Child and Family Centre & In-Visits Volunteer, Bathurst Correctional Centre
SHINE for Kids
The Child and Family Centres offer four important services to visitors:
• Activity sessions - At the Child and Family Centres, children and young people (up to 18 years of age) can participate in a range of tailored activities such craft, games, toys, computer games, drawing and writing, constructions, imaginative play, puzzles and outdoor play where available. • Drop in Service – Child and Family Centres provide a “drop in” for families before or after a visit. Visitors can use the Centre to relax, have refreshments, change nappies, use the toilet facilities and wait for their next visit or their transport arrangements back home. • Prison In-Visits Program – The Prison In-Visits program supports positive family interaction and provides a variety of arts, craft and diversionary activities for children to share with their parents. This program is conducted within the relevant visiting area of the Correctional Centre. • Child/Parent Activity Days – This program ensures that children are able to stay connected to their parent, maintaining their child-parent bond despite the barriers of prison. This child focused program emphasizes the importance of the offender parent having sole responsibility for their children, having an opportunity to practice their parenting skills and to connect with their children over a longer period of time. This program is only offered in school holidays and is conducted within the Correctional Centre.