Delivering Better Outcomes for People in Custody Through Reform, Rehabilitation and Facilities

24 - 26 March, 2025 | Sydney, Australia

Main Conference Day Two: Wednesday, 27th March 2024

8:30 am - 8:50 am Registration and Morning Coffee

8:50 am - 9:00 am Conference Day 2 Opening and Chair Remarks

9:00 am - 9:30 am Bridging the gap: Leadership and Transparency in Custodial Environments Across States

Joseph Tonu - Network (Statewide) Manager Work Health Safety, Wellbeing & Security, NSW Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network

This session aims to address the important role of leadership in restricted environments to ensure that staff and those within our care are provided with an environment to flourish. Drawing on diverse experiences, including insights from private and public correctional facilities, the discussion will reflect on the impact of leadership in various custodial settings, including youth justice, prisons, and other restricted environments. The session will also provide practical guidance on how leaders can make a positive difference for both staff and the individuals under their care, fostering a more cohesive and transparent custodial environment.

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Joseph Tonu

Network (Statewide) Manager Work Health Safety, Wellbeing & Security
NSW Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network

9:30 am - 10:00 am Panel Discussion: Designing Prisons for the Future: Integrating Innovation and Future Needs

Kavan Applegate - Director, Guymer Bailey Architects Pty Ltd
Alex Newman - Director, XSquared
Sarah Paddick - Senior Associate, Grieve Gillett Architects

This session delves into the crucial topic of designing prisons that meet the evolving needs of the future. Explore how architects, policymakers, and stakeholders can collaborate to create correctional facilities that prioritise efficiency, safety, and rehabilitation. Examine cutting-edge design concepts and technologies that promote humane living conditions, promote mental and physical well-being, and foster effective prisoner rehabilitation. 

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Kavan Applegate

Director
Guymer Bailey Architects Pty Ltd

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Alex Newman

Director
XSquared

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Sarah Paddick

Senior Associate
Grieve Gillett Architects

10:00 am - 10:30 am Fireside Chat: An International Legal Perspective on Justice System: Exploring Alternative Sentencing and Youth Justice

Victor Reyes - Retired Judge, 10th Judicial District Pueblo, Colorado
Geraldine Hayes - Chief Superintendent, Department of Justice Tasmania

This session delves into the intricate landscape of the justice system, offering a legal perspective on alternative sentencing and youth justice. Through an exploration of effective strategies and areas needing further examination, attendees will gain valuable insights into the complexities of modern-day justice. From innovative approaches to alternative sentencing to the evolving dynamics of youth justice, this session aims to foster dialogue, share best practices, and inspire critical thinking about how the legal system can better serve communities and individuals.

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Victor Reyes

Retired Judge
10th Judicial District Pueblo, Colorado

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Geraldine Hayes

Chief Superintendent
Department of Justice Tasmania

10:30 am - 10:40 am Voice of the Industry

10:40 am - 11:10 am Morning Break

11:10 am - 11:40 am Empowering Youth Voices in Youth Justice Centres: Reform and Cultural Inclusion

Kimble Appleyard - Centre Manager, Youth NSW

This session will explore the shift towards involving young individuals in decisions related to reform and cultural inclusion within these Youth Justice Centres. Delve into the significance of empowering youth voices, reform initiatives driven by youth input, and the importance of fostering cultural inclusivity. 

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Kimble Appleyard

Centre Manager
Youth NSW

This session delves into the critical aspects of employee wellbeing, focusing on both vicarious and direct trauma experienced by staff. The discussion will encompass the impact of restricted environments on employee wellbeing, examine the correlation between workers' compensation rates, trauma, and the need to improve how employers support sustainable staff practices. Additionally, the session will discuss the Cost of Caring, shedding light on the emotional toll that restricted environments can take on individuals and organisations alike, and offering insights into fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health and resilience.

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Victor Reyes

Retired Judge
10th Judicial District Pueblo, Colorado

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Joseph Tonu

Network (Statewide) Manager Work Health Safety, Wellbeing & Security
NSW Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network

12:10 pm - 12:40 pm Plenary Keynote Panel: Collaborating with Community Resources to provide a Continuum of Care

Fiona Rogers - Manager, Community Reintegration Centre, The GEO Group
Joanne Koslyo - Manager, Transition and Reintegration, The GEO Group

In this session will explore the vital role of collaborating with community resources to establish a comprehensive continuum of care for individuals post-release from correctional facilities. Through insightful presentations and real-world examples, our panel of experts will highlight the benefits and challenges of forging strong partnerships between correctional institutions and community organisations. Attendees will gain practical insights into how such collaborations can bridge the gap between incarceration and successful reintegration, providing crucial support and resources for formerly incarcerated individuals. This session aims to inspire attendees to foster meaningful connections with community stakeholders and develop effective strategies to ensure a seamless and supportive transition for individuals returning to society after incarceration. 

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Fiona Rogers

Manager, Community Reintegration Centre
The GEO Group

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Joanne Koslyo

Manager, Transition and Reintegration
The GEO Group

12:40 pm - 1:40 pm Lunch Break

1:45 pm - 2:15 pm How to engage long term prisoners in meaningful programs and education

Jenny Holmes - Case Manager, Women's and Girls' Emergency Centre

Engaging long-term prisoners in meaningful education, vocational training, rehabilitative programs, and creative activities fosters personal growth, equips them with essential skills, and reduces recidivism rates, leading to more successful reintegration into society after release. Collaboration between correctional staff, educators, and external organisations is vital for the effectiveness of these initiatives. 

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Jenny Holmes

Case Manager
Women's and Girls' Emergency Centre

2:15 pm - 2:45 pm Fireside Chat: Drug and Alcohol Support and Release Planning OST programs

April Long - Chief Executive Officer, SMART Recovery Australia

Discover the comprehensive journey towards rehabilitation and reintegration in our engaging panel discussion. Our experts will delve into the realm of criminogenic programs, examining the effectiveness of OST (Opioid Substitution Therapy) and the importance of through care for individuals with cognitive disabilities. We’ll also explore the critical roles played by forensic and health services, the challenges of self-medicating, and the collaborative efforts of the Reintegration Conference Committee. 

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April Long

Chief Executive Officer
SMART Recovery Australia

2:45 pm - 3:15 pm Keynote Presentation: Exploring Diverse Support Programs for Inmate Rehabilitation and Reintegration

Sonia Brown-Diaz - Director & Founder, Yoga on the Inside
Victor Reyes - Retired Judge, 10th Judicial District Pueblo, Colorado

This session delves into the myriad of support programs available for inmates, both during their incarceration and beyond. Discover the transformative power of educational initiatives, vocational training, mental health counseling, and substance abuse rehabilitation within correctional facilities. We’ll also explore the significance transitional assistance, and community-based support to facilitate a successful transition back into society, reducing recidivism and fostering positive reintegration outcomes. 

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Sonia Brown-Diaz

Director & Founder
Yoga on the Inside

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Victor Reyes

Retired Judge
10th Judicial District Pueblo, Colorado

3:15 pm - 3:45 pm Afternoon Break

3:30 pm - 4:10 pm Project, Policy & Program Planning Clinics

Future Justice & Corrections is focused on sharing best practice, results and fostering industry conversation. These quick-fire solution clinics are your chance to ask your questions to expert facilitators and your peers, and get their insight on solutions, what can change and how. Being surrounded by like-minded peers will allow expert discussions, ideas and approaches being shared.

Take your pick from a series of clinics on the day and join the sector in moving the conversation forward. 

4:10 pm - 4:20 pm Final Takeaways Future Justice & Corrections 2024