Trauma Teddies launched to Victorian prisons to consolation ‘distressed and vulnerable’ inmates

Prisoners are being given ‘Trauma Teddies’ to cuddle of their cells as a part of a brand new program to offer help for ‘distressed and vulnerable’ prisoners in Victorian prisons.

The toys – sometimes used to consolation youngsters affected by sickness and different painful experiences – have been authorised by Corrections Victoria to be used in prisons throughout the state.

The Ministry of Justice and Security didn’t reply questions on whether or not the bears have been supplied to prisoners serving sentences for crimes similar to homicide or rape.

Trauma Teddies for inmates are available two varieties: a “standard bear” and a “cultural bear” with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on the toy’s ft.

There has been no public announcement in regards to the introduction of Trauma Teddies, however their use was revealed in a current difficulty of Victoria’s Corrections Weekly.

“Corrections Victoria, our health teams and our Yilam are very excited about this new prison-based initiative to better support our more distressed and vulnerable men and women in our prison system,” the publication learn.

“We hope that Trauma Teddy will provide inmates with an extra level of comfort in times of need and help each inmate achieve better outcomes.”

Yilam refers to Corrections Victoria’s Cultural Integrity and Resilience Unit, previously generally known as the Aboriginal Programs Unit.

The transfer has been met with derision on a Facebook web page utilized by serving and retired correctional officers from throughout Australia.

“Oh to cry out loud, now what?” wrote a former officer. “Do employees also give hugs and cuddles?”

A second person stated, “Is it traumatic to prisoners when their beloved teddy bear is searched for contraband???”

Other feedback included ‘WTF? Bet the poor victims get sweet FA’, and: ‘Is it April 1 by any chance? Because this must be a joke’.

The bears may be issued if their use is deemed acceptable by a Risk Review Team (RRT) and documented in a threat administration plan for every authorised inmate.

If a cultural bear is to be supplied, there must be session with Aboriginal Welfare Officers at Risk Review Team conferences and prisoner case conferences.

“There is an additional opportunity for Trauma Teddy to be used more widely throughout the system for inmates with dementia, acquired brain injury, severe trauma, etc.,” the publication stated.

“Discussions about suitability for use should take place through the prison’s local Case Conferencing processes.”

Some on-line critics questioned why jail authorities had bothered to provide a Trauma teddy bear with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander flags.

“I’m sorry, but why does there have to be a cultural bear?” one wrote. “It’s exactly the same, but with the flags.

Why should a “special” class be created. Or extra to the purpose why solely native/TSI. If you go down that street, the place is the Muslim and the Jewish?

“The whole concept is ridiculous, but creating ‘two kinds’ is an outright joke.”

The stuffed animals, comprised of pre-approved supplies already used within the jail system, are supplied on a case-by-case foundation after weighing particular person threat.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice and Community Security stated Corrections Victoria “takes the safety and welfare of staff and prisoners very seriously.”

“Trauma Teddies are a newly introduced sensory aid available to assist staff in supporting complex inmates who may pose a risk to themselves or others, including those with significant trauma and intellectual disability,” she stated.

Corrections Victoria didn’t clarify why there was a necessity for a cultural bear practically an identical to the usual bear.

Some Facebook customers may gain advantage from offering Trauma Teddies to inmates with cognitive difficulties.

A well being employee stated utilizing the toys may assist employees cope with prisoners affected by acquired mind accidents and dementia.

“Can confirm that dolls are of great help to dementia patients in the community, both as a distraction when the patient is in danger of being injured… and as a way to comfort them.” He wrote.

“I can’t imagine these being carried around the yard by the average inmate.”

Another person wrote, “From someone who has clients in prison who have disabilities – can be a positive thing for them to help regulate themselves.”

The Trauma Teddies may be bought by prisons for $12.50 every by Prison Industries.

“It is recommended that each prison purchase a number of Trauma Teddies to keep in stock and collectively discuss and support appropriate use for inmates through RRT and Case Conferencing meetings,” Corrections Weekly states.

Prisoners in different states, together with Queensland, have knitted Trauma Teddies for the Red Cross to offer to youngsters.