Corrections training on human rights and cultural safety

ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS) deliver training on human rights, anti-racism and cultural safety. Training is provided by relevant Subject Matter Experts using appropriate approaches to these important topics. All custodial recruits participate in the face to face Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness Workshop conducted by the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Yurauna centre.

Other staff may elect to undertake the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness Workshop at CIT or may undertake the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Awareness (SBS) e-Learning module.

ACTCS assign the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Core Cultural Learning - Corrective Services for correctional officers. This 2-module course was developed in response to the Prison to Work Report findings and in partnership with the National Indigenous Australians Agency. Aimed at frontline staff working in Corrective Services Australia-wide, the course goal is to improve cultural competency including building officer understanding of some of the underlying socio-economic drivers and challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who come into contact with the criminal justice system. This includes intergenerational trauma and disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The ACT Human Rights Commission present to each recruit class. The presentation includes official visitor and ombudsmen representatives.