Temporary Accommodation. Page 30 Do you have somewhere to stay? For somewhere to stay in an emergency, call the Homeless Persons Information Centre. Ph: (from Sydney) (from outside Sydney) or Inner-City Homelessness Outreach and Support Services Ph: (02) To apply for Temporary Accommodation, visit a Department of Housing(also known as Housing NSW) office during business hours - phone After these hours, temporary accommodation can be arranged through the DoH After Hours Temporary Accommodation Line on freecall This service is open Mon-Fri from 4:30pm 10pm and weekends from 10am-10pm Page 47

33 THREE MONTHS Do you have a Tax File Number (TFN)? You need a TFN to get Centrelink benefits (though they give you 28 days after you sign on to get one). You also need a TFN to work. For an application form, call the Tax Office (the ATO). Send this form with a letter saying you are in custody to: Australian Taxation Office PO Box 9942 Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 Ph: Give an external return address if you can. Do you have a resume? A resume is a paper that says what work and study you have done in the past. You need one to apply for a job. Start collecting information, including any courses you have done while in custody. AEVTI run courses which can help you prepare for returning to work. For help, speak with an Education worker. FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT Have you made contact with your community or religious group? See the Services and Programs Officer for help finding groups in the area you want to live. For some ideas, see Who to Call: Family and Community Support, page 54. Page 46 Page 31

34 NOTES If you are serving less than three months start at the DO THIS NOW section: page 7. ONE WEEK Arrange an appointment for after you get out. To find your local DoH office, call HEALTH Do you have your Health Summary? Contact the clinic for a Health Summary and referrals (Long Term Health Plan) to help you look after your health needs (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, Hep C, HIV, continuing with medication such as methadone and buprenorphine). If you need to, have you confirmed your rehab arrangements? Call ahead and check the details of where and when to go to your rehab. This can be done through the Services and Programs Officer at your correctional centre. PAROLE Ask your parole officer to explain your parole order and parole conditions. Make sure you understand what is expected of you. Ask the parole officer to clarify anything you are not sure about. Check what arrangements have been made for you to report to a parole office. Page 32 Page 45

35 NOTES THREE MONTHS Have you told your family and friends about relevant support groups? See Who to Call: Family & Community Support, page 54. HEALTH Have you contacted the Clinic Nurse about your health needs on release? Contact the clinic for a Health Summary and referrals (Long Term Health Plan) to help you look after your health needs (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, Hep C, HIV, continuing with medication such as methadone and buprenorphine). Do you have a referral to a rehab or to AOD counselling? Ask the Services and Programs Officer for a referral or call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS): (from Sydney) (from outside Sydney). Page 44 PROPERTY, CLOTHING, TRANSPORT Is your Property Record up to date? You need to check that your Offender Properties Report is up to date. Ask your Case Officer to give you a copy from OMS. Check that it matches your property and sign it. Do you have OK clothes for release? The Services and Programs Officer can help with clothes and a bag for your property, or refer you to a local clothing provider. Page 33

36 NOTES ONE WEEK TRANSPORT Do you have public transport information: to get home? to get to the parole office? to get to a rehab? to get to your methadone clinic or medication supplier? Call the Transport Information Line for timetable, route, and fare information for trains, buses and ferries in the greater Sydney area (bounded by Port Stephens, Dungog and Scone, Bathurst, Goulburn, and Nowra). Ph: (6am to 10pm, 7 days) See page 73 for information on getting around. If someone is picking you up, have you confirmed this? Contact that person and confirm the date, time and where you will be released. HOUSING AND ACCOMMODATION Is your Department of Housing file active? Contact your local Department of Housing office and tell them your release date so they can reactivate your file. Your Parole Officer or Services and Programs Officer can do this on your behalf. Page 34 Page 43

37 NOTES Page 42 FOUR WEEKS PROPERTY, CLOTHING, TRANSPORT Is your Property Record up to date? You need to check that your Offender Properties Report is up to date. Ask your Case Officer to give you a copy from OMS. Check and sign this report, which will go on your case file. Have you arranged a property inspection? Arrange an inspection with the Wing Officer or Area Manager. They will tell you if anything needs to be given back to the correctional centre. Complaints about property can be put in writing to the Wing Officer, and if you are not happy with their decision you can appeal to the Governor/ Manager for a review. Do you have OK clothes for release? The Services and Programs Officer can help with clothes and a bag for your property, or refer you to a local clothing provider. If you have property in storage at Long Bay, have you arranged to have it collected? Call Prisoners Aid on (02) They can arrange for your property to be taken to their office in Sydney. You can collect it from them or arrange to have it posted to you once you are released. Do you have enough money to get home? You can get a voucher or money to pay for public transport home (or to where you were arrested) Page 35

38 NOTES Page 36 FOUR WEEKS Do you have Mental Health support information? Contact the Mental Health nurse. To find support near where you re going to live, call the Mental Health Information and Referral Service. You need to call between 9:30am and 4:30pm Monday, Tuesday. Thursday and Friday and between 12:30 and 4:30pm on Wednesday: (from Sydney) (only from outside Sydney) Do you have a referral to a rehab or to Alcohol and Other Drugs counselling near where you re going to live? Ask the Services and Programs Officer for a referral or call ADIS: (from Sydney) (from outside Sydney) HOUSING AND ACCOMMODATION Have you checked that you have a place to stay on release? Check that it is still OK to stay there as circumstances may change. See Who to Call: Housing and Accommodation, page 52. Remember that housing has to be approved if you are going on parole. If you haven t already, contact the Department of Housing about reactivating your file, or ask your Parole Officer or Services and Programs Officer to ring them for you. Ph Page 41

39 NOTES FOUR WEEKS on your release. Talk to the Services and Programs Officer about this assistance. If you need more, you can apply to the Governor/Manager. You will have to prove that you need it (eg, with a printout of your account). FINANCES Have you contacted Centrelink? Contact Centrelink for information about what kind of payment you can apply for. See Who to Call: Finances, page 57. Have you got a CSI Work Reference? Apply for an Employability Skills Framework Reference from the CSI Overseer or Senior Correctional Education Officer. Do you have a referral to a Financial Counsellor? Call the Credit & Debt Helpline on for a referral to a financial counsellor. Arrange a face to face meeting for after you get out. Do you know where to get help for problem gambling? Call the G-line on to find a counselling service near where you re going to live. For more financial assistance numbers see Who to Call: Finances, page 57. Page 40 Page 37

40 FOUR WEEKS FOUR WEEKS PAROLE Has your parole been approved? Check that your proposed accommodation is still available. Check what your parole conditions are. HEALTH If you ve been exercising while in custody, do you know how to keep fit when you get out? Call Fitness NSW on (02) or the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation on to find a sports group or cheap gym near you. Do you want help to quit smoking? Contact the Quitline on or see the Services and Programs Officer. Do you have information about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings? Contact AA on (02) (24hrs) for local groups or see the Services and Programs Officer or phone ADIS Do you have information about Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings? Contact NA on (02) for local groups or (02) for a recorded list of daily meetings or see the Services and Programs Officer or phone ADIS Have you contacted the Clinic Nurse for a Health Summary? Contact the clinic for a Health Summary and referrals (Long Term Health Plan) to help you look after your health needs (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, Hep C, HIV, continuing with medication such as methadone and buprenorphine). Page 38 Page 39