Life Beyond Prison
Family Works South Canterbury Out of Gate Service
What happens when someone leaves the prison gates?
Getting life back on track can be difficult, scary and confusing. Without support, basic everyday needs and community connection, leaving the prison environment can be a struggle.
The Family Works Out of Gate programme helps women on release from prison to re-establish themselves in the community.
Out of Gate, funded by the Department of Corrections, is available for women who have spent less than two years in prison. Family Works social workers connect with women before release, helping them to identify what they need in order to settle back into the community without re-offending.
Support includes:
- meeting the woman on release and supporting her to cope with the mixed emotions that come with being released
- addressing basic everyday needs, such as basic clothing and personal care items, having ID, opening a bank account and registering at Work and Income
- supporting the woman to find long term accommodation
- supporting the woman, and her family, to reconnect
- linking the woman to employment, education, health and other support agencies in the community.
- It’s all about support to help make positive and long-term life changes.
How does it work?
- An Out of Gate Family Works South Canterbury social worker receives a referral from the Department of Corrections.
- The woman due for release works out a reintegration plan with support from a Family Works Out of Gate social worker.
- The woman leaves prison.
- Support is provided in the community by the Out of Gate by Family Works and other agencies.
Download Out of Gate Brochure
Contact Family Works to find out more about the service
