Family Reconnection and Rehabilitation

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Family Reconnection and Rehabilitation

Family Reconnection and Rehabilitation (FRR): Strengthening Bonds for Youth in Detention

Background

The Family Reconnection and Rehabilitation Program (FRR) is an initiative designed to support young people in detention at Parkville Youth Justice Centre and Melbourne Youth Justice Centre by rebuilding and strengthening their relationships with their parents and families. Research indicates that maintaining strong family connections during incarceration plays a crucial role in rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and improving post-release reintegration.

This program works directly with parents, guardians, and family members to provide structured and meaningful interactions with young people in detention. Through regular visits, mentoring, and emotional support, FRRP fosters self-belonging, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose among incarcerated youth, ultimately reducing crime and delinquency rates.

Additionally, FRR utilizes ex-inmates and mentors as ambassadors who share their experiences and provide positive guidance to incarcerated young people. These ambassadors, along with trained staff, volunteers, and family members, help bridge the gap between young detainees and their loved ones, encouraging positive behavioural change and future opportunities.

Aim

To support the rehabilitation of incarcerated youth by strengthening family bonds, fostering emotional well-being, and preparing young people for reintegration into their communities.

Objectives

Strengthen and rebuild the connection between incarcerated youth and their families.
Enhance self-worth, emotional stability, and mental well-being among young people in detention.
Reduce youth recidivism by cultivating accountability and social responsibility.
Provide positive role models and mentorship through lived-experience ambassadors.
Equip families with skills and understanding to support reintegration post-release.
Encourage systemic change in youth justice through community-led support and rehabilitation models.

Key Aspects

Structured Family Engagement: Guided visitation sessions and emotional support for parents and guardians to help reconnect with their children.
Lived Experience Mentorship: Involvement of ex-inmates and reformed mentors to share insights, offer guidance, and promote transformation.
Rehabilitation & Reintegration Workshops: Tailored pre-release programs that focus on life skills, employment readiness, and family reattachment.
Peer & Community Support: Involvement of trained volunteers, youth workers, and community leaders to offer holistic support and advocacy.
Strengthening the Home Environment: Workshops and training for families to provide structure, boundaries, and care post-release.

Expectations and Impact

The FRRP aims to achieve the following outcomes:

Strengthen family bonds to enhance emotional support for incarcerated young people.
Reduce recidivism by fostering a sense of belonging, accountability, and social responsibility.
Provide mentorship and guidance from ex-inmates and trained professionals to encourage rehabilitation.
Improve mental health and self-esteem among young detainees by promoting attachment and positive relationships.
Support reintegration into society by ensuring young people have a strong family and community support system upon release.

By fostering stronger family connections and providing emotional and social support, FRR enhances young people’s capacity to make positive life choices, avoid reoffending, and transition successfully back into their communities.

Target Audience

This program is designed for:

Young people (inmates) currently detained at Parkville Youth Justice Centre and Melbourne Youth Justice Centre.
Parents, guardians, and family members of incarcerated young people who seek to rebuild and strengthen family connections.
Ex-inmates and reformed individuals who can serve as mentors and ambassadors to guide young people toward rehabilitation.
Community leaders, social workers, and youth justice advocates committed to reducing youth crime and promoting rehabilitation.

How Do I Get Involved?

Individuals and organizations can participate in FRR through the following roles:

Family Engagement & Visitation Program

Parents and family members can sign up for structured visitation sessions with trained support to help rebuild relationships and improve communication with their incarcerated young person.
Emotional support workshops for families to enhance understanding and create a positive support network.

Mentorship & Peer Support Program

Ex-inmates and reformed individuals can serve as mentors and ambassadors, sharing their experiences and guiding young detainees toward positive choices.
Volunteers and experienced professionals can provide emotional support, life skills training, and reintegration planning.

Rehabilitation & Reintegration Workshops

Pre-release workshops to equip young people with coping strategies, life skills, and employment pathways upon release.
Family members receive training on how to provide support, set boundaries, and assist in the reintegration process.

Contact Information

For more details or to get involved, reach out to us:

Email: communications@cmrh.org.au
Phone: 0433 443 791

Together, let’s rebuild lives, restore family bonds, and create brighter futures for young people in detention!

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