Female prisoners will be taught a range of mindfulness-based exercises under a radical new plan to stop them reoffending.
The New South Wales government plan will cost $330million and see inmates learn yoga, tai chi, sewing, cleaning and shopping rather than work while behind bars.
Focusing on women and Aboriginal inmates jailed for six months or less, the project aims to break the cycle of reoffending and help with rehabilitation.
Female prisoners will be taught a range of mindfulness-based exercises under a radical new plan to stop them reoffending (stock image)
The New South Wales government plan will cost $330million and see inmates learn yoga, tai chi, sewing, cleaning and shopping rather than work while behind bars (stock image)
The proposal highlights ‘mindfulness-based activities’ for female prisoners, according to documents viewed by The Daily Telegraph.
‘As an example, external providers could be used to teach yoga to [female] inmates,’ the document states.
‘Participation … will be prioritised over competing factors such as prison employment.’
Corrective Services NSW will select 1200 prisoners to join the High Intensity Performance Units, operating for half a day on five days every week.
Focusing on women and Aboriginal inmates jailed for six months or less, the project aims to break the cycle of reoffending and help with rehabilitation (stock image)
Non-government organisations will be enlisted to provide inmates with ‘rehearsal and practice opportunities’.
NGO will run activities to educate prisoners, take part in health and exercise programs and connect with their communities and culture, the documents state.
A spokesperson from Corrective Services NSW said the plan would offer real hope to female inmates struggling to break negative cycles.
‘It is important to recognise that women in the correctional system suffer from high rates of sexual and domestic violence, so programs are designed to address these specific needs and offer a real opportunity to break the cycle of reoffending.
‘[There will be] a focus on release planning, health and social issues including exercise and meditation, education, and connection with community and culture.
‘This will allow inmates undertaking rehabilitative programs to take the skills from the unit back to their cell to be practiced and reinforced at every opportunity, building new behaviours and changing existing habits.
‘Exercise and other health providers will also direct inmates to practice the skills and strategies learnt within the unit, such as coping with aggressive thoughts and feelings.
‘The units also focus on pre-release planning from day one, including access to children, local mental health services and family visits.’
The program will lead to the creation of 87 new positions in the ten High Intensity Program Units, based mainly in regional NSW.
Corrective Services NSW will select 1200 prisoners to join the High Intensity Performance Units, operating for half a day on five days every week (stock image)