I Annual Report of the SOCIAL WELFARE … No. 28 VICTORIA Annual Report of the SOCIAL WELFARE...

I

No. 28

VICTORIA

Annual Report of the

SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT

For the Year ended 30 June 1978

Presented to Both Houses of Parliament pursuant to Section I I (2) of the Social We(fare Act 1970.

Ordered by the Legislative Assembly to be printed

AIELBOURNE F. D. ATKINSON, GOVERNMENT PRINTER

1980

i

SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT VICTORIA 55 Swanston Street Melbourne

Minister for Social Welfare The Hon B J Dixon, MP, B Comm, Dip Ed, MACE.

Director General of Social Welfare BD Bodna, BA(Hons), Dip Soc Stud.

Deputy Director General K O'Flaherty, MSW, PhD.

Director of Administrative Services H M G Macphee, BEe, DPA.

Director of Office of Research and Soaial Policy C G Benjamin, BA, Dip Soc Stud.

Director of Family and Adolescent Services K I Williams, BSc, Dip Ed, Dip Soc Stud.

Director of Regional Services A D Green, BA, Dip Soc Stud, MA, (Chicago).

Direetor of Correctional Services M J Dawes, BA, Dip Soc Stud, Dip Crim.

Director of Training Institute D Wilkinson, BA, Dip Ed, MA.

Accountant D G Brown, AASA, RCA.

Personnel Officer D T Taylor, DPA.

Stores and Property Officer W K Dwyer.

~IEMBERSI!IP OF t\DVlSORY AND TRAINING COUNCILS AND PAROLE BOARDS At 30 June 1978

Family Welfare Advisory Council

Miss Elizabeth Sharpe, MBE (Chairman) Mr K I l~i 11 iams 1ne Rev Fr J Brasier Mr T R Carney ~r W B Cook Mr G M Gregory The Rev Canon N G Molloy, OBE Ms J Murray Mr J S Tudor Or H W Rouch

Prisons Advisory Council

Mr E D Lloyd, QC (Chairman) Dame Phyllis 1 Frost, OBE, JP Mrs C Benjamin Chief Prison Officer N Banner Dr D T Barnes Mr 0 Hundley Mr S W Johnson Mr J L McArdle Mr M J Dawes (ex officio)

Adult Parole Board

The Hon Sir John Er skin Starke (Chairman) The Hon Mr .Justice K J Jenkinson (Deputy Chairman) Mr B 0 Bodna Mrs P Carty-Salmon Mr I W Johnson MBE Mr R W Lucas (Permanent Member)

Youth Parole Board

His Honour Judge J E Forrest (Chairman) His Honour Judge T B Shillito (Deputy Chairman) Mr B D Bodna Mr .J E Clarke

Social Welfare Training Council

Or D R Merritt (Chairman) Mr D 0 Challinger Miss M J Grant Mr A T Hird Mr M J Dawes The Rev Canon N G Molloy, OBE Mr K J O'Sullivan Mr D Wilkinson Mr K I lvilliams

CONTENTS

Director General's Report

Financial Statement

Administrative Services

Office of Research and Social Policy

Family and Adolescent Services

Regional Services

Correctional Services

lnsti tute of Social Welfare

Appendices

Appendices

I. Departmental Institutions and Offices

(a) Family and Adolescent Services (b) Regional Services (c) Correctional Services (d) Institute of Social Welfare

2. Welfare Services Fund (Vote) Allocations - regional and state-wide organisations

3. Welfare Services Fund (Works and Services) General

4. Welfare Services Fund (Works and Services) Conversion

Page Number

1

3

8

17

21

42

67

89

98

98

98 103 107 111

112

118

121

I.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF SOCIAL WELFARE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 1978

THE HONOURABLE BR fAN DIXON, 111P, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL WELFARE

Sir

In accordance with Section 11(1) of the Social Welfare Act 1970, I have pleasure in submitting a report on the proceedings under the Act during the financial year ended 30 .June 1978.

The report reflects considerable evidence of progressive development. It also highlights problems that require further consideration and resources.

During the year, the Department under-went a substantial restructuring, which occasioned protracted negotiation with concomitant frustrati3n and anxiety. However, the Department is now more capable of meeting community needs. I am grateful to Departmental staff who faced this re-organisation with patience and a spirit of co-operation.

1nere is much yet to be achieved to ensure that the Department develops an organisational potential commensurate with its variety of functions, size, and modern administrative practice. The addition of a policy and planning capacity, and Methods, Manpower Planning, and Staff Development Sections will prove influential, but investment will still be required to ensure improved financial and program accountability. It is anomalous that a Department which has so much to do with the legal status of people does not have qualified legal officers on staff establishment.

The introduction of the Family and Community Services Program, together with the development of the Family Support Service and Women's Refuge Programs, and the near completion of the regional office network, strongly underline the new perspectives of the Department in community development. This trend from institutional to preventive community services has been matched by the decreasing number of children coming into care. The further success of this approach, however, will depend on adequate flexibility of funding so that local communities are generally equipped to meet family needs -particularly in encountering crises. There has been particular strain in metropolitan regional offices where case-loads have overwhelmed available staff.

The Works Program of the Department has shown a prom1s1ng increase, but signs of growth in the prison population and the greater percentage of violent prisoners, alongside outmoded facilities, underline the urgent need for continued significant expenditure here. The commencement of a high security unit and the conversion of "J" Division into cellular accommodati01 at Pentridge have been welcomed as indicating a complete review of prison accommodation and programs by Prison Officers who must sometimes under-take their role with efficiency and understanding in undesirable circumstances. However, the increase in funds and a commitment towards further modern accommodation have aroused considerable optimism.

2.

The Directors join with me in expressing thanks to all members of ;,taff for their loyal ant! dedicated service throughout the year, and to tlw numerous organisations and individuals associated with the Oepal'tm('nt, who have contributed to our mutual work and to community welfare generally.

The work of the Department is descrihed in gr,·atcr detai J in th,, pag<>' that follow.

Yours faithfully

B D BODNA DIRECTOR GENERAL OF SOClAL WELFARE

... 3.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 1978

EXPENDITURE FROM VOTE FUNDS

1. SOCIAL WELFARE ADMINISTRATION AND RESEARCH AND STATISTICS DIVISION (INCLUDING OFFICE OF RESEARCH

AND SOCIAL POLICY).

Salaries

General Expenses

$

Family and Community Service Program -Expenses and grants to person, organizations or institutions rendering or proposing to render welfare services to the community.

Fare concessions to Pensioners

Municipal and water rates concessions to pensioners.

Emergency relief grants - Latrobe Valley

2. REGIONAL SERVICES DIVISION

Salaries

General Expenses

Payments in connection with Foster Care

Family Assistance:

Payments under State Grants (Deserted Wives) Act 1968

Other assistance payments

Family Support Services

Community Health Projects (Women's Refuges)

Honorary Probation Officers (Out of pocket expenses)

8,862,565

727,613

$

2,532,536

508,716

2,659,002

5,417,515

16,665,596

50,000

3,940,218

484,025

770,113

9,590,178

102,382

187,288

9,695

$

27,833,365

15,083,899

4.

3. FAMILY WELFARE DIVISION $ $ $

HEAD OFFICE ADMINISTRATION:

Salaries 1,052,673

General Expenses 70,428

1,123,101 .. MAINTENANCE OF RECEPTION CENTRES AND ESTABLISHED CHILDREN'S HOMES:

Salaries 6,073,816

General Expenses 1,166,444

7,240,260

MAINTENANCE SUBSIDIES TO APPROVED CHILDREN'S HOMES AND 011-IER VOLUNTARY INSTITUTIONS: 8,766,466

PAYMENTS RE ADOPTED CHILDREN:

Payments pending adoption 2,942

Adoption subsidy 21,770

24 '712

GENERAL EXPENSES

Educational Expenses, Parents Travel to visit children in institutions, Family Supportive Grants, Grants to Voluntary Auxiliaries of Children's Homes and Advisory Council fees. 29,481

17,185,020

4. YOUTH WELFARE DIVISION

HEAD OFFICE ADMINISTRATION:

Salaries 381,816

General Expenses 70,918

452,734

MAINTENANCE OF DEPARTMENTAL REMAND CENTRES, YOUTH WELFARE SERVICES AND YOUTH TRAINING CENTRES

Salaries 5,450,221

General Expenses 1,1~0,089

6,600,310

5.

EXPENSES OF WARDS AND YOUTH TRAINEES PLACED IN NON-DEPAR11>1ENTAL YOUTH TRAINING CENTRES

Maintenance

Youth Trainee Earnings

GENERAL EXPENSES

Parents rail travel to visit youths in institutions, advances to wards, education expenses, business college fees, camping expenses and sessional payments to visiting instructors

Hostel Subsidies

Private Board Subsidies

Subsidies - Full-time students

Initial clothing grants

5. CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DIVISION

Salaries

General Expenses

Materials for Prisons Industries

Prisoners earnings

$

Sessional payments to visiting instructors, fees and expenses - Prisons Advisory Council and prisoners relatives rail travel for visits to country prisons

6. TRAINING DIVISION

Salaries

General Expenses

Student Bursaries

Fees to lecturers in youth leadership and child care

590,311

186,457

22,650

89,970

$

388,277

69,782

14,847

618,507

35,652

182,719

6,754

11 '794 ,903

1,746,461

527,115

308,438

8,335

$

8,369,582

14,385,252

889,388

7. PROBATION AND PAROLE DIVISION

Salaries

General Expenses

Adult Parole Board -Fees and Expenses

Youth Parole Board Fees and Expenses

Honorary Probation Officers -Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses

EXPENDITURE ON WORKS AND SERVICES

1. DEPARTMENTAL INSTITUTIONS

Family Welfare Division

Youth Welfare Division


Training Division

2. GRANTS TO VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS

Welfare Organizations

Youth Hostels

Women's Refuges

REVENUE

Quarters, rations and rents

Proceeds of sale of manufactured goods and farm produce

Prisons Division - Youth Division

Maintenance Collections - Court Orders - Voluntary payments

Child endowment for children in departmental establishments

6.

$

651,245

39,893

31,467

3,438

2,883

$

Total Expenditure from Vote Fund

596,401

1,041,325

2,271,418

475,120

773,013

29,999

23,450

4,384,264

826,462

Total expenditure on works and services

361,302 6'7,920

8,587 16,667

172,634

429,222

25,254

231,590

7..:1'>.92b

$84,475,43~

5,210,727

Maintenance of deportees

Commonwealth recoup - Deserted Wives Act

Miscellaneous receipts - Appropriation former years

Rents - Sale of Government property - Sundries

SUMMARY

Total expenditure from vote funds

Total expenditure on works and services

LESS Total Revenue

7.

$

58,884 70,503 11,143 3,860

84,475,432

5,210,727

Total expenditure

$ $

3,459

4,517,005

144,390

Total Revenue $ 5,523,554

89,686,159

5,523,554

NET EXPENDI11JRE $84,162,605

8.

ADt>IINISTRATIVE SERVICES

The implementation of the re-organisation proposals towards t!H' end of the year saw the elevation of Central Administration to Olvisiona! status in recognition of the increasingly important part administratil,· services have to play in all aspects of the Department's operntions. The change of name from Central Administration to Division of AdminJs· trative Services reflects the general Departmental orientation away frum a centralised base for service provision.

A number of new, but relatively small, Units have been added to the Divisional structure and some staff have been transfened to these Units from other areas of the Department. The Division of Administtilti,,· Services now comprises a Director and Assistant Director and th~· following Units -

Accounts Branch Personnel Branch Stores and Property Branch ~lethods Section Central Registry Publications and Publ1city Unit Parole Boards Secretariat Unit Investigations and Legal Unit Grants Unit Ministerial Advisory Councils Unit.

Many of the Department's administrati vc mechanisms arc outdated and hav~·

not kept pace with the growth and substantial change which has occurred within the Department in recent years.

The Department's financial management areas, in particular, require long overdue reforms both with respect to manpower resources and modern equipment and practices. Previous attempts to obtain the necessary resources have been unsuccessful and it is hoped they will be forth~

coming in the near future. In other areas relating to administrativ~ services, further moves have been made to investigate new systems and prepare proposals for improvements.

The impact of the many changes taking place throughout the Department on the Administrative Services Division has been considerable and, in many areas, difficulties have been experienced in coping with these changes. Major initiatives such as the Family and Community Services Programme and the preparation of the White Paper on the Future of Social Welfare in Victoria resulted in substantial increases in workloads across many sections of the Division - particularly the Accounts and Personnel Branches. The additional workload was not met with any increase in resources and the existing resources of these sections has been jeverely over-taxed.

9.

PERSONNEL BRANCH

Personnel Branch was heavily involved in activities relating to the Departmental re-organisation during 1977-78. Submissions to the Public Service Board and Treasury had to be prepared and negotiated and the effects of the re-organisation had to be explained to Departmental staff. The prospect of significant changes to the Department's structure caused some insecurity amongst staff and placed considerable strain~ on the Department as a whole. Personnel Branch provided advice and counselling to staff members in an attempt to overcome these problems.

General Staffing Section

The General Staffing Section is responsible for -

filling of vacancies through promotion and other duties related to filling of vacancies; preparation of salary adjustments; dealing with leave problems; recording of information relevant to Personnel matters.

The re-organisation of the Department has led to increased workloads in the two staffing sub-sections. The processing of four National Wage revisions also had to be undertaken by the already heavily committed Section. These revisions had to be handled through working overtime.

The authorised staffing establishment of the Department as at June 30, 1978 was 2,888 as follows -

Division First Second Third Temp.

Administrative 2

0 R S P 1

Family &Moles. Services 1

Correctional Services 1

Training

Regional Services 1

TOTALS 6

121

14

118

42

29

283

607

47

4

907

787

25

233

2003

1

9

1

4

15

Exempt Statutory Total Employee

1

116

70

4

65

256

1

1

173

19

1151

901

58

586

2888

Manpower Planning, Classification and Industrial Section

This Section was established in June 1977 with the appointment of an Administrative Officer, Class 'Bl' as Officer-in-Charge.

The Section's responsibilities include -

10.

ongoing oversight of the Department's staffing needs (preparation of annual staffing estimates and determination of manpower strategies); administration of an industrial program (provision of contact point for union enquiries).

The major tasks completed by the Section during the year include

initial preparation and drafting of submissions to the Public Service Board on the re-organisation of the Department; revision of submissions and extensive discussions with Departmental and Public Service Board officers on the re-organisation proposals; preparation of Departmental staffing estimates.

Preparation of a comprehensive manpower planning policy submission is underway and should be completed in the near future. Approval of this policy proposal will make it possible to formulate and implement a programmed series of assignments and research.

Recruitment and Staff Development Section

This Section became operational in May 1977.

The staff Development aspects of the Section's responsibilities include -

development of staff appraisal schemes; administration of the Department's cadetship scheme and study leave program; overall co-ordinating responsibility for such matters as induction programmes, in-service training courses and staff attendance at seminars and conferences.

The Section's recruitment responsibilities include

maintenance of a recruitment programme for all levels of employees; analysis of figures relating to recruitment wastage and promotions; analysis of trends in losses of staff.

Because of the Section's limited resources, attention has been focused on priority areas. An overall policy framework has been developed as a basis for forward planning of staff development programmes and activities and a discussion paper on Departmental staff development Needs Assessment was carried out by the Section during April and May 1978. Together, these documents will provide a sound basis for the establishment of an on-going Departmental programme.

Assistance with Employment Training Programs

The Department has become increasingly involved in a number of programs designed to assist young people gain work experience.

There were three intakes of young people under the State Government's Special Youth Employment Training Program. The majority of placements were in country offices.

11.

In addition about 60 students were placed throughout the Department under the Work Experience Program. This program, aimed at providing secondary school students with work and observational experience, has been well received by all those who have taken part.

The following senior appointments were made during the year:

OFFICE OF DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Deputy Director-General Dr K W O'Flaherty

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIVISION

Assistant Director Admin-istrative Services Division Mr A S Cox

FAMILY AND ADOLESCENT SERVICES DIVISION

Director, Family and Adolescent Services Division Mr K I Williams

Superintendent, Ashendene Children's Home

Superintendent, Langi Kal Kal Youth Training Centre

Superintendent, Turana Youth Training Centre

Superintendent, Northcote Children's Home

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DIVISION

Director, Correctional Services Division

Superintendent, Pentridge Prison

REGIONAL SERVICES DIVISION

Assistant Director,Regional

Mr L Weigel

Mr J Montz

Mr J Lyons

Mr A J Taylor

Mr M J Dawes

Mr G Myers

Services Division Mr G T Cuddihy

Superintendent, Glenelg Regional Centre Mr R W Jack

Superintendent, Inner Eastern Suburbs Regional Centre Mr E G Matters

Superintendent, Inner Urban Regional Centre Mr D R Hamilton

Superintendent, Southern Suburbs Regional Centre Mr W F Joyce

Qualifications

Ph.D., M.S.W.

B. Corn.

B.Sc. Dip. Ed., Dip.Soc.Stud.

Cert. in Child Care

B.A., M.Ed.

B.Sc., Dip.Soc.Stud.

M. Ed.

B.A., Dip.Soc.Stud., Dip. Crim.

B.S Deg. in Criminal Justice, Deg.Pub.Admi1

Dip. Soc. Stud.

Dip. Soc. Work

B.A., Dip.Soc.Stud.

B.A. Bach. Soc. Work. Dip. Bus. Studies.

Dip. Soc. Stud.

12.

Retirements

The following officers retired during the year and hest wishes are extended to them for a long and happy retirement. *

Adminjstrative Services

Norman Richard Semmens


Edith Florence Bennett Alfred James Wlgnell Phyllis Maud Alexander Dorothy Frances O'Keefe Dorothy Jean Hume George Currie Herman Anne Hogen-Esch John James Lemon Jean Clarissa Fisher Phyll is Wi nifred !vlatchett Wi 11 iam .lames Wedlock Jean Grace l'lhe 1 an Gladys Lorraine Doyle Rita Hill Myrtle Nellie Chester Edward Henley Payne Wilbur Hohn Hocking Sean Anthony Doyle


Gcorge Stanley Pope Ronnie James Waiter Thomas Mott John James Kelly John Henry Elliott Vernon Noel Robinson Leslie Rutherford William Leonard Jones Mato Gunovich William Gordon John Thomas Callinan John William Cobble Jack Gordon Eames Leo Percy Wells Henry John West William Albert Mitchinson Sydney Bruffell Reginald James Kennett Brian Leslie Carroll

Regional Services Division

William Kevin Ritchie Edward Joseph Turner Martin Siegfried Schmidt Gijsberthus Gerard Bongers

48 years' servicE'

29 years' servicE' 27 years' service 24 years' service 20 years' service 18 years' service IS years' service 15 years' service 12 years' service 11 years' service 10 years' service 10 years' service 10 years' service 9 years' service 9 years' service 8 years' service 8 years' service 7 years' service 6 years' service

37 years' service 35 years' service 31 years' service 28 years' service 27 years' service 27 years' service 26 years' service 22 years' service 21 years' service 20 years' service 19 years' service 18 years' service 17 years' service 17 years' service 17 years' service 14 years' service 11 years' service

9 years' service 9 years' service

43 years' service 33 years' service 17 years' service

7 years' service

* Only officers with five or more years' service are listed.

13.

Deaths

It is with regret that the following deaths are recorded

Kevin Gaul 25 years' service James Francis Geaney 21 years' service Raymond Edward Byrne 20 years' service David Edgar 10 years' service Dennis Souter 2 years' service Susan Haysom 1 years' service

Sincere condolences are offered to their relatives

STORES AND PROPERTY

Expenditure on capital works during 1977-78 exceeded the previous year's expenditure by more than three-quarters of a million dollars and totalled nearly $4.5 million. This amount, however, was insufficient to catch up on the immense backlog of maintenance works required on many of the older buildings which have been neglected for long period because of a lack of finance.

The major spending was on correctional facilities where expenditure increased by nearly one million dollars.

Major Correctional Services projects undertaken during the year include the -

commencement of the High Security Unit at Pentridge; conversion of the young offenders block at Pentridge (',J' Division) from dormitory type accommodation to single cells; extensive reconstruction works at Beechworth following a fire in December 1977 and reconstruction work in 'B' Division Pentridge following a fire which damaged the chapel; final demolition of 'C' Division to provide for open space and recreation areas; supply of portable chemical toilets to replace the archaic bucket system in the old style prisons which are still not sewered -namely Bendigo, Castlemaine, Beechworth and Geelong; construction of a modern, modular type building at Geelong to house the clothing industry; remodelling of the number plate manufacturing industry and the baking industry facilities at Pentridge; purchase of a residence for the Governor of Castlemaine Prison to replace the sub-standard quarters attached to the prison.

The Works and Services Program for Family and Adolescent Services included the -

purchase of family group homes at Wangaratta, Wodonga and Altona North;

letting of a contract for the construction of a new reception centre at Mildura to replace the old building which is beyond economical repair. The new centre will be able to accommodate 12 children;

14.

purchase of a property in the Springvale area for use as a Southern Suburbs Youth Welfare Service. Considerable adaption works will be required before the buildings are suitable for use.

(Note: further details of some of these projects are included under the relevant Divisional sections).

Regular meetings between Departmental and Public Works Department officers were instituted during the year and proved to be highly su~cess ful in assessing needs and solving problems. The Works and Services Program has progressed particularly well as a result.

Works and Services Program:

Expenditure ($)- --

1976-7i 1977-7R ------·

Family Welfare * 946,345 596,401

Youth l'l'e 1 fare 1,228,164 1,041,325

Correctional Services 1,271,585 2,271,418

Probation and Parole and Training 169,229 475,120

-----------------------·· Totals 3,615,323 4,384,264

* The pre re-organisation Divisional structures are listed to provide a more detailed basis of comparison.

METHODS SECTION

A small Methods Section was established towards the end of the previous financial year to provide advice to the Department on the development and implementation of more effective and efficient administrative procedures. In particular, the Section deals with the various applications of office equipment, development of approved systems, procedures, forms and office layout.

Major projects undertaken or begun by the Section during the year included

project planning and implementation of the Family and Community Services (FACS) Program; review of procedures for the preparation and processing of reports to the Adult Parole Board; planning of floor allocations and layout of the head office building following re-organisation; design and implementation of a manpower needs study covering staff in two regions of the Department; assistance in records management practices in the Family and Adolescent Services Division, general correspondence and Ministerial correspondence;

•

15.

commencement of a review of prisoner records procedures in the Division of Correctional Services; selection of, and co-ordination of the use of, an automatic typewriter to assist in the production of the White Paper on the future of Social Welfare in Victoria .

In addition, the Methods Officer assisted the Personnel Section in documentation and discussions with Inspectors of the Public Service Board on the re-organisation proposals.

Long term goals include the

integration and improvement of records management practice throughout the Department; application of electronic data processing and microfilm to records, accounting and stores functions; application of word processing equipment; implementation of improved communications facilities and procedures to service a regionalised Department.

PUBLICATIONS AND PUBLICITY UNIT

The Department's Publications and Publicity Officer is responsible for developing information services designed to improve communications between the Department and the public, and between staff at all levels.

The achievement of these objectives has, however, been severely hampered by a lack of manpower and financial resources and the very limited number of projects which have been able to be carried out can at best be considered a token effort.

At a very basic level, it is considered that the Department should at least have the capacity to -

project an image through appropriate promotional activity which is consistent with Departmental objectives and functions (people in need should not be deterred from seeking help because of fear or shame); inform the public of the services the Department provides (people who are entitled to assistance should be aware that such assistance is available and from where it can be obtained); inform Departmental clients of their rights and responsibilities (this includes the families of Departmental clients).

During the year, a small number of pamphlets setting out Departmental services and functions in general terms were produced. For want of other publications, the Annual Report was also upgraded and expanded to make it more suitable as a document for informing the general public about Departmental activities. The Departmental newsletter continued on an intermittant basis and work is proceeding on the organisation of the Department's second Royal Show exhibit for display in the Government Pavilion. This year's exhibit will feature prison industries and hobbies - consistent with the theme for the Pavilion of arts and crafts and outline some of the general principles of correctional programs. The Department's first Royal Show exhibit in 1977, took off third prize of all Government and semi-Government instrumentalities.

The immediate future for the development of a comprehensive information and education program does not appear to be overly promising. Apart

16.

from the continued lack of success in obtaining the necessary resource~ the present Publlcations and Publicity Officer will be leaving the Department early in the new financial year. The lack of continuity of staff - where there has been a rapid turn-over of Publications and Publicity Officers - has further compounded the problems facing th1 s Unit.

COMPLAINTS TO THE 0~1BUDSMAN

The Ombudsman is empowered under the prov1sions of the Ombudsman Act 1973 to investigate any administrative action taken in a Government Department or public authority.

Replies to complaints lodged against the Department are handled by the Investigations and Legal Unit. Preparation of these replies invol\es a considerable amount of work, but the legislation undoubtedly serves a very valuable purpose providing an opportunity for prisoners and other people with whom the Department has dealings to have their grievances reviewed by an independent authority.

During the twelve months to 30 June 1978, the Ombudsman received 376 complaints relating to the Department's administration. This compares with 392 for the previous year. But while the total number of complainu dropped marginally, there was a marked increase in the number investigated - 198 compared with 87 in 1976-77.

As in other years, the majority of complaints relating to the Department's administration came from prisoners. Complaints from prisoners amounted to 336 of the 376 complaints received during 1977-78. The table below lists the numbers and outcomes of complaints investigated or not investigated. It is significant that in only 14 cases the complaint was found to be justified - 11 of these justified complaints involved prisoners.

Investigated by Ombudsman

Withdrawn during investigation

Rectified by Department

Not justified after official investigation

Justified no recommendation made

Justified - some rectification made by Department

Justified - recommendation made and complied with

Under investigation

Deferred pending Departmental investigation

Not Investigated by Ombudsman

No jurisdiction to investigate

Ombudsman declined to investigate

Withdrawn before any official investigation

Discontinued following preliminary enquiry

Not justified after preliminary enquiry

TOTAL

8

6

80

8

2

4

51

39

198

10

4

52

48

64

178

376

..

•

17.

OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND SOCIAL POLICY

The Office of Research and Social Policy was established in 1977 with the amalgamation of the Policy and Planning Unit and the Research and Statistics Division.

The establishment of a specialised research and policy formulation capacity within the Department reflects changing emphases :in the Department and the welfare field generally.

The continued constraints on the availability of resources had made it essential to use the resources which are available in the best means possible. New and existing programs have to be developed in such a way that their efficiency and effectiveness is maximised. To achieve these standards of efficiency and effectiveness, the Department requires the capacity to devise appropriate planning procedures and implementation guidelines.

The Department has long required a capacity to respond to external criticism through the analysis of public comment on Departmental activities and the development of programs designed to overcome operational deficiencies to which attention has been drawn. It is considered the Department should also provide opportunities for greater community involvement in its activities.

Within this context, the Office of Research and Social Policy is broadly responsible for the -

development of a theory base for public welfare practice and social policy analysis in conjunction with all levels of government and the voluntary sector; development of a social indicators and resource system to monitor community needs and program requirements; development of a research and evaluation system to test the efficiency and effectiveness of social programs; development of social planning procedures and guidelines for program implementation in co-operation with other Departmental Divisions; development of social administration systems in association with other Divisions.

White Paper on the Future of Social Welfare in Victoria

The State wide consultation on social welfare which is being conducted during 1978 typifies the commitment to give the community a greater part to play in the planning of welfare services. This consultation will form a basis, together with research and analysis of relevant reports, for the preparation of a White Paper setting out Government policy on social welfare over the next decade.

As part of its involvement in the preparation of this White Paper, the Office of Research and Social Policy has concentrated on three major projects -

support for the research requirements of the Central Implementation Committee of the Child Care Enquiry;

18.

support to the Victorian Consultative ColiUllittee on Social Development in the State-wide consultation "Which l~ay Welfare·:"; consideration of the Community 1\'el fare Services Bi 11 presented to Parliament on 23 November 1977.

In undertaking these projects, the Office has relied heavily upon nonDepartmental personnel and resources, and the support of voluntary agencies. Submissions from more than 500 organisations rcpreSi.'nt i ng the views of more than 5,000 individuals were received and analysed by ORSP.

In addition the Off1ce has assisted in the development of techniqut·s to seek the views of Departmental staff. Large numbers of staff from all sections of the DepaTtment took part in "Think Tanks" and more than ROll individual members of staff participated in the Voting Questionnaire to determine their priorities for the future of welfare services.

Initial analysis of all the data collected so far indicates wide-spread support for the family and coliUllunity service initiatives of the Depart ment over the past year.

The results of these enqu1r1es and reviews will be presented in a consolidated form in November 1978.

Implementation of Child Care Enquiry RecoliUllendations

The report of the Committee of Enquiry into Child Care Services in Victoria (1976) made recommendations relating to a wide range of matters including legislation, the Departmental structure and mechanisms for liaison with other Departments and voluntary agencies. The Central Implementation ColiUllittee, set up by the Department to detail the means by which the recommendations might be given effect, was assisted by six sub-Committees dealing with recommendations relating to specific areas -

family policy; family needs and services; legislative review; ethnic affairs; participation of the voluntary sector.

The Office of Research and Social Policy provided professional and secretarial services to the sub-Committees - undertaking research and preparing reports.

Family Support Program Evaluation

The Commonwealth Office of Child Care has made available funds totalling nearly $800,000 a year for the development of family support services in Victoria. The Social Welfare Department is responsible for distributing the funds and monitoring the 40 or so projects which are covered by the program.

A Steering Committee, comprising representatives of the Office of Child Care, the ColiUllonwealth Department of Social Security, the Social Welfare Department, local government bodies and voluntary agencies, has been established to maintain general oversight of the funded projects. A working party of this Committee comprising officers of the Departments of Social Security, and Social Welfare, is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the various projects.

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In conjunction with the working party, the Office of Research and Social Policy has devised an evaluation program, established data banks necessary for evaluating the different projects, and advised voluntary agencies on efficient records management.

An ORSP staff member has also completed a survey of the Inner Eastern Region as a basis for the development of a model to assess family needs in the region.

The evaluation model for family support services throughout Victoria will be further refined and improved in the future.

Five Year Plans for Major Service Areas

Three ORSP staff members have worked throughout the year on Five Year Plans for -

Family and Adolescent Services; Regional Services; Correctional Services.

In each of these documents, an attempt has been made to incorporate the available research and literature which has been undertaken relating to the particular service area - noteably the Central Implementation Committee reports and the White Paper consultation.

Sentencing Options

ORSP was responsible for drafting proposals for a Community Work Order Scheme and Work/Fine Option Programme. These policy proposals have been submitted for consideration to the Sentencing Alternatives Committee set up by the Attorney General in early 1978. The Office was also involved in the preparation of a proposal for a Court Advisory Service.

Census Material

Censuses were conducted of the prison population in Victoria, and of State wards during the year. The information generated by these censuses is considered to provide a useful basis for current and future planning particularly with respect to likely resource and treatment requirements.

The prison census was undertaken in October 1977. It is the fourth such census to be undertaken - others were carried out in 1970, 1973 and 1975. Information is collected on such characteristics as age, place of birth, religion, education, occupation, marital status, previous convictions, length of sentence, time left to serve and so on.

A census of State wards is being undertaken at the request of the Central Implementation Committee of the Child Care Enquiry. The information collected in the census will provide a comprehensive data base appropriate to the assessment and planning needs of the Family and Adolescent Services Division. A pilot study has been completed and work on the census is continuing.

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Other Research and Social Planning Projects

Other projects which involved ORSP Staff during the year include -

a pilot study of the needs of prisoners serving terms of seven years or more; an analysis of correctional trends in Victoria and interstate in relation to prison escapes, prison offences, costs of imprisonment, prison mortality, and probation and parole activity; participation in the Three Cities Study - a project initiated by the State Co-ordination Council to research social resources planning in Broadmeadows, Knox and Wodonga; an analysis of trends in statutory clients; an analysis of trends and projections in family assistance clients and payments; preparation of proposals for a housing information and advisory service; preparation of a policy proposal for an appeals system for Departmental clients; preparation of a proposal for registration of voluntary welfare agencies; survey of children admitted to wardship from lone father families.

In addition, the Office of Research and Social Policy collated Departmental statistics and prepared statistical tables for the Department's Annual Report and the Victorian Year Book. A senior Research Officer also acted as State Co-ordinator on the National committee set up to standardise social welfare statistics.

ORSP staff have represented the Department on a number of committees and task forces dealing with a wide variety of social welfare issues.

Student Unit

During the year, a Student Unit was established to -

develop a policy framework for Departmental involvement in the education of students wishing to work in the social welfare field; provide supervision and assessment of social work .students during their placement with the Department.

In future, it is planned to offer placements to students from other related disciplines - such as town planning.

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FAMILY AND ADOLESCENT SERVICES

On 1 April 1978 the new Division of Family and Adolescent Services c~1e into existence. Under the new structure the functions previously admjnistered by the former family Welfare and Youth Welfare Divisions have been consolidated and clarified in relation to those of the new Regional Services Division.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The centrally-based family and Adolescent Services Division will fulfil a co-ordinating role in the management of facilities and services which require uniform and consistent policies. It will also be responsible for the development of forward-looking programs aimed at improving existing family and adolescent services, and relocating services, where appropriate, on a regional basis.

The functions of the new Division form part of an overall hierarchy of priorities and objectives designed to promote the well-being and secur1ty of individuals, families and communities.

In the family and adolescent services area, the major policy objectives are considered to be -

the development of a comprehensive family welfare policy; the analysis of family needs and services; the identification and development of "program packages" which enable the achievement of family and adolescent service objectives; the provision of a comprehensive and integrated network of services and facilities to cater for the needs of families and adolescents.

Family Services

Family Welfare Services are provided under the broad charter of -

promoting family welfare in the community; preventing the disruption of family life; providing help and support for children where disruption occurs.

In line with these objectives, special attention has been focussed on the development and provision of a range of family support services. These services are designed to provide families with personal and practical resources to help them stay together when, otherwise, they could break up.

Progress has also been made in the development of facilities and services for children whose own families are unable to care for them on a short or long-term basis. The aim is to place these children as near to their own home as possible.

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Adolescent Services

Adolescent Services provided by the Social Welfare Department are broadly concerned with promoting the welfare of young people, particularly those placed in the Department's care, and those who are experiencing special problems in social adjustment.

Attention has been focussed on the -

provision of programs suited to individual needs in both the custodial and community setting; co-ordination of programs from institutionalisation to the point of discharge from care or completion of superv1s1on; development of preventive and supportive programs for adolescents.

The objectives underlying adolescent services are to -

minimize penetration into the criminal justice system; maximise the capacity of facilities to cater for individual needs; make the correctional experience as "normal" as possible; promote the personal and social growth of adolescents so as to minimise the numbers who re-offend and are recycled through the correctional system; encourage community involvement in the provisio11 of services and the development of policies; , :;;:. ensure adequute supervision and supportive services arc uvnilablc within the community.

Services 1dll be adapted and modified in the light of research and evaluation programs.


The Division of Family and Adolescent Services has overall responsibi 1 tty for the planning and development of all residential child-care and youth facilities in Victoria - including private and statutory facilities. It is assumed that Regional Centres will be provided with staff to undertake delegated responsibilities for the management and supervision of certain facilities within their own region. In the long term, it is proposed that all types of facilities will be available within each region and administered on a uniform basis.

Various Sections in the Division are responsible for specific functions

Residential Child Care: oversight and co-ordination of all children's homes, family group homes and specialist residential facilities; Reception and Youth Training Cent~es; oversight and co-ordination of all Departmental Reception Centres, Remand Centres, Classification Centres and Youth Training Centres, and all private facilities in these categories; Youth Services: oversight and co-ordination of all Youth Welfare Services, hostels, and preventive or community based programs.

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Adoption: administration of all adoption services in the State; Records Centre; management of all Departmental records relating to children and young people either in the care of the Department or supervised by the Department; Assessment and Case Planning: a Policy Review Committee has been formed to implement new policies and procedures for joint responsibility of assessment and case planning. A liaison and Referral Unit has also been established in Head Office to undertake a number of functions relating to case-planning and monitoring of services.

A number of functions previously administered by the Family Welfare and Youth Welfare Divisions have been transferred to other Divisions. These include -

Family Assistance, and Family and Youth Welfare Subsidy Schemes (Regional Services); Family Counselling (Regional Services); Protection of Infants, street trading, child employment, etc (Regional Services); administrative functions of a legal nature (Administrative Services Division).

RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE

The supervision of all wards, children's homes and family group homes was transferred to Regional Centres with the creation of the new Family and Adolescent Services Division in April 1978. At that time, the Residential Child Care Section was established in place of the former Children's Home Section.

The Residential Child Care Section now functions in a planning and consultative capacity. In particular, its responsibilities include the -

development of overall plans for residential child care services in Victoria and the implementation of these plans at both a central and regional level; liaison with Regional Centres in -

the development of statutory and private children's homes managed at a regional level, the development of new residential child care facilities in the region, the closure or alteration of existing child care facilities in the region;

preparation of guidelines and procedures for Regional Centres to assist in the administration of child care facilities at the regional level; establishment of appropriate co-ordinating mechanisms for planning with Regional Centres and the private sector in all matters relevant to residential child care; provision of consultancy services to the Department and to the private sector, consolidating resources and information relevant to residential child care.

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Trends

The number of children admitted to the care of the Social Welfare Department fell again during 1977-78. The decline in number was, however, mainly among the younger age groups and admissions of secondary school aged children are increasing.

The trend towards an increasing number of older children has posed difficulties for the residential child care field in responding to their needs. As a result, these young adolescents are remaining in reception care at Allambie and Baltara for long period of time. The Department hopes to establish two small adolescent units in the coming year.

A small increase was recorded in the average number of young persons placed voluntarily in approved Children's Homes. During 1977-78 there w~e more than two hundred voluntary placements. Some concern is felt that these children, whilst experiencing similar problems to wards in institutions, lack the same legal safeguards offered by wardship.

At June 1978 1,792 wards were in voluntary and statutory child care facilities. Of those, only 211 were living in the same region as their families and many were placed a considerable distance away from their own homes. Over the next few years the Residential Child Care Section will be developing ways to help overcome this situation.

Departmental Children's Homes

The number of Departmental Children's Homes now stands at six following the closure of Sutton Grange at Mornington in August 1977. An average of 150 children were cared for in these six Homes throughout the year.

The tendency towards having a balance of male and female staff members at Departmental Homes is regarded as a positive development. Ashendene Boys' Home now has two female child care staff with the appointment of the former Superintendent of Sutton Grange as Assistant Superintendent and, at Illoura, five of the 17 staff are male child care officers.

Major renovations are planned at Hillside and Illoura and, at Pirra, renovation work has already been carried out.

Family Group Homes

Six new family group homes were purchased and/or opened during the year -at Swan Hill, Wodonga, Wangaratta, East Keilor, Glenroy and Fawkner. One large home for eight children had to be closed because of a lack of staff.

The planned closure and sale of the two Kilmore homes has been approved. Proceeds from the sale of these two houses will be used to establish additional family group homes in more suitable locations.

Voluntary Children's Homes

The move away from large children's homes to smaller family group homes has been reflected in the Voluntary Children's Home area. During the year new homes were opened by Ballarat Children's Home, Glastonbury, the Uniting Church and Yooralla.

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Since 1972, 18 Children's Homes have closed- the latest being St Cuthbert's Children's Home at Colac. Several of the family group homes formerly run by St Cuthberts are now operated by Glastonbury. But while traditional residential child care facilities are declining in number, there has been an increase in the number of temporary/emergency residential child care facilities. Typically these are operated either by established agenci<-s or developed in response to a local need.

RECEPTION AND YOUTH TRAINING CENTRES

This Section is responsible for the Central co-ordination, administration and planning of all reception centres (including regional reception centres), classification centres and youth training centres. The day to day administration of regional reception centres is handled by the local Regional Centre.

All reception centres, classification centres and youth training centr~s are to be staffed by a superintendent or equivalent and the administration of the four major reception centres has been strengthened.

The Section has been relieved of certain existing duties in relation to classification and placement.

Allambie Reception Centre

Allambie is the largest reception centre operated by the Department. It caters for girls up to the age of 14 and boys up to the age of 10 who are considered to be in need of care and protection. Children are received into Allambie on a temporary basis before being placed in the residential child care facility most suited to their needs.

The Departmental re-organisation, together with the establishment of the rema1n1ng three Regional Centres, has led to significant changes in the operation of Allambie -

The Centre's case planning responsibilities have been significantly reduced and case workers, formerly with the Centre, now form part of the Regional Services Division Liaison and Referral Unit. Responsibility for the after care of children released to their own homes direct from the Centre has been totally assumed by Regional Centres.

Moves towards the regionalisation of reception centre care will lead to a continuing decline in Allambie's reception centre functions. In line with this "phasing down" process, plans to construct a new administration block have been abandoned and instead, minor modifications have been carried out to the former staff quarters to relieve the shortage in office accommodation. The abandonment of the administration block project represents a saving of about one million dollars.

Admission figures for the year dropped once more and the average weekly admissions and discharge was 13 compared to 17 the previous year. The average holding figure was 193 representing a drop of nearly 40 on last year's figure of 232. It is expected that holding numbers will continue to fall in line with fewer children coming into care. This trend will reduce pressure on existing facilities and the possibility of modernising the three large congregate care units and reducing the number of beds to each room will be explored.

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While overall admission figures are falling, the number of children coming from families with severe social, emotional and mental problems continues to increase. These children have special needs and there are insufficient residential facilities in which to place them. Residential placements are also in 5hort supply for numbers of children from the same family, including infants and pre-school aged children (where the Department is concerned to keep brothers and sisters together), nursery infants, and adolescent girls in the 12 14 age group. As a result, many of these types of children are having to stay at the Centre for more than a year.

In other developments during the year

almost all staff have now completed Part 1 of the Child Care Course - a unique achievement in Allambie's history; the Allambie Occupational Auxiliary has continued to support the Centre. The latest project provides finance for adolescent girls to go on "trust" outings in the community at evenings and weekends. This project is funded on a dollar-for-dollar basis with the Department.

Baltara Reception Centre

Baltara was originally designed to provide pre-court facilities, and reception, assessment and care of boys admitted to wardship in the 10-14 age group. Currently Baltara also functions as a long term care facility mainly catering for boys who have had previous unsuccess ful placements or a breakdown in home release.

Like Allambie, Baltara is undergoing a number of changes and is reviewing its functions and the use of facilities:

Specialised use of different facilities at the Centre is under consideration. It is proposed that one of the four open Sections will be used for remand/assessment purposes, two Sections will continue to be used in the care of boys working towards home release or placement, and the fourth open section will be used in the care of long term boys who attend outside school or are involved in pre-employment programs. Consideration is also being given to dividing the security unit, Parkside, into two sections one continuing to provide security accommodation, and the other, an open section. Under the present structure, it is felt that the security unit requires too large an investment of staff resources in relation to its use. The after care program is being reviewed and, as metropolitan regions gain full staffing and take over this responsibility, will be phased out at the Centre. This program has been highly successful in maintaining boys in the community who would otherwise have been returned to institutional care. The social work staff at Baltara have been transferred to the Regional Services Division Liaison and Referral Unit.

The number of boys admitted to wardship during the year fell but, unlike Allambie, there was no drop in the average holding figure. A decrease in the number of suitable residential placements as a result of fewer congregate care facilities, is considered to be responsible for the

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holding figure rema1n1ng at the same level despite declining admissions. It is hoped that proposed regional reception centres and adolescent units will help to relieve Baltara's population pressures.

In other developments during the year:

A number of innovations have been introduced into the Baltara school curriculum and led to a more diversified program. The development of these innovations has been helped by funding made available under the Commonwealth program for children in residential institutions.

Winlaton Youth Training Centre

Winlaton Youth Training Centre caters for adolescent girls who have been admitted to the care of the Department and girls aged IS and over who have been sentenced to a term of detention. The Centre also has remand facilities.

Programs at Winlaton are designed to equip residents to make a successful adjustment when they return to the community.

Currently the emphasis is on improving the Centre's ability to act as a tertiary resource to other services in cases where secure residential care is required or where there is severe social breakdown.

Admissions to Winlaton have dropped 10% over the past year - from 982 in 1976-77 to 890 in 1977-78. The weekly average population has fluctuated between 60 to 80 girls. Of note is the marked drop in abscondings where the 1977-78 figure was 32% less than the previous year.

Girls coming into the Centre enter one of three assessment programs one is for new wards and two for returned and sentenced girls. Fortnightly classification meetings are held and reports from the girls themselves, Youth Officer, teachers, medical staff and community supervisors are considered. On the basis of these meetings further plans are developed for release or opportunities within the institution. Review meetings are held weekly to monitor the progress being made.

The programs available at Winlaton are designed to cater for individual needs while, at the same time, teaching the girls to function in a group situation:

Group living programs have been developed in each Section and each Section manages its own daily requirements with contributions being made by the girls, section staff, teachers and volunteers. Group meetings are now conducted on a daily basis to help girls identify their problems and try to overcome them. At these meetings the "triad principle" is used extensively. Under this principle, problems are identified and a person who has successfully handled the problem in his own life acts as a helper,

In education, employment and leisure programs, a high level of cooperation has been achieved between teachers, Youth Officers, the Employment Officer, and Activities Officer. Volunteers from the Winlaton Community Support Group and Sessional instructors have also contributed to these programs.

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The emphasis on catering for individual needs has also been reflected in the building program and some progress had been made in dividing the larger sections into smaller units. The building re-development program will allow for a wider range of segregation and separation options for the different needs of girls placed in custody at Winlaton. Increased options for the better segregation of offending and non-offending children and young persons in such settings are seen as an urgent priority.

Many of the existing buildings are also inadequate in being able to provide a reasonably acceptable physical environment for the implementation of programs at the Centre. With the increasing use being made of alternative community-based programs, the young people who do require institutional placement are usually those with the most difficult problems. It is therefore considered essential that the resources available to these young people are the best possible, including a high standard of physical environment, and adequate staff and administration resources, In this respect, it is of considerable concern that the Works and Services funds allocated to both maintaining, and developing, the physical environment at Winlaton have been so limited.

Despite this, there have been some improvements to facilities -

a multi-purpose room has been completed; renovations to the activities area, which will allow for more flexible leisure programming, are nearing completion; plans are being developed for buildings to improve the education and employment programs; there are plans to improve the remand centre and swimming pool.

Turana Youth Training Centre

Turana Youth Training Centre caters for male wards between the ages of 14 and 17, and boys in the same age range who have been sentenced to a term of detention by the Children's Court. The Centre is also responsible for the classification of older boys 17 to 21 - sentenced to a term of detention at a Youth Training Centre by a Magistrate's Court. Remand, classification and detention/training facilities are provided.

Like many other Departmental institutions, Turana is experiencing a change in its role as a result of the development of alternatives to institution~ alisation and the greater degree of support available in the community.

The profile of boys coming to the Centre is changing.· Given the availability of greater resources in the community, the boys who still find their way into institutions are usually those who have suffered serious deprivation in major areas of their lives and those with more serious personal and social problems. They are generally unsuccessful at school and in finding and holding employment. Their family situations are often problematic and they usually have a long history of offending and institutionalisation. Many are security risks.

Although open section facilities remain necessary as boys work toward release, a greater demand for security programs and facilities has developed.

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The numbers at Turana have been falling at a steady rate over a number of years. During 1977-78 the average weekly number was 191, fluctuating between 230 and 180 boys. The turnover was 2,125 and the average weekly intake and output 48 boys.

Within the context of a need to maintain adequate security, programs at Turana are geared towards providing the boys with -

social, educational and employment skills through general training programs; alternative perspectives of lifestyles and an understanding of their own situation as a basis for making decisions about the future; support in the transition phase between the institution and the community; skills and opportunities to make decisions for themselves.

At present Turana's ability to deliver relevant programs is severely limited by its physical conditions. The security sections in particular are inadequate to cater for the present and future populations. In other aspects of the physical environment, the comments made in relation to Winlaton are equally relevant. The buildings in many cases have deteriorated to a point where conditions are below standard for dealing with young persons with extreme problems. The implementat1on of support and supervision programs against a philosophy of care and concern is made very difficult in such a physical environment. It is of concern that the redevelopment work so urgently needed is limited by a lack of funds.

In the Remand/Assessment Centre, major redevelopments planned over the next five years are to -

replace the dormitories by bedrooms; make existing buildings more flexible in the use which can be made of them; increase the scope and quality of remand facilities; upgrade the old administration wing providing extra facilities for functions.

In the Training Centre it is planned to -

develop a trade education complex; upgrade school facilities in security areas; upgrade living/working conditions in security areas; redesign the open section.

Malmsbury Youth Training Centre

Malmsbury Youth Training Centre caters for young offenders in the 17 to 21 age group who have received detention sentences from the adult courts. Programs at the Centre include group living, vocational training and educational programs culminating in work release.

The tendency of the courts to make greater use of non-custodial dispositions had been reflected in the overall numbers detained at the Centre. During 1977-78 the weekly average was 82. The closure of two residential buildings for renovations during the year may also have contributed to the drop in numbers.

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Major developments during the year include

The restructuring of both dormitory style buildings to provide smallC'r group living and bedroom type accommodation. These changes have impnn:;:>d the capacity for classification and assessment in providing a great<'r number of placement alternatives for trainees.

The formation of an Auxiliary following a public meeting early in the year. As well as providing a welcome boost to trade training at the Centre, this development has further cemented the Centre's relationship with the local community.

The work release program again proved its value a:; <l nw<Jns of helping yoWl!,:

offenders settle into community living gradually lessening the risk of re-offending. Under the program, trainees with likely adjustment difficulties are assisted in finding jobs and are supervised in the community prior to parole.

Langi Kal Kal Youth Training Centre

Langi Kal Kal Youth Training Centre caters for young offenders in the 17 to 21 age group who have received detention sentences from the adult courts. Group living, vocational training and farm experience are some of the programmes conducted at Langi Kal Kal.

Major developments during the year include -

There has been an increased involvement of Youth Officer staff in individual case management. This greater involvement is seen as a means of improving the effectiveness of educational and vocational programs.

Community awareness of the role of the Centre in the rehabilitation of offenders has increased as a result of community service projects undertaken by the trainees and participation in outside sporting activities.

Education programs have been provided for about half the trainees, These programs are operated in conjunction with vocational and recreational programs at the Centre.

A work release program has been conducted despite staffing problems.

Bayswater Youth Training Centre

Bayswater Youth Training Centre is operated by the Salvation Army in conjunction with the Department. It caters for male offenders between the ages of 15 and 17 and offers a wide range of programs including educational, vocational training, farm experience and work release.

In recent years there has been a trend towards boys spending a shorter time in detention at the Centre and admissions have increased accordingly. During 1977-78 there were 146 admissions representing an increase of more than SO% over the figure for 1974-75.

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The work release program has operated successfully with 42 boys taking part and breakdowns in only three cases. Through staff efforts 95% of the boys taking part in the program have been able to be placed in work.

A new homecrafts section has been added to the Education Centre.

Contact between the community and the Centre has been promoted, with the Centre teams playing in outside competitions. A large n11mber of speakers from various organisations visited the Centre during the year.

YOUTH SERVICES

The Youth Services Section is responsible for the overall development of community based facilities of a non-residential and short-term residential nature for children and young people.

The new Section represents a consolidation of the former Sections responsible for Youth Welfare Services, Hostels, and Preventive Services, each of which is considered to have served similar roles - in catering for the needs of deprived, difficult and acting out pre-adolescents and adolescents for whom institutional care was not appropriate.

The Youth Services Section has direct supervisory responsibility for certain facilities and will work in conjunction with Regional Centres. It is assumed that, as time progresses, there will be increasing delegation of responsibilities to Regional Centres in line with similar moves across all Departmental facilities and services.

Youth Welfare Services

Youth Welfare Services are a community-based alternative to institutional placement. They cater for young people, usually in the 14-18 age group, who are experiencing social adjustment problems but for whom institutionalisation is not considered appropriate. Their design allows staff to provide intensive community supervision and support, and in some facilities, short-term accommodation. The Department operates four Youth Welfare Services and funds another at Doveton which is operated by a voluntary agency. Although the Youth Welfare Services operate under the same basic principles, each has developed in line with the needs of the client population.

Hawthorn Youth Welfare Service

Hawthorn Youth Welfare Service provides intensive non-residential care for male youth between the ages of 14 and 18 who are in need of specialised assistance. Programs conducted include group activities, family counselling and individual counselling, and are designed to help young people function in a community setting without re-offending. Emphasis is placed on giving

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these young people a better understanding of themselves and their relation ships with other members of the community. The behaviour of young people at the Service, and the relationships they develop, are explored in terms of their appropriateness to a broader community setting.

The re-organisation of the Department has had a significant impact on the work of the Hawthorn Youth Welfare Service -

The rate of referrals to Hawthorn has increased during the year. With the disbandment of the former Social Work Section within the Youth Welfare Division and the inability of Regional Centres in the region at this stage to fully take up responsibilities carried out by the Section, the Service has assumed major case planning responsibilities. In parts of the Inner Urban Region and in the Inner Eastern and Southern Regions, Hawthorn has been responsible for the case planning of wards previously supervised on.an individual counselling basis by the Social Work Section.

The greater range of youth being referred to the Service has led to a broadening of tasks carried out by staff. Many of the youth referred are not suitable for group programs and supervision on an individual counselling basis has increased.

Windsor Youth Welfare Service

Windsor Youth Welfare Service caters for females between the ages of 13 and 18. Programs at Windsor are geared towards motivating the girls to function without welfare support in the shortest possible time.

The theory of Alternative Resource Development is used as a basis for all programs available at the Youth Welfare Service. This theory was developed at Windsor itself, and is based on the belief that the client has come into care because of a lack of information about alternative ways of behaving rather than through individual maladjustment. In practice, the theory operates along the following lines:

staff give the girls information about alternative means of coping with situations that have precipitated, or may in the future precipitate breakdowns in relationships; success is guaged on the basis of what information is given and what is accepted . This is measured according to changes in patterns of behaviour and attitude which previously brought the girl into conflict with parents, teachers and police. It is expected that each girl will develop her own method of "coping".

Among the specialist programs available at the Windsor Youth Welfare Service is a two month residential program for 14 year olds. A maximum of ten girls can be handled on the program at any one time. The girls do not attend school or work but are taught social skills. At July 1978 thirteen such programs had been completed. Girls over the age of 15 are programed on an individual basis. They do not live in but are supervised in their normal living situation.

The number of referrals to Windsor during the year was less than the number of discharges which resulted in a reduction in the overall numbers for the year. At the end of the year, the number of girls supervised by Windsor totalled approximately 125.

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Brunswick Youth Welfare Service

Brunswick Youth Welfare Service provides progams specifically geared towards boys in the 14 to 17 age group who experience problems at home, at school, or in their employment. It also has residential facilities for boys needing intensive supervision and/or emergency accommodation.

Programs are geared to individual needs and vary in the intensity of support provided

As one part of the Service's work with young people, former delinquents provide assistance and support to young offenders currently experiencing problems according to the triad principle.

Intensive support is provided for young people seeking employment and almost all taking part in the program have found jobs. Keeping the job often requires further support but at the time of writing all Brunswick boys were either in employment or school. A part-time employment counsellor is provided by the Commonwealth Employment Service.

The Saturday Work Program was revitalised during the year on the suggestion of former Brunswick boys who regarded it to be one of the most important components of their time with the Service. Under the program, community service projects are undertaken which, otherwise, would not have been done.

Meetings are held three times a week at the Turana Youth Training Centre for boys who are on assessment to Brunswick Youth Welfare Service, or have offended and been incarcerated. For other boys at Brunswick, group meetings are held regularly, ranging from three times a week to voluntary attendance at a meeting once a week. Parent nights are held once weekly and family counselling sessions are conducted.

A Youth Welfare Officer is assigned to each boy and is responsible for co-ordinating all activities which relate to him.

Boys new to Brunswick Youth Welfare Service or who, for some reason, are unemployed or not in school must attend the unit at 1 Sydney Road each day until they are able to gainfully occupy their time. A variety of work is carried out at the unit.

During the year Brunswick has strengthened its ties with the local community and the region. Closer co-operation and liaison has been established with local police stations, councils and organisations such as Jaycees and Rotary.

Western Youth Welfare Service

Western Youth Welfare Service caters for young people from the west and north-west regions of the Melbourne Metropolitan Area and is the largest community based facility for young people so far established by the Department.

All programs specialise in teaching social survival skills within small groups. Young people at the Service are instructed in sex education, use of alcohol, job skills and such basics as the use of the telephone and street directory.

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Western Youth Welfare Service is now able to cater for a wide range of adolescent needs - accommodation, education, work preparation and work experience, employment referrals and learning how to cope with unemplo)~ent. A full time Commonwealth Employment Service Counsellor assists in preparing and placing youth in suitable, though scarce, employment.

The capacity of Western to offer such a diversified range of services has been made possible by a number of developments which occurred in direct response to adolescent needs in the area over the past year -

Separate emergency accommodation for girls was established in late October 1977 and offers support to adolescent girls involved in minor crises. The Women Police also use this service for "run away" girls.

A hostel for girls requ1r1ng longer term residential care was established in January 1978.

A NEAT Education and Work Preparation Program was established with the support of the Department of Social Security in October 1977.

A day program was set up in March 1978 to cater for young people who have difficulty finding immediate employment.

These additional facilities and services have augmented Western's previous establishment of a Boys' Hostel, School and evening correctional sessions.

In the coming year these operations will be consolidated and no further program development is anticipated apart from the urgent updating of the Girls' Hostel - which at present can accommodate only five girls.

The number of young people being supervised by Western increased substantially during the year. At 30 June 197.8 Western was supervising 135 young people, or about SO% more than the 96 at the same time the previous year. The total number supervised during the year was 253.

YOUTII HOSTELS

Youth Hostels cater for young people placed under the supervision of the Department who are in need of temporary supportive accommodation. Thirty hostels operate throughout Victoria providing accommodation for 200 young people, and short-term assistance to a further 100 young people who have moved from a hostel and are living in other accommodation.

During the year progress was made in the development of a statewide hostel program. The program includes provision for two basic types of hostels "Generalist Hostels" and "Tertiary Hostels" also known as "Specialist Hostels".

Generalist Hostels cater for a range of young people requiring accommodation:

The more traditional Generalist Hostels are being modified to enable them to play a viable part in a system'of regional service delivery.

Additional supervised staff positions have been provided for some hostels. These positions, together with greater professional assistance available from the newly appointed regional Supervisors of Youth and Children's Services, and staff from the Youth Services Section, should increase the capacity of hostels to meet the needs of a wider range of young people at the local level.

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A new generalist hostel in Frankston - "Bayside'' is expected to be operational at the end of 1978. The hostel is being administered by a local management committee formed as a result of a public meeting.

Tertiary Hostels cater for young people with special needs and provide more intensive support and assistance. There are eight hostels of this type generally accommodating young people who have not been able to be provided for by non-residential services. Most of these young people are placed from Youth Training Centres.

In its first year of operation the "Bert Williams" Aboriginal Hostel provided short and long term accommodation and assistance to more than 40 young aborigines.

The Four Flats Hostel for 17-21 year old males released from Youth Training Centres and prisons, completes its two year contracted term at the end of 1978. This program, operated by the Jesuit Order, has highlighted the lack of community based services for young people released from custody. An evaluative study of this pilot program is underway.

An emergency accommodation service for homeless adolescents is expected to begin operating on the Carlton site in the later part of 1978. The service will be run under the auspices of the Community Welfare Foundation.

Overall, the development of hostels during the year has been greatly advanced through the efforts of the Voluntary Hostels' Task Group. Members of the Task Group, and the Voluntary Hostels Secretariat, have worked closely with the Department in the planning, adaption and development of hostel services. The initiation and successful operation of an in-service training course for hostel staff has been a particularly significant achievement for the Task Group and the Department during the year.

Despite these developments, however, the prov1s1on of a viable service at the local and regional level has been severely hampered by a lack of staff. Many hostels still lack basic relief staff to enable supervisors regular time off each week.

THE CARLTON YOUTH PROJECT

The Carlton Youth Project provides primary supportive programs for young people from the inner suburbs.

The Princes Street Youth Co-operative has been formed to manage and co-ordinate resources of the project.

Six of the terrace houses on the site are currently being renovated. When completed - expected to be by the end of 1978 - 11 buildings will be available for use on the site.

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ADOPTION

Adoption is one of the case planning options available to children in need of substitute family care. In this context, adoption is considered to be a preventive service which has direct relevance to the range of other services to families and children provided at the regional level.

In the Departmental re-organisation a model of central management has been adopted for adoption services in the ~letropoli tan area. Country centres will have their own adoption workers.

There is still some uncertainty about the future of adoption services in Victoria reflecting a world-wide reconsideration of the role and function of adoption as a social welfare service.

Resources

1977-78 has been a year of consolidation and staff stability has improved slightly. Delays in the Public Service Board inspection of positions available to the Section following the Departmental re-organisation, however, meant that no additional established positions were provided to compensate for the withdrawal of adoption services formerly provided by Regional Centres.

The filling of the position of Adoption Sister by a triple certificated nurse holding a Diploma in Early Childhood Development has been a long awaited and welcome development. The employment of experienced Social Workers working half time in the general/special needs fields and sessionally in the inter-country field has further improved the Section's capability to carry out its functions.

Numbers and Trends

The number of children who became available for adoption through the Social Welfare Department during the year was 126 (74 non-wards and 52 wards) - 33 less than the previous year. Of the placements made, six involved siblings who were placed together. The number of placements finalised through the granting of an Adoption Order was 154 compared to 158 in 1976-77.

The circumstances which lead to parents deciding on adoption as the best plan for their child appear to be increasingly complex given changing community attitudes and a greater range of care alternatives - particularly to the single parent.

More extensive counselling is now being given to parents, and, in a number of cases, an alten1ative to adoption has been found without the need for support services,

Adoption is increasingly becoming concerned with older children and this trend is likely to continue. There is still a lack of community awareness about the change in the nature of adoption which will require a corresponding change in the expectations of people wishing to adopt.

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Waiting List

The decline in the number of children available for adoption led to the closure of the general waiting list of adoptive parents at the end of December 1975. At that time 1,400 couples had made initial enquiries. Despite group meetings, many have found the long delay frustrating and only about 350 presently remain on the list.

The special needs and inter-country adoption lists remain open.

Group meetings for applicants of all types have become a well established practice. These meetings serve as part of the procedure for processing applicants and as a means of providing information about adoption. They often include input from other adoptive parents.

Inter-Agency Placements

To enable a wider choice of families for any one child, inter-agency adoption meetings were instituted during 1976-77. These meetings have continued on a monthly basis during 1977-78 and 62 children came to notice who required multi-agency resources in seeking the most appropriate placement. Of these, 39 children have been placed - 15 through three private adoption agencies and 24 through the Social Welfare Department's own resources. Of the 23 not placed, 11 are school age and all have very significant special needs because of such problems as limited life expectancy, intellectual retardation and acute psychiatric problems.

A close relationship has been maintained with the Aboriginal Child Placement Agency. The Agency is involved in all placements of Aboriginal children made by the Department.

Children with Special Needs

The emphasis on placement of children with special needs - school age and those with significant physical, intellectual and emotional problems - has continued during the year.

The 15 special needs children placed during 1977-78 included -

a baby with significant medical risks; a two year old who had suffered maltreatment; a 13 year old boy with a stabilised medical condition.

Eleven of the children were of school age. Four had been cared for by foster parents before adoption placement and others had been in residential care - usually of a cottage home type.

In the placement of older children, staff of the Special Needs Unit have worked very closely with the new adoptive family - particularly during the often very turbulent first six months.

The concept of advertising children with special needs is a new development which is likely to be used more frequently in seeking suitable adoptive parents. In June 1977 a newspaper advertisement outlined the situation of an eight year old boy and invited couples who may be interested in adopting him to apply to the Special Needs Unit. Of the

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21 couples who responded, 14 withdrew mainly because they had hoped to he considered for a baby or young child. Other applications which were considered came through the general waiting list and from people who had heard of the Special Needs Unit.

Parents who have adopted children with special needs have been of invaluahle help at group meetings in sharing their experiences with other applicants.

Inter-Country Adoptions

During 1977-78, 129 applications were received for the adoption of overseas children. Of these, 29 were for the adoption of children who were related to the applicants - 11 for Asian children and 18 for European children.

The Inter-Country Adoption Unit has been rece1v1ng an average of 10-15 enquiries per week mainly from Australians wishing to adopt a child from Asia. At least half the telephone enquiries are from couples who have given little consideration to the wider implications of adopting a child from overseas. For those who follow through their enquiry with a written request, attendance at group meetings can prove helpful in making a more informed decision. These meetings are conducted under the chairmanship of a social worker who is not an Adoption Section staff member and using other inter-country adoptive parents as a resource.

Many overseas countries are reviewing the placement of children and are imposing restrictions or, in some cases, an indefinite embargo on intercountry adoptions. This has led to delays in the placement of children with couples who have been approved to adopt overseas.

It is expected that developments in 1978-79 will regularise inter-country adoptions to facilitate appropriate and approved placements and remove some of the undesirable practices of the past.

Review of Adoption Legislation

Adoption laws are being reviewed by a Committee set up jointly by the Attorney General and the Minister for Social Welfare. The Committee began meeting in June 1978 and a final report is expected to be substantially completed within the next 12 months.

Represented on the Committee are -

Social Welfare Department (two members including the Deputy Director of Family & Adolescent Services as Chairman); Law Department (two members); Family Welfare Advisory Council (one member); Victorian Conference of Adoption Agencies (one member); Victorian Standing Committee on Adoption (four members);

Oispensation of Parental Consent to Adoption

For some children in residential or foster care, a return to the natural family is not possible. In such cases, consideration is given to the possibility of adoption placement. Where parents are unable or unwilling

..

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to agree to adoption, application may be made to the Court to dispense with the parents' consent. In taking this step the alternatives are carefully weighed up in the light of what will be in the best interests of the chiLd.

Monthly meetings are now held under the chairmanship of the Deputy Director of Family and Adolescent Services to review cases where dispensation of parental approval might be appropriate. Cases are referred by Regional Centre staff and staff from Voluntary Children's Homes and foster programs. Legal advice is available through the Crown Solicitor.

At 30 June 1978 thirty-four applications to dispense with parents' consent are pending. Of these, 16 cases have been referred to the Crown Solicitor for legal advice. The remaining 18 applications have been prepared and lodged by Adoption Section staff. Seven dispensations of parents' consent were granted in 1977-78.

Reference Material on Adoption

In last year's report the need for written reference material on adoption was noted. Progress was made towards the production of this material during the year and a document on the Principles and Practice of Adoption in Victoria is to be distributed to interested organisations and individuals in July for comment. A further document setting out guidelines for dispensation of the consent of parents to adoption is expected to be distributed early in the year 1978-79.

Second Australian Adoption Conference

The Second Australian Conference on Adoption was held in Melbourne from 28 May to 2 June 1978. Sessions dealt with -

the adoption of older and severely handicapped children; use of resources and exchanges between agencies; challenges to traditional applicant assessment; access of adopted persons to original records.

About 267 people attended the conference representing a wide range of organisations, interest groups and individuals. These included Social Workers, Nurses, Doctors, Psychologists, Teachers, Telephone Counsellors, Administrators, Lawyers, Adoptive Parents, Single Parents and Adopted people.

FAMILY COUNSELLING

The Head Office Family Counselling Section ceased to exist at the end of the financial year and all functions previously carried out by it have now been transferred to Regional Centres.

Despite the progressive regionalisation of family counselling services, however, the Section recorded 3,563 new cases during the year. In future, the new Liaison and Referral Unit will provide counselling and assistance to people who call at Head Office.

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The Family Counselling Section has also been responsible for dealing with voluntary applications for admissions to wardship. In future, this function will be administered by Regional Centres. During the year lOo families approached the Section in relation to wardship applications. In 95 of these cases wardship was granted.

Since 1961 the Family Counselling Section has provided a central counselling and social resource service to many thousands of families.

There were many recurring themes in the problems of people seeking assistance from the Section -

the shortage and increased cost of adequate housing; continuing difficulties in relation to child custody rights, and marital disputes; financial difficulties experienced by young people as a result of long waiting period for Commonwealth Benefits to be paid; the vulnerability of women with children in financial crisis situations.

RECORDS CENTRE

In the Departmental re-organisation the Records and General Section of the former Family Welfare Division merged with the Records Section of the former Youth Welfare Division to form the Records Centre of the Family and Adolescent Services Division.

At the same time some of the work formerly carried out in the two Records Section; has been transferred to other Sections in the Department or phased out

Regional Services Division has assumed responsibility for administrative procedures relating to child employment and street trading; and arrangement of temporary care of children younger than five years of age under the Protection of Infants provisions of the Social Welfare Act.

The collection of maintenance from parents of children in care has been progressively phased down in line with changing community attitudes. The few cases where the relevant legislative provisions are expected to be enforced will, in future, be the responsibility of the Division of Administrative Services, Legal Unit.

Files on wards are being moved to regional offices according to the location of the ward concerned. The central card index record of all wards, including information on the movement of ward files, is retained in the Records Centre.

The Records Centre is now responsible for -

the maintenance of records of all children and young persons admitted to the care of the Department, and of young persons serving sentences of detention; the management of Family and Adolescent Services policy and subject matter files; liaison with Departmental institutions, the Victoria Police and equivalent Departments in other States;

41.

answering enquiries and dealing with legal matters relating to wards and youth trainees; representing the Department in Court on matters relating to wards and youth trainees; arranging medical and paramedical appointments for wards; liaison with the Health Department in matters affecting the health of wards (including medical insurance).

FAMILY WELFARE ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Family Welfare Advisory Council is constituted under Section 14 of the Social Welfare Act (1970) to -

advise the Minister on any alterations in practice and procedure considered desirable for the welfare, protection and care of children and young persons; report on any matter of a like or allied nature referred to it by the Minister.

The existing Council was initially re-appointed only until 28 February 1978, in anticipation of the appointment of the ·new Child Development and Family Services Council early in 1978. Legislation for the new Council has, however, not yet been passed and the present Council has been asked by the Minister to remain in office until the end of the calendar year.

Uncertainty about the life of the present structure meant that only essential work was undertaken and tasks already commenced were gradually being phased out. In fact, the Council operated largely as a caretaker body during the year and met on only 13 occasions compared to 21 the previous year.

Projects undertaken during the year included -

the on-going provision of help and consultation to agencies involved in building projects and subsequently making recommendations to the Minister on these projects. Advice was sought and recommendations made on 21 separate projects during the year; preparation of a detailed report on Allambie Reception Centre; representation on the Central Implementation Committee for the Child Care Enquiry; preparation of a submission on the draft Community Welfare Services Bill. The structure of the proposed Child Development and Family Services Council, as outlined in the Bill, has been widely questioned and changes to this structure are possible.

The Family Welfare Advisory Council will continue in its present caretaker capacity until the new structure is set up.

42.

REGIONAL SERVICES

The Regional Services Division is the main community based service delivery arm of the Department. Its primary responsibility is the development of an integrated and comprehensive range of services and facilities at the regional and local level.

The regionalisation program began in 1971 in response to an increasing isolation of the Department from the community, and developments in the welfare field generally. In its original form, the Regional Services Division operated as an adjunct to the existing Departmental structure responsible for functions which were considered distinct from, and independent of, other major service Divisions.

Under the Departmental re-organisation, a Departmental rather than a Divisional focus has been adopted and, in an organisational sense, the new Regional Services Division now sits between the Division of Family and Adolescent Services and the Division of Correctional Services undertaking regional responsibilities on behalf of both.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The main focus of the new Regional Services Division is to provide a co-ordinated and consistent approach to the delivery of all Departmental services at a regional level.

In line with the commitment to maximum feasible regionalisation, Regional Centres are assuming increasing responsibility for Departmental services


Family Support Services are aimed at helping families to meet immediate cr1s1s difficulties where there is a risk of family breakdown. The types of support services provided include -

Family Aide Programmes Financial Counselling Housing Referral

and other advice or practical assistance which may be required.

As well as providing a range of family support services itself, the Department promotes and supports the development of other family support programs provided by local and regional agencies.

In July 1977, the Commonwealth Office of Child Care made $582,000 available to "extend and improve family support services" in Victoria. This sum was later boosted to $700,000.

Approval has now been given to extend this program over a three year period and in March 1978, $2.1 million was made available for this purpose.

In the first year of the program, approximately 60 family support projects were funded - about half of these were new services.

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Women's Refuges

Responsibility for the administration of Women's Refuges was transferred from the State Health Department in December 1977. At the time of the transfer, nine refuges were funded and an additional refuge has since been approved. A further four refuges have been recommended for funding in the 1978-79 financial year.

Financial Assistance

The various financial assistance programs provided by the Department have been rationalised and co-ordinated, and brought under one area of administration.

Responsibility for Family Assistance Payments was transferred to Regional Centres on 1 July 1977. Family Assistance Payments are made to certain categories of lone parents and are intended to help families stay together when a lack of money might lead them to break up. They are subject to a means test.

Regional Services Division has assumed responsibility for categorical and discretionary payments to Departmental clients. These payments include -

payments to foster parents, pre-adoptive foster parents and families caring for wards on home release; non-parent assistance to approved families caring for children who are not their own; subsidies to adolescent wards who are without family support, for accommodation expenses and, in some cases, education expenses; advances to wards and advances to probationers in the form of grants or loans under certain circumstances; family supportive grants to families experiencing severe and immediate economic hardship. Cash grants may be made for the purchase of essential family services; trust funds, scholarship funds and other special payments.

Liaison and Referral Unit

The new Liaison and Referral Unit forms part of the Inner Urban Regional Centre and serves the twofold purpose of -

undertaking liasison work between various levels of case planning responsibility in the Department; acting as a central referral point for clients visiting Head Office providing immediate service to these clients or referral to the appropriate service. In this respect, it takes over the functions of the former centrally based Family Counselling Section. In other family counselling matters Regional Centres assumed full responsibility at the end of the financial year.

Family Substitute Care

The administration of the Foster Care Program was transferred from the Family Welfare Division to the Regional Services Division in July 1976 with the aim of developing regionally based foster care services throughout the State. The concept of foster care has been expanded to include a range

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of caring arrangements for children. It is considered that a more uniform approach is required in all forms of family substitute care where children and young people are placed with families other than their own.

Protective Services

Regional Services Division has assumed responsibility for the administration of legislative provisions relating to child employment, street trading, and migrant children. This was previously the responsibility of the former Family Welfare Division on 1 April 1978.

The administration of legislative provisions relating to school attendance was taken over from the Education Department in 1971.

The Department is moving towards the development of a broader base in the child protection field. In particular, it is considered the Department should be playing a more active role in matters of public policy affecting the protection of children in whatever form abuse may take

neglect: involving all facets of a child's existence including education, physical and emotional well-being, medical care, environment, public morality; abuse: physical, emotional and/or sexual; exploitation: including emplo}~ent of children, involvement in entertainment, domestic labour, exploitation in the market place; abandonment.

Court Advisory Services

A new Children's Court Advisory Service has been established under the administration of the Inner Urban Regional Centre. The Service is an extension of the former Children's Court Probation Service. It provides information on the background of young people appearing before the Melbourne Children's Court and assists the court in determining the most appropriate disposition. A consultancy service is also provided to all Regional Centres throughout Victoria.

The establishment of an Adult Court Advisory Service has been approved in principle by the Government.

Correctional Field Services

With the establishment of the final three Regional Centres, probation and parole will now be fully administered on a regional basis.

Regionalisation of probation and parole services has been underway since the start of the regionalisation program in 1971. The development of correctional field services is considered to have a number of advantages over the former centrally based services -

improved accessibility and convenience for probationers and parolees, including a greater degree of family and local orientation;

45.

better liaison and more realistic relationships with police and courts allowing the courts greater options for dispositions; more effective use of, and work with, volunteers - particularly Honorary Probation Officers - allowing them a more significant role in the community corrections process; allowing a broader approach to corrections including the development of crime prevention programs, local support systems, work with employers and unions, public relations and community education; allowing a stronger emphasis on pre-court services and the potentjal for pre-court diversion services.

The former Coburg Parole Unit has also been transferred to Regional Services Division to become the Special Supervision Unit. The establishment of the Unit recognises that certain categories of clients potentially present a high risk to the community and require special consideration and special provisions.

The Unit's responsibilities include -

the provision of pre-parole services to Metropolitan prisons and youth training centres; responsibility for special category prisoners and trainees elsewhere; the provision of parole services to the Youth and Adult Parole Boards; parole supervision of youth and adult parolees considered to be particularly at risk or requiring special supervision; liaison with Regional Centres on all matters associated with preparole and parole, and provision of an advisory service on matters associated with breaches of probation and parole; community supervision of certain categories of wards considered to be at risk, or posing a risk to the community, and pre-release preparation of these wards.

Volunteer Services

A special Volunteer Service has been established to develop Departmental policies and programs in relation to volunteers and volunteer services. The service is of a consultancy nature advising areas of the Department in matters related to volunteers, co-operative involvement with volunteer workers and volunteer groups.

Specifically, the service will prepare procedures and guidelines on -

recruitment and selection of volunteers; • training of volunteers in conjunction with the Institute of

Social Welfare; supervision of volunteers in various capacities; provision of reimbursement, payment of expenses, etc to volunteers; provision of necessary protection to volunteers in matters of compensation, insurance and their personal legal status in undertaking Departmental services.

46.

The Family and Community Services Program

At the end of April 1977, the Minister for Social Welfare announced to Parliament the establishment of a Family and Community Services (FACS) Program designed to -

promote services that strengthen individual, family and community life; provide opportunities for people to play a significant part in their own communities.

The program recognises the importance of local government in the planning and provision of community welfare services and in the promotion of community consultation. It also recognises the need for co-operation and co-ordination between all agencies providing welfare services.

After several months of planning, the FACS program officially came into existence in November 1977 with the appointment of 45 new staff and the establishment of 18 Regional Consultative Committees representing local communities throughout the State.

The budget for the implementation of the program in 1977-78 was $2.74 million. By May 1978, on the recommendations of Regional Consultative Committees, $455,000 had been allocated to 163 organisations for family and community services. By June 1978, 70% of Councils and Shires had received information and co-ordination grants totalling $214,000 and a further $180,000 had been allocated by the Regional Consultative Committees as Local Initiative Grants.

As well as allocating grants, the Regional Consultative Committees have played an important part in other aspects of service planning and delivery. Seventeen of the Committees submitted reports to the Minister as part of the State-wide consultation on the future of social welfare in Victoria. All Committees have taken part in consultations within their own regions on regional welfare issues.

The relationship between the Department and the Regional Consultative Committees is still in its testing phase as the Department adapts to having regional consultative forums and as the Committees start to assert their own identity. These relationships will no doubt clarify over the next twelve months.

REGIONALISATION - STATE COVERAGE

Considerable difficulties still remain in the establishment of an effective regional and local base for the planning and delivery of Departmental services. Many of the problems encountered are inherent in establishing an effective regional programme and will take some years to resolve.

There is a lack of coherence in policy, development, co-ordination and planning of welfare services between all levels of Government and voluntary organisations.

The prov1s1on of an increasing volume and variety of community welfare services together with the implementation of social development objectives at a regional and local level have led to greater complexity in administrative and management problems.

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While the Family and Community Services Program has begun to provide avenues for community consultation, effective mechanisms have yet to be provided for participation by consumers in the planning of services.

There has been a serious shortage of qualified and adequate staffing resources to enable both the provision of statutory services and the development of effective regional planning and service delivery networks.

Despite these problems, however, very substantial progress was made during the year towards the consolidation and implementation of the Department's regionalisation program.

Regional Centres

Two additional Regional Centres were established during the year -serving the Inner Urban and Southern metropolitan regions. Sub-offices for the Inner Urban Regional Centre are to he established at South Melbourne, St Kilda, Collingwood and Kensington. The Southern Suburbs Regional Centre is to be based at Highett with a sub-office at Caulfie1d.

The establishment of the two Regional Centres takes the number of Regional Centres throughout the State to 17 supplemented by a network of suboffices. With the establishment of a Regional Centre to serve the Inner Eastern Metropolitan region early in the 1978-79 year, and the development of further sub-offices across the State, the first stage of the regionalisation program will have been completed.

REGIONALISATION THE STATE OF THE REGIONS

One of the basic assumptions upon which the regionalisation program is based is that community needs and problems can vary throughout the State depending on factors operating within the different regions. It is assumed that Regional Centres will be able to respond to these factors and that, through the Centres, services will be tailored to the particular needs of the local community. Given distinctive variations between the regions, a State over-view of Regional Services only tells part of the story.

Since the regionalisation program began, a region by region analysis of developments has been contained in only two Departmental Annual Reports. In this report, a summary of developments within each region has been re-instituted to enable a broader and more accurate understanding of the achievements of the program.

The regions are listed according to the order adopted by the State Coordination Council.

BAR WON

The Barwon Regional Centre, supported by Sub-Offices at Colac and Corio, service the largest population of all the country regions.

4R.

The twelve months to 3 June 1978 have seen -

a considerable movement of staff; a decrease in the demand on field services thought to be due to the development of alternative services; the increased ability of field staff to follow through and terminate involvement in cases as appropriate; and more effective intervention at pre-court level; the refinement of existing services; concentrated planning and development of family and communhy services.


A Family Aide Scheme was established in the Barwon Region in September 1976. Since then, 39 volunteers have taken part in the scheme as Family Aides. Currently, 32 volunteers are working as Aides providing services to 26 families.

Most Aides spend between five and seven hours with each family per week assisting in such matters as child care, household management and general support. Families are referred to the Family Aide Scheme mainly by Departmental staff and the Children's Protection Society but an increasing number of requests for assistance are coming from other agencies including doctors and schools.


There has been a marked increase in applications for financial assistance. The resultant increase in the work demands that this has placed on staff has been somewhat offset by the appointment of a second Assessor at the Corio Sub-office but home visits are still not able to be carried out comprehensively.

The number of Emergency Grants made has more than doubled during the period from 36 ($1,019) in 1976-77 to 83 ($2,405) in 1977-78.


Foster Care Services for the region continue to be provided by the Mercy Family Care Centre. Negotiations have begun bet~een the Department and the Mercy Family Care Centre for the formalisation of a contract for reception foster care.

Residential Child Care

Regular meetings are being held with Superintendents of Children's Homes in the region to discuss areas of common concern, and in an attempt to encourage communication and co-ordination in the development of children's services.

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The FACS Program

In addition to establishing and consolidating the FACS Program in the region, the Barwon Regional Consultative Committee has

provided advice to individuals and community groups on the development and co-ordination of services; prepared a substantial submission to the White Paper on Social Welfare following a comprehensive community consultation exercise in the region.

GLENELG

Staffing

An instability and shortage of staff has caused considerable difficulties in the Glenelg region. Staff turnover has been high (11 resignations or "permanent" secondments to other locations) and an inability to attract replacement staff or fill positions vacated on secondment has meant that the Centre has had to operate well below establishment.

All senior positions have been affected and four of these (Deputy Superintendent, Secretary, Senior Social Worker and Officer-in-Charge, Hamilton Sub-Office) remain vacant or are filled in acting capacities by staff uncertain of their tenure. Other vacancies have been created by these moves and these are also unable to be filled.

As a result of the staffing situation, services have had to be reduced

the Hamilton Sub-office had to be closed between August 24 and November 7, 1977 when all three established positions became vacant at the one time. At present the office is open to the public fulltime but is staffed by a lone part-time Welfare Officer providing field work services 29 hours per week; the long established visiting service to Portland has had to be reduced from a 2 day to a 1 day a week service; the Centre has been unable to respond to requests from local government to increase services to the Camperdown area; the planned visiting service to Casterton has had to be shelved; voluntary case work services have suffered (there has been a 17% reduction in family counselling services). This in turn has had an effect on the demand for these services and on the general credibility of the Centre.

Despite these problems, Centre staff have worked with a number of other groups to provide much needed services.

Community Services and Liaison

Centre staff have been involved in (and in some cases initiated) the following projects

. establishment of a life-line service;

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creation of community needs groups in a number of smaller locations in the region previously uninvolved in welfare development. These groups are providing a valuable forum for the co-ordination and development of local services; liaison with the Brophy 1-lemorial Hostel in the establishment of the first Youth Hostel in the State to provide accommodation for both young males and females; consul tat ion and liaison with the Warrnambool Sal vat ion Army Emergency Accommodation service in the expansion of the service and provision of a comprehensive emergency housing program; liaison with the community in seeking to establish a Community Health Centre in Portland and a Community House on the outsU rts of Portland.

The FACS Program

Much of what has been achieved in the Glenelg region over the past twelve months has been directly related to the FACS Program and to the efforts of the Social Administration Officer and FACS l~orker.

The Regional Consultative Committee has had its teething problc~s and many of its members remain in doubt about the Committee's long term future and potential. A recent re-organisation of the Committee will enable a more effective analysis of needs in the region. Two major areas currently under review are housing, and financial education services.

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

Staffing

A number of staff changes over the past twelve months has placed a considerable strain on staff resources and the quality of some programs has suffered. Staff shortages have posed particular difficulties to the foster care program and it is hoped to obtain a position for an officer-in-charge of foster care. In other programs, the appointment of new staff has had a significant impact on the work of the Centre -

the appointment of an Officer-in-Charge of the Reception Centre has reduced the workload at the Reception Centre and allowed for closer support and supervision of staff; a Family and Adolescent Worker has been appointed to work with children's homes, family group homes and hostels in the region.

Family Support

A Family Aide Program has been developed in the region operated by the Ballarat Children's Home. A co-operative approach to the running of the program has established clear areas of responsibility for Social Workers and Family Aides. As a result of the program it has been possible to home release some children from the regional reception centre and to support other families in the community who risked breaking down.

51.

Child Care

Discussions have taken place with the Children's Protection Society with a view to establishing a Maltreatment Unit. It is proposed that such a Unit could be established by making more efficient use of the Centre's resources. The numbers of children being located by the CPS worker who are at risk of maltreatment has highlighted the need for such a service.

Volunteers

Plans to re-organise the Honorary Probation Officer Service in the region will be implemented in the near future. HPO's will be divided into five groups each with its own convenor. A staff member will be available as ~ resource person for each group. In other service areas, co-ordinator~ meetings have been introduced to enable more efficient use of resources and the development of a more coherent network of services. ~feetings are held for the service areas of family assistance, probation work, family and adolescent services, reception work and foster care, and FACS.

The FACS Program

Funding of projects has taken up a considerable amount of time. There has, however, been an attempt to define achievable goals and a regional perspective has been adopted by the Regional Consultative Committee.

WIMMERA

Substantial progress has been made in the Wimmera region during the past year. The Regional Centre has become a focal point for welfare services and local support for the work of the Centre has increased significantly.

Staffing

Delays in appointing staff to vacant positions and a general shortage of staff have posed problems for the Centre. These include heavy workloads and the effects on morale where staff feel they are unable to meet the demands made on their time.

Family Support

Progress was made during the year towards establishing -

52.

an emergency housing service; a life-line link up with Ballarat.

The feasibi 1i ty of establishing a Family Aide Program is currently beiug investigated.


A foster care program was established during the year and thirteen short term placements of infants and children have heen made.

School Attendance

Close liaison and co-operation has been maintained between the Centre and local schools. The Centre is supporting a move for the establishment of an Education Department Psychology and Guidance Branch in the region.

The FACS Program

The FACS Program in the Wir.unera has been particularly successful. One of its main achievements has been to promote a high degree of interest in welfare services among the local people. It is expected that a numher of self-help welfare services will result.

MAL LEE

Staffing

TI1e Mallee Regional Centre now has a full staffing establishment after filling all vacant positions during the year. This development has enabled the provision of a more effective and efficient service to clients and the consolidation of case related functions which previously had been operating under severe strain because of a shortage of staff resources.

Facilities

The Mallee Regional Centre is to move to new premises in the Public Works Offices early in the new financial year. The existing accommodation has proved to be inadequate and the move is particularly welcomed as a means of improving the facilities for staff and clients alike.

The first residential child care facility in the region - other than a reception centre - is now operational at Swan Hill. The Swan Hill family group home has a capacity to cater for five wards. Because of the shortage of residential child care facilities, however, children are still having to be placed outside the region. 1~e provision of adequate child care facilities in the Mallee is considered to be an essential back-up to preventive programs.

Work has begun on the construction of a new Reception Centre in Mildura to replace the existing facility "Miralee". The new Centre is expected to be completed early in 1979.

53.

Family Support

A close working relationship has been maintained with the Melbourne Family Care Agency in the development of a range of family support services. The Agency has acted in a consultancy capacity providing advice and support and a n~~ber of preventive services have been developed as a result

a t-lallce Region Bond Fund has been established with funding through the Family Support Services Program; the Agency provided matching dollar funds in order to attract funding through the FACS Program for a r.larriage Guidance Service; funding was also provided by the Agency for the establishment of a child minding service during the picking season in Sunraysia.

A Financial Counselling Service has operated on a trial basis during 1977-78. It is considered that the need for such a service has been established and funding is to be sought for the appointment of a Financial Counsellor to serve the region.

Child and Family Welfare Survey

A draft report on the Mallee Region Child and Family Welfare Survey was submitted to the Department and the Working Committees in December 1977. Comments were also sought from a wide range of personnel and the modified document is expected to be available for circulation in August 1978. The Survey identifies service requirements in the Mallee for families that have broken down and children admitted to wardship.

LODDON CAMPASPE

Geographically, the Loddon Campaspe region covers about one-tenth of the State encompassing 26 different Local Government Areas. The Regional Centre at Bendigo and major Sub-office at Kyneton services a population of about 142,000 people.

Staffing

Like many other rural regions, Loddon Campaspe has had difficulties in attracting qualified social workers to work in the country. There seems to be a professional reluctance to move from the metropolitan area and, unless this attitude changes, the quality of services will be affected.

Appreciation of the contribution made by Mr Dennis Souter to child care and family group homes in the region is noted. Mr Souter, a welfare officer at the Centre, died during the year.

Legal Aid

After lengthy negotiations with the Bendigo Law Association, a legal aid service is now provided from the Regional Centre. A duty solicitor is available to see people by appointment one evening per week. This service has been well utilised.

In addition, the Centre and Kyneton Sub-office provide a primary contact point for the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Volunteers

Extensive use is made of volunteers in the region through the FACS Regional Consultative Committee, Welfare Co-ordinating Committees in each town, through contact groups and in the capacity of Honorary Probation Officers and Welfare Officers.

The FACS Program

A greater awareness of the activities of the Department and other agencies in the region has been promoted through the FACS Program.

GOULBURN

Staffing and Facilities

The staffing establishment at Goulburn has been increased to 23 positiOns with only three of these vacant. It is hoped to staff the Benalla Suboffice and open the Seymour Sub-office in the near future.

Family Support

A Family Support Unit has been established to extend the Family Aide Program to the Benalla, Seymour and Kyabram district£.


A submission for a Foster Care Program is now under consideration. The program wi 11 apply to children up to the age of 13 ;11lowing them to maintain closer family and community ties. At the same time, a lack of local residential child care facilities has meant that a number of children have had to be sent outside the region for residential care.

Youth Services

A proposal to establish a Youth Support Unit funded by the Department and several Rotary Clubs is being investigated. The Unit would provide a hostel and community support services for young people between the ages of 14 and 18. It 1vould work in close co-operation with the police, courts, agencies providing welfare services and the local community.

Youth unemployment and unemployment generally is of major concern in the region. Figures for about one third of the region indicate that 1,310 juniors were registered as unemployed at the end of the financial year. In the absence of the necessary funds and skills, it has not been possible to make a significant impact in this area.

Training

A two day course aimed at providing Agriculture Department Extension Officers with basic welfare skills appropriate to families affected by the rural ~risis was conducted in association with the Department of Agriculture. Other courses conducted include Parent Effectiveness Training Courses in association with Counselling and Guidance Services, and Leadership Training and Welfare Volunteer Courses at Benalla, Shepparton and Mansfield.

Information Services

A Regional Directory based on the UI~ASIS format was completed for Shepparton, Mooroopna and Tatura. Directories for other municipalities are in various stages of completion.

The FACS Program

Greater community awareness and involvement in the work of the Centre has been promoted through the program. Four Local Consultative Committees (LCC's) service the Goulburn Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) and during 1978 have directed $53,000 into local projects. Of this money, $16,000 was raised in the community.

UPPER MURRAY

The Upper Murray Region is mainly rural in nature but includes the Growth Centre, Albury/Wodonga. The Regional Centre has had to respond to quite distinct problems facing rural families, on the one hand, and city families living in the Growth Centre, on the other.

The rural crisis has had a significant impact on families in the region. The Centre has been investigating the special welfare needs of rural families in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and a local welfare group, and a seminar on rural social work is currently being arranged.

The Albury/Wodonga Growth Centre has attracted many new families to the region who lack the support of families and friends and who are unfamiliar with sources of help and services which are available. In addition, problems arise because of the two State jurisdictions represented in the area. Because of these decentralisation and border issues, the Victorian and New South Wales Governments have funded two positions - one to welcome newcomers to the area, and the other to examine border anomalies and recommend co-ordinating mechanisms.

Residential Child Care

Two family group homes have been established - one at Wodonga and the other at Wangaratta.

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Emergency Accommodation

l11e Emergency Care, and Emergency Accommodation Schemes arc now 1-'ell developed. About 60 families have been approved to care for ..:hi ldren in emergency situations and 66 children have been placed for periods of up to three months. Between 1 January and 30 June, 1978, the th'O caravans in the southern half of the region provided emergency a..:commodation for 19 families - ::!4 adults and 43 chi 1 dren. An Emergency llousc has been made availahle in the northern part of the region.

The FACS Program

111e FACS Regional Consultative Committee sponsored a seminar on the Human Relations Report in April. The seminar stimulated considerable discussion about preventive programs and social development programs. Participants also made recommendations to the l~hite Paper Consul tat ion on Social h'elfare.

EAST GIPPSLAND

Staffing

A relatively stable staff situation enabled a number of new program developments during the year. At the same time, these developments have highlighted the need for a Deputy Superintendent and an additional Administrative Officer. In the child care area, the appointment of an additional Social Worker and Aboriginal Welfare Worker is urgently needed·

Facilities

Inadequate office space has posed difficulties for staff at the Centre. With respect to both staffing and facilities, the Centre has been unable to attract additional resources for the development and operation of services. It is felt that country regions are generally afforded a lower priority than those in the metropolitan area in the allocation of resources.

Family Support

An emergency accommodation service and financial counselling service have been established by the Bairnsdale Welfare Committee through funds made available under the Family Support Service Program.


A foster care program was developed in Sale in 1977 following approval in the same year for the establishment of a family substitute care program to service the region. In 1978, the Sale foster care program was extended and progress was made towards the establishment of a fully regional foster care program. The need for the program is evident in the high number of children in non-parent assistance placements. Of particular concern is the need for placements for Aboriginal children.

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Rt'sidential Child Cal'e

Ki 1many Park llome for Boys closed in December 1977 and alternative placements were made for the smaJJ number of boys in the home. The Uniting Church continued its commitment to child care in the region by establishing two family group homes - one in Sale and one in Bairnsdalt·. These two homes p1·ovide the only long-term accommodation for wards fron, the region. An additional two homes are to be established.

Volunteers

The Centre has relied extcnsi vely on various groups of volunteers to enable it to fulfil its functions. The contribution of members of the PACS Regional Consultative Committee, foster parents, Honorary Probation Officers and others has been particularly worthwhile.

The FACS Program

The Program's rapid development in the region was greatly assisted by the secondment of the Social Worker from the Lakes Entrance Community Health Centre. Through the program, funding for projects totalling more than $27,000 was made available.

CENTRAL GII'PSLAND

Staffing

For the first time, the Centre has an almost full staffing establi shme11t. This has allowed for more manageable caseloads and an improved capacity for supervision and training of Honorary Probation Officers.

Facilities

Delays in the establishment of a regional reception facility and a sub-office in South Gippsland are of major concel"O. Both have been proposed for some time but have yet to develop beyond the planning stage. In the absence of a sub-office, the South Gippsland area remains relatively isolated from Departmental services.

Family Support

Funding for the Centre's Family Aide Program remains uncertain. Despite this, the program has operated successfully and is highly regarded throughout the region. It has enabled the return of many children to their families after long periods of institutionalisation and prevented the need for other children to be admitted to the care of the Department. At present, 35 families involving 203 children are on the program.

Regional Case Planning

The Regional Case Planning Committee meets weekly to review the progress of all wards in the region and to consider case planning alternatives. Between March and October 1977, the Committee reviewed the situation of of 120 families. t-1embers of the family took part in the discussions in 94 cases.

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The FACS Program

It i::; expected that the h\CS Program will become an incrensingly important aspect of the Centre's work in the Central GLppslanJ Community. Th<' success of the program to date has been largely due to the high Jcgrce of commitment on the part of the Regional Consultative Committ~'e.

INNER URBAN

The Inner Urban Regional Centre was established during the YL'ar. It differs from other Regional Centres in the scope of the services for which it is responsible and in the diversity of intl'Tests which it represents.

Till:' Inner Urban Region is characterised by a number of unique factors which diffl·rentiate it from other regions in the State. It represents

the interaction of centrally based State-wide organisations and local neighbourhood groupings; the focus for the State's transport system; the focus of political power.

Nithin the region arc a number of distinct groupings -

the inner city area; an area where the non-residential users of the inner parts of the city region outnumber the residential users; an identifiable area where the resident population continues to decline, unemployment remains high, and ethnicity is high.

The combinatitm of these factors has resulted in a process rather than a geographical entity. This process is central to the development of <Ill other welfare services throughout the State. lt provides a rapidly changing environment, inherently complex in nature. This region then becomes the focus for problems throughout Victoria, and it serves as a point of refuge for individuals at risk in their local communities.

In recognition of the complexity of the region, four district offices have been established to provide a full range of services to the local communities. These offices are designed to be responsible to the specific 1nd individual needs of the communities they serve,and to enable this, are manned by appropriate senior staff. Subject to the availability of accommodation from the Public Works Department, Suboffices will be established at South Melbourne, St Kilda, Collingwood and Kensington.

Specific responsibilities allocated to the region include -

the Children's Court Advisory Service; the Liaison and Referral Unit (details of the Court Advisory Service and the Liaison and Referral Unit are included in the State over-view of Regional Services); training programs for staff who have a high degree of immediate contact with the community. The object of this training will be to ensure that those staff with whom the public has greatest contact will be well versed in the full range of Departmental services ant! all aspects of the welfare industry.

59.

~~ESTERN SUBURBS

TI1e Western Suburbs Regional Centre was created in the 1976 Budget but did not begin full operations until 1 July 1977.

TI1e Regional Centre at Footscray and Sub-office at Sunshine service a population of approximately 400,000 people, a high proportion of whi~h are migrants. Tile region has a shortage of traditional welfare agenci('s.

During the Centre's first full year of operation, considerable staff time has been spent in becoming familiar with the region and building up credibility with regional organisations and the public.

Tile establishment of the Regional Centre has greatly improved the accessibility of Departmental services to people in the area. Previously the 1,600 or so families for whom the Footscray and Sunshine Offices have direct responsibility were required to travel to the city to contact their welfare worker or apply for financial benefits.

It is disappointing to report, however, that due to a near overwhelming demand for services and a dearth of alternative welfare agencies, staff in the \vest ern Region can offer only a limited service. TI1ere are currently approximately 150 families on the service waiting list and several hundred families receiving only a nominal service.

Staffing

Tile demand for services and the inability of the Centre to adequately meet this demand has placed considerable pressures on staff. Tile rate of turnover of field staff has reached an alarming level of approximately 70% and, partly because of the frustrating work conditions, staff recruitment has become very difficult.

A Hanpower Needs Study is to be undertaken early in the new year and is expected to enable a more accurate pinpointing of workload problems and a clearer indication of remedies to these problems.

Regional Problems

Two particular areas of regional concern have become apparent during the year -

There appears to be a vast need for all types of low cost accommodation. Agencies operating accommodation services have been inundated with requests for accommodation ranging from long term family accommodation to specialist facilities for adolescents, single males and women.

Unemployment has had a particularly serious impact on the Western suburbs and thousands of dollars are being paid in emergency benefits to people who are out of work. The employment situation has exacerbated existing unmet need and welfare problems of the West.

60.

Service Planning

'The appropriateness of the two Children's Homes at Ballarat to the needs of Western Suburbs families is under review. It is likely that at least one of these homes will close and that the resources released by its closure will be directed towards the establishment of new services which support families and prevent breakdown rather than accommodate children after breakdown has occurred.

The FACS Program

The implementation of the FACS Program has been reasonably successful in the Western Suburbs largely as a result of a regional decision to build on the achievements of the Australian Assistance Plan, and the goodwill and support of local organisations and residents.

There are still some problems with the program, particularly with respect to the availability of funds, independence of structures and procedural guidelines. The initial establishment phase has, however, been successfully completed.

NORTH WESTERN SUBURBS

Staffing

The Centre has experienced problems in appointing suitably qualified staff to senior positions. Three of the Centre's five senior positions have been either vacant or filled on assignment, and a high proportion of senior staff time has gone into maintenance and retrieval tasks rather than systematic planning and developmental processes.

At the same time, there has been a substantial increase in demands made upon Centre staff, particularly those generated by new service areas. Staffing difficulties and high work loads have taken their toll on the Centre's effectiveness in meeting these demands together with its other responsibilities. Through the year, a maximum of about 150 cases were not able to be allocated.

Facilities

No real progress has been made in the planning of residential facilites for the region. This matter is of the utmost concern.

Volunteers

A more systematic and planned approach to the use of volunteers has been implemented. The value of this approach is seen as a means of dispersing and sharing responsibility in dealing with welfare problems.

"

61.

Co-ordination

The Centre has been .:oncerned to develop a more cohesive planning strategy both in the provision of its own services and in relation to other agencies providing similar services -

an overall statement of objectives for the Centre has finally been completed; program committees have been established to promote the integration of different programs into an overall framework for the Centre. A more systematic approach to management has also been developed establishing clearer guidelines for the role of the sub-offices and the relationship between the Superintendent and Secretary, and Head Office; an attempt is being made to co-ordinate case-planning responsibilities in the region. The establishment of a case-planning conference, to operate jointly with other agencies, was well advanced at the end of the year.

The FACS Program

The North Western Suburbs Region has faced - and is likely to face -particular problems in the implementation of the FACS Program. This is largely because of the lack of any well developed welfare infrastructure in the region. There are no substantial voluntary agencies and local government has only recently become involved in the provision of welfare services. The absence of suitable auspices is considered to have serious consequences for the flow-on of benefits through the program -

it seems likely that artificial auspices based on a consortia of existing agencies will have to develop to take up funding. Substantial input from the Department will be required to keep these structures operational; the requirement for matched funding for Community Service Grants appears likely to substantially weaken the flow of funds which would otherwise be expected to come to the region through FACS.

To date, local government has adopted a "wait and see" attitude towards the program and community interest has been somewhat slow in developing.

NORTH EASTERN SUBURBS

Staffing

Like many other Centres, the North Eastern Region has experienced staffing difficulties. A high staff turnover and high work loads have posed problems, particularly in the Centre's relationship with the Courts where a shortage of human resources has reduced the Centre's capacity to provide adequate services.

The transfer of an increasing number of services from a central to a regionally based level will have to be·met with a similar transfer of expertise and knowledge to staff responsible for providing regional services.

62.

Facilities

The estabLishment of a Sub-office and a Regional Reception facility are considered to be high priorities for the region.

There have been some problems with regard to office accommodation.

Residential Care

The Centre has devised a policy and planning program for residential facilities in the region.

Home release panels have been established as a means of involving parents, children and children's homes in decisions about home release from institutions. An evaluation of the effectiveness of this procedure has been carried out but, in the absence of skilled and experienced research staff, was somewhat superficial.

Correctional Field Services

A self-help Parole Action Group has been established to -

identify and overcome areas of discrimination against parolees; modify community attitudes; reduce the likelihood of parole breakdown.

Volunteers

A training course for Honorary Probation Officers was conducted and another is planned. The training program has been devised by Centre staff, using the Centre's resources, and is designed to meet regional needs.

Support for Community Services

The Centre has provided -

consultation and support to volunteer agencies - particularly where services have been contracted out; support and resources to the two Legal Aid Services operating from the Centre.

Information and Co-ordination

A brochure on the services available from the Centre and the rights and responsibilities of clients has been completed. This brochure is simple in format and is considered to fill a gap in the provision of information to clients as distinct from agencies.

An information and knowledge system is being developed for the region in association with other community organisations.

63.

A :;ystem has heen developed to improve communicat.ion bt'tween staff and to encourage st:1ff involvement and participation in variou:; facets of the Centre's work. The structure adopt~J is now relatively well established and has been effective in promoting total participation of staff.

Forums have been established for organisations working in particular service areas with the aim of preventing duplication, reducing inequities and maximising co-ordination between agencies.

The Centl'e has continued its support for the Chi 1 J Care Servi cl' Providers•Committee in the interests of promoting co-ordination in this field. The Committee represents agencies in the region which are eng:1ged - in a professional capacity - in providing services to children and adolescents.

The FACS Program

A viable Regional Consultative Committee has been established in the region which, together with sub-committees, has providl'd strong links with local government and the voluntary sector.

OUTER EASTERN SUBURBS

Staffing

Increased work loads for the Centre, following the transfer of centrally administered services to a regional base, have limited the Centre's capacity to provide services in some areas, and to undertake community development programs.

A review system for all field work cases has been implemented and this has led to a reduction in case-loads and a release of resources for high priority cases. It has also meant, however, that voluntary clients representing about 20% of the Centre's caseload - have not always been able to be helped by Departmental staff and have had to use other community resources.

It is considered that the prov1s1on of community and preventive services to voluntary clients will, in the long term, contribute to a lowerjng in the number of statutory clients. This cannot be achieved unless adequate staff resources are made available.

Facilities

The Lilydale Sub-office was opened in November 1977 serving the Shire of Lilydale,Healesville and Upper Yarra. The establishment of this office has highlighted the limited amount of community resources in the area - particularly in the rural shires of Healesville and Upper Yarra.

There is also a need for a Sub-office to adequately service the southern extremities of the region - comprising the Local Government Areas of Knox and Sherbrooke.

64.

Family Support

The operation of a financial counselling service has been of major importance to the region. The service has had a significant impact in helping to reduce family breakdown and disruption and, subseyuently, the need for children from these families to be admitted to care.


l~e number of single parent families seeking financial assistance increased considerably during the year. Applications for financial assistance were approved for 833 families involving 1,637 children. This represents an increase of 383 families over the previous year.

Volunteers

Volunteers contribute extensively to the provision of services in the region. The Centre provides support and supervision for the work of volunteers.

A General Introductory course for volunteers was conducted during the year. The course was sponsored by the Centre in conjunction with other community agencies and focussed on a broad range of volunteer activities.

The FACS Program

The latter half of the year saw the consolidation of the FACS Program in the region backed up by a vital and active Regional Consultative Committee. It is becoming increasingly apparent, however, that Centre staff are not going to be able to maintain a high level of community involvement while, at the same time, carrying high case loads.

The region has benefited from its involvement in the FACS Program but this has not been without some strain on the Centre's manpower resources.

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

The Southern Suburbs Regional Centre was established during the year and by the end of June 1978, nearly all of the 31 staff positions have been filled.

The Centre operates from a main office at Highett. A Sub-office is planned for Caulfield.

At the end of the year, cases were still being allocated to the Regional Centre and subsequently to field staff. Field staff will operate on a geographical basis with one or more persons being assigned to each Local Government Area. •

•

65.

\I'ESTEIU.JPORT

'l11e l~esternport Region covers 13 municipalities of about 340,000.

a total popnl:1hon

~1ost of the Region falls into two distinct onal "corridors" -

the "Dandenong Valley" corridor serviced by the flanJenong Office (the Regional Centre headquarters); the "Frankston/Mornington Peninsular" corridor serviced by the Frankston Sub-office.

There is little which links the two corridors and the client population is fairly evenly divided between them. As a result, a "twin" approach to the planning and delivery of many social welfare services has developed.

The provision of services is organised on a municipality basis. Field workers link in with, and contribute to the development of, welfare activities in specific geographical areas. Local welfare activities are integrated with the primary task of taking responsibility for a caseload of families for whom the Department has statutory responsibility.

At 30 June, the Westernport Regional Centre was responsible for providing a service to 1, 726 clients. Of these, 522 were Family Assistance applicants the highest of any region in the State.

Staffing

At the end of the year, the Regional Centre had a total staff establishment of 33 representing an increase of seven over the previous year.

Even when all field staff positions are filled, however, a substantial number of clients will not be able to receive services from the Centre. Administrative resources are severely over-taxed - partly as a result of the transfer and accumulation of administrative functions. The two Family Assistance Officers are carrying twice the accepted "optimum maximum" workload.

The staffing situation is of grave concern to the Centre and other welfare groups in the region.

Family Support

Seven Family Support Programs were established during the year through funding from the Commonwealth Office of Child Care. Financial Counselling, Family Aide, and Housing/Accommodation programs were developed in both "corridors" of the region, and a Volunteer Co-ordination Program was established in Springvale.

Other developments of a family support nature include -

the establishment of the Peninsular Women's Refuge; the commencement of a program to establish a network of counselling and family support services in the Dandenong Valley area being undertaken by the ~lelbourne Family Care Organisation;

66.

the proposed establishment of a range of family support services in the Southern Peninsular Region to be undertaken by the Mission of St James anti St .John.

Family Substitut~ Care

A comprehensive regional foster care program is expected to begin operating in October 1978. The program will be run by the Child Care Service of the Uniting Church in conjunction with the Regional Centre.

Volunteers

The selection, orientation and support of volunteers has had a high priority during the year. The further development and expansion of the Centre's volunteers programs - both in the range of tasks undertaken and in the number of volunteer recruited - will receive special attention during the coming year.

The FACS Program

The Westernport Regional Consultative Committee has met on a monthly basis since its inaugral meeting on IS December 1977. Three Regional Task Groups have been established

a Social Consumer Task Group which has reviewed the activities of the Social Welfare Department in the region; a Family Services Task Group which initially assessed funding applications from community welfare groups, and explored the development of community centres in the region; a Community Development Task Group which initially assessed certain applications for funding, and is working toward the development of Regional Information Services.

During the year, seven Local Government Authorities received grants for Information and Co-ordination Services, and 19 organisations received Community Service Grants and Local Initiative Grants.

•,

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67.

CORRECTIO~AL SERVICES

Under the re-organisation of tlw Department, the former Prisons Di vi:.; ion became the Division of Correctional Service". The name change recognises that the Di vi si on is responsible for a broader range of correctional programs than simply the administration of prisons.

At the same time, the Government's conunitment to include the administration of corrections within the Social 1\elfare Department has been reaffirmed. It is maintained that the correctional system shares conunon objectives with the social •:elfare system in the promotion of individual, family and conununity well-being and in the development of programs to reduce social problems. The Department supports the view that there is an essential inter-relationship between such social conditions as poverty, isolation, child neglect, family disorganisation, juvenile delinquency and adult crime. The aim of Departmental programs is thus to improve social conditions thereby reducing the social problems which flow from them. In the corrections area, the Department has a responsibility to ensure that the conununity is protected from people who threaten the safety of its members and, at the same time, to prepare offenders who have been isolated from the conununity for their successful re-integration into conununitr living after completing their sentence.

ROLE AND RESPO~SIBILITIES

The Division of Correctional Services constitutes one of the three major service Divisions of the Department together with the Division of Family and Adolescent Services and the Division of Regional Services.

The functions of the Division include -

the control and supervision of all people detained in Victorian prisons; the development of prison programs to keep prisoners gainfully employed, to assist in their management, and to provide them with skills appropriate to life in the outside community; the provision of welfare services to prisoners and their families; the provision of support services to assist prisoners released from prison; the promotion of co-operation between private organisations and government departments concerned with the welfare and after-care of prisoners; the development and operation of conununi ty-bas ed corrections programs; the development of programs designed to assist the re-integration of the offender into the community whenever this is possible.

Prisons

The Department recognises the need to provide appropriate custodial facili~ ties for the containment of prisoners. Custodial facilities must be secure -ensuring an adequate degree of protection for the community and, at the same time, offer humane living conditions. Opportunities must also be provided for prisoners who wish to better themselves -whether this be with respect to personal development, education, or employment skills. Most prisoners are eventually released into the community again and it is important that they be provided with opportunities to make a successful re-adjustment.

6H.

In Victoria, ten prison!' are maintained for men and one for women. t;iftL'T-ences in the leveb of ,;ecurity and in the types of programs rn·ovided including welfare and training programs -make it possible to match pci soners to the son h'h1 eh is most appropriate for their oanagemc1': and h'hich will best prepare them for their eventual release.

Corrum.mi ty Hased Corrections

Increasingly, the Department is developing programs which allow for greater interaction between offenders and the community. The Department bel ien~s that, wherever poss 1 ble, non-dangerous offenders should be punislwd \'ii tl.in the general community allowing their networks of family, friends, neighbours, and employment to be preserved.

Four Attendance Cent.res are operated by the Department as an alternative to full-time imprisonment.

Under the Attendance Centre Program, the Court may permit a person sc1:tcnceJ to a prison term of between one and 12 months to serve their sentence pc.rttime at an Attendance Centre. In doing so, consideration is given to tht' seriousness of the offence, whether the offender has family and community support::>, and the recommendation of the Superintendent of the Centre.

Offenders on the program are required to attend an Attendance Centre for two evenings a week and all day Saturday when community service projects are undertaken. The total time commitment is 18 hours.

Attendance Centre programs contain two distinctive elements

the personal growth and development of the offender through counselling, discussions, and the learning of useful social, recreationa.i and work skills;

close supervision and work effort. Attenders spend Saturdays doing community work similar to that undertaken by community service organisations.

Administration

The senior administration of the new Correctional Services Division has been strengthened under the re-organisation.

Two Deputy Directors - each responsible for specific aspects of correctional administration - and a Senior Administrative Officer will support and assist the Director of Correctional Services who will have overall responsibility for the work of the Division.

The Deputy Director of Establishments will assume responsibility for all facilities administered by Correctional Services Division. This includes responsibility for security requirements, all Divisional farms and prison industries. The Deputy Director of Programs will have responsibility for all clients of the Division and the day-to-day management issues which affect them including classification and social welfare services. The Deputy Director of Programs will also have oversight of the Division's work with related private agencies, and volunteers working in correctional facilities. The clearer delineation between responsibility for Divisional facilities and programs recognises the potential for conflict between the rational maintenance and administration of facilities, and the needs and interests of clients. The strengthened administrative structure will allow

for greater specialisation and concentrated effort in both areas.

69.

PRISONS

During 1977-78, there were a number of significant developments in Victoria's prison system-

work began on the High Security Unit at Pent ridge. The Unit has a capacity for 54 prisoners. It combines security measures appropriate for "high risk'" prisoners with a range of work and recreational facilities; preliminary planning is well advanced for a second High Securit~· Unit to be located at Castlemaine. This Unit will house 36 prisoners; J Division at Pentridge is being converted from a 120 bed dormitory to a modern cell block housing 35 prisoners; construction of the Pentridge Hospital began in January 1978. This hospital will provide a centre for medical administration throughout the prison system and wi 11 initially have a capacity for 20 beds. Work has also begun on an ll bed Security Ward at St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne. The ward will cater for acutely ill prisoners in greatly improved security facilities.

The 1977-?!S year also saw a number of major disturbances in Victorian prisons -

a fire at Beechworth in December 1977 destroyed the Education Centre and forced the closure of the ~~estern Wing of the prison (52 cells). As a result of the fire, a major evacuation of prisoners was necessary and the emergency plan operated successfully; a fire in the B Division Chapel at Pentridge in April 197!S caused major damage to the roof of the Division; a number of H Division prisoners at Pentridge caused serious disturbances in April 1978. The prisoners alleged that conditions were harsh and inhumane and the Ombudsman was called in to hear their complaints. One-third of the eighteen general complaints resulted in recommendation being made. These related to silence, separate confinement, aspects of the practice of "quick march", interviewing facilities for lawyers and procedures for the hearing of charges by the Governor. Where possible, action has already been taken on these recommendations. The Ombudsman noted that two of the other complaints would be largely overcome when the new High Security Unit was completed and when two senior correctional appointments had been made.

NUMBERS AND TRENDS

The declining trend in the prison population, evident since 1971, reversed during 1977-78. The number of offenders sentenced to periods of detention in Attendance Centres has also increased with the opening of a further two Centres during the year.

The daily average prison population, which last year was the lowest since 1956. rose by 41 during the year under review - from 1,484 to 1,525. While this, in itself, is no cause for alarm, the reversal of trends will need to be kept under review in terms of possible future accommodation requirements.

The increase in the daily average prison population can be partially accounted for by the gradual accumulation over the years of long-term prisoners - those serving ten years or more, including those sentenced to Life and Governor's Pleasure. The long-term effects of this accumulation will also need to be monitored.

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There was no significant change in the daily average prison population of female prisoners increasing very slightly from 32 to 33 during the year. Total receptions of female prisoners was 338 - 12 up on the previous year.

The total number of prisoners received during 1977-78 was 8,918 compared to 8,708 in 1976-77 -an increase of 2.4%.

The highest number of prisoners in custody on any one day was 1,620 compared to 1,587 the previous year.

The daily average at Attendance Centres was 76 - an increase of 18 on the figure for 1976-77. In its second full year of operation, the number of offenders sentenced to serve their imprisonment by way of attendance at an Attendance Centre was 230 (224 males and six females).

CLASSIFICATION

The Central Classification Committee is responsible for allocating prisoners to the most appropriate institution taking into account security, risk to the community and the general well-being of the prisoner.

Security requirements are given the highest priority. The use of the Security Points System - whereby each prisoner is given a security rating - has been particularly successful. The low escape rate for the year (24) may in part be related to the successful operation of the system.

The need to protect prisoners from other prisoners remains an important consideration. Often prisoners can face a very real threat from their "predatory" peers. In other cases, the problems are more imagined than real, or are a manipulative attempt to gain classification to a preferred prison. The Classification Committee had had to act with great caution in this area. The shortage of suitable alternative accommodation - particularly single cell accommodation - has posed problems in providing prisoners with the necessary protection.

Prisoners are increasingly reluctant to be moved to country locations. They consider that their re-classification to distant country prisons penalises them in terms of the ability of friends and family to visit. The Department does, however, provide free rail transport to visitors to these prisons.

Difficulties have been experienced in finding suitable employment for prisoners within the prison system.

Two significant developments during the year have had an important impact on the classification of prisoners -

an extensive survey of Classification in Victoria was undertaken by Mr. David Biles, Assistant Director (Research) of the Australian Institute of Criminology. Mr Biles' report - The Classification of Convicted Offenders in Victoria - made 30 recommendations which generally supported the Division's Classification program. It is significant that the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services is considering adopting the Classification System used in Victoria;

the Two-Tier Classification Structure was further extended. In addition to the Central Classification Committee, which has Divisional responsibility for classification, six Review and Assessment Committees which deal with prisoners' accommodation, training, employment, and

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other matters related to prisoner well-being have been established. Local Committees have now been established in the Northern Prison, the Central Prison, and "B" Division at Pent ridge, at Ararat and at Geelong. Another Committee covers the three Gippsland Prisons. ll'hen staff become available, it is hoped to be able to finalise the program to cover the Southern Prison at Pentridge and the four remaining country prisons.

In addition to sitting 1veekly at Pentridge, the Central Classification Committee has visited country prisons on 12 occasions. Each country prison has had at least one such visit, enabling country Governors to discuss problems with the Committee and promoting greater communication and co-operation at all levels.

The year under review has been characterised by open and frank discussion both whh staff at the different facilities and with the prisoners themselves. Wherever possible prisoners have been involved in decision making and, with the exception of classification to "H" Division, there have been few complaints.

SECURITY

High priority continues to be given to the maintenance of acceptable standards of security at all prisons.

Electronic monitoring devices are being used at Geelong and Ararat Prisons.

Closed circuit TV and remote controlled entrance barriers have been installed at Ararat.

New firearms have been issued to all prisons and staff retraining programs in the use of firearms have been instigated.

Security at the older walled prisons have been upgraded with the use of observation mirrors and improved alarm and communication systems.

Routine searching of cells is carried out on a regular basis. This has proved particularly useful in limiting the drug problem and, after followup investigations, six persons have been charged with drug associated offences.

Comprehensive emergency plans have been developed for all prisons in association with the police.

NUMBER

The total number of escapes for the year was 22 involving 24 prisoners. TLis compares with 21 escapes involving 32 prisoners the previous year.

Increased staff vigilence and more positive control methods have resulted in the foiling of a number of highly organised escape attempts. At Pentridge alone, 12 separate escape attempts involving 15 prisoners .were foiled.

The increasing use of violence in escape attempts is a disturbing tendency. The attempts by a notorious prisoner to escape from his escorting officer at Royal Melbourne Hospital after receiving a gun from a female accomplice, and the desperate attempt by a "D" Division prisoner at Pent ridge to escape by taking a Prison Officer hostage, illustrate this emerging pattern.

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Ultimately, the security of prisons rests on the loyalty, dedication and efficiency of the Prison Officers. In this respect, the relatively low escape rate and the high number of escape attempts which were foiled, speak for themselves.

PRISON OFFENCES

An Ivestigations and Prosecution Section has operated within ~he Division since 1974. The Section is responsible for investigating -

prisoners' complaints; offences committed by prisoners; offences committed by staff members.

Assistance is also given to members of the police attached to the Prison's Liaison Office in the investigation of offences relating to prisons which have been committed by members of the public.

The Investigations and Prosecution Section is staffed by a Governor Grade I and a Principal Prison Officer. Both Officers have passed the Victorian Police Sub-Officers' Course which qualifies them to prepare and prosecute cases before a Magistrates' Court.

During 1977-78, 125 separate investigations were carried out. As a result of these investigations, 43 cases went to court. This includes Magistrates' Courts, County Court Appeals and four separate trials.

On April 1, 1977, the procedure for hearing charges against prisoners was changed in line with the recommendations of the Jenkinson Enquiry. Since then, charges which were previously heard by a visiting Magistrate, have been heard in an open court outside the prison. There have been 28 such cases to date. In all of them, the defendant has been found guilty of the charges alleged by the Department. Six prisoners have lodged appeals to the County Court and, in one case, the appeal was successful.

The hearing of charges against prisoners in an open court outside the prison is considered to be an important safeguard of prisoners' rights ensuring a greater degree of public accountability in the conduct of the hearing. Prisoners appearing before the court are also entitled to legal representation allowing for their case to be presented in the best possible light.

SOCIAL WORK AND WELFARE SERVICES

Welfare services are provided in all prisons.

The variety of welfare programs operated by the Correctional Services Division are aimed at -

helping prisoners adjust to prison life including the separation from their families and friends; helping prisoners and their families to work through personal and family problems; preparing prisoners for their release into the community again.

The major responsibilities of the Social Work Section include the operation of -

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the Temporary Leave program whereby selected prisoners may be re leaseJ from prison on a short-term basis for such reasons as pre-release preparation, family reasons, educational, medical and legal reasons; the Work Release program which caters for prisoners who have served long prison terms. TI1e program gives prisoners the opportunity to move from prison to a community-based residence during the last three months of their sentence as a transitionary period before their release; counselling and group programs. A number of successful group sessions were run during the year for new prisoners, prisoners about to be released, prisoners affected by alcohol and drug dependence, and other prisoners requiring programs of a therapeutic nature. In the coming year it is hoped to be able to increase the Section's involvement in community work and community education programs; special programs for Aboriginal prisoners.

The Social Work Section has also had an increasing involvement in decisions affecting prison management. Staff have taken part in meetings of the Review and Assessment Committee, supplied specific reports to the Classification Committee and taken part in discussions with Governors about particular prisoners.

A full complement of Welfare Officers is now based at Pentridge and a number of the Welfare Officer positions in country prisons have been filled. In country prisons where welfare staff are not employed on a full-time basis, city-based welfare staff visit on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

Voluntary support groups also provide welfare services to prisoners at Pentridge and in the Sale and Castlemaine areas. At Sale the support group has acquired a small house which, amongst other things, is used to provide accommodation for visitors. At both Sale and Castlemaine, facilities have been established outside the prison for visitors to wait prior to visiting, and child-minding facilities are available during visits. Members of volunteer support groups also visit socially isolated prisoners, provide assistance to prisoners taking education courses and raise funds for prisoner welfare.

The Social Work Section is currently working to its full capacity given the number of positions it has available. The further development of welfare programs is not possible unless staff numbers are increased.

Temporary Leave Program

A total of 1,085 individual applications for temporary leave were processed during the year- an increase of about 20% over the previous year. Of these, 627 were approved. The highest proportion of leaves per prisoner population was granted to prisoners in the three minimum security prisons although the leave program has also expanded in several of the medium security prisons.

The temporary leave program has proved to be extremely successful in helping prisoners to maintain family and community ties, helping to prevent longterm prisoners from becoming institu~ionalised, and in the general management of prisoners. Almost without exception, prisoners have accepted the trust placed in them and, during the year there was only one escape and two minor breaches.

Work Release Program

The Work Release Program operated from three major facilities during the

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year- Brady House, Fairlea Prison and Ararat Prison. The major facility, Brady House, closed towards the end of the financial year.

A total of 38 prisoners took part in the program over the period under review. Of these, 34 completed the program. Four prisoners were removed for minor breaches.

The Work Release Program is considered to be one of the major positive developments in Correctional Services over the past three years. During that time 100 prisoners have been given the opportunity to gradually re-establish themselves in the community after long periods of imprisonment. These prisoners have been given considerable support and assistance in reestablishing family ties, adjusting to the work situation, re-adjusting to community life, and developing essential social skills.

It is unfortunate that many potentially suitable prisoners have not been able to be accommodated on the program because of a reliance on non-Departmental facilities and a shortage of staff which has limited the capacity to provide adequate supervision.

Alcohol and Drug Unit

The Alcohol and Drug Unit was established in 1976 to provide a specialised treatment program for prisoners with alcohdl and drug problems. Close co-operation and liaison in maintained between the Unit and other government and voluntary agencies working in this area. Several groups have been organised for offenders affected by these types of problems and individual counselling is available from the prison psychologist.

Aboriginal Welfare

The Commonwealth Department of Aboriginal Affairs continues to provide a subsidy for the employment of a Welfare Officer specifically for Aboriginal prisoners. This officer visits all prisons on a regular basis and, as well as providing individual counselling and group work for Aboriginal prisoners, has established an Aboriginal Art/Craft Hobby Program and developed a remedial English course.

Close co-operation is maintained with other Government and voluntary agencies working with Aborigines and community programs are provided for both Aboriginal prisoners and their families after release.

PRISON INDUSTRIES

Every prison in Victoria operates at lease one industry in which prisoners are able to be employed.

The availability of these industries allows prisoners to occupy their time in a useful and meaningful way whilst in prison. Prisoners are also able to learn a range of practical work skills and work habits in the industries which, it is hoped, will be of benefit to them on their eventual release.

A maximum rate of pay of $1 a day applies to most industries and from this prisoners are required to purchase their own personal items and toiletries. An incentive payment scheme, whereby prisoners are paid according to their productivity, is operating on a trial basis in some industries.

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As much as possible, the industries service the internal prison needs. A contribution is also made to the needs of the community through the provision of goods and services which might not other1dse be available.

Increased public awareness of prison administration generally has !<..'J t•.) a questioning of the manner. in which prisoners spend their time 11·hilst u1 prison.

The Departnent believes that the punishmt>nt of an uffcnder h· imnrisonment should not include dcpri ving that offender of the right to \Wrk. Tl~t' prison industry program is an important part of the prisoner management providing benefits for the prisoners themselves and ultimatt:ly the community.

At present, 16 prison indust rics arc operated. Details of these i11dustries, where they arc operated, and the value of production for th~e ;1ast tlvO years, arc listed below -

Industry

Bookbinding Boot shop Brush Shop Carpentry

Clothing

Engineers Fruit Cannery Laundry llatshops

Number Plates Printing Sheetmetal Silk Screen Printing Textiles Tubular Furniture

Location

Pent ridge* Pentridge* Pent ridge Pentridge Beechworth Gee long Pent ridge* Pent ridge* Dhurringile* Pent ridge Castlemaine* Sale* Pent ridge* Pentridge Bendigo

Ararat* Pent ridge*

Ararat

Value of Production

1976-77 1977·· 7 ~

!Hl $4,000 $11,000 $12,000 $46,000 $24,000 $36,000 $29,000 $43,000 $37,000 $71,000 $62,000 $27,000 $44,000 $15,000 $22,200 $:::0,000 $27,000 ~48,000 $36,0;)0

$3,000 ::;3,500 $3,750 $5,586

$99,000 $117,000 $93,000 $85,000 $32 '000 $25,000

$12,500 $13,000 $21,500 $25,000

$38,000 $17,000

* Denotes those industries in which improved production was achieved. Facilities for a bakery industry are aho available at Pentridge but the industry has been temporarily closed down. It is expected to begin operating again in the near future.

A new industry of Computer Programming and Technical Maintenance of Computers is to begin shortly. The new industry has received the support of the Edu-cation Department and the Australian Computer Society and the Education Department has already installed computer equipment at Pentridge.

Fifteen prisoners will initially work· in the industry 'Wldertaking statistical analysis of data which has previously been undertaken manually by Departmental staff.

PRISON FA.Rl-6

The Correctional Services Division also runs four prison farms in which prisoners may be employed. These farms supply produce for consumption in Departmental institutions -

Ararat Bcechworth Dhurringile Sun bury

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vegetables and local meat supply; grazing, forestry and vegetables; grazing, orchard, dairy and poultry; grazing.

On a smaller scale, vegetables are also grown at Bendigo, Castlemaine, Non Wron, Morwell River and Sale.

All prison farms arc now operated as part of the one farming concern allowing for the transfer of livestock and fodder as the need arises.


the purchase of 231 hectares of land surrounding the Dhurringile Rehabilitation Centre. It is proposed to re-develop the entire Dhurringile property to a modern, low input irrigation farm. The State Rivers and Water Supply Commission has been given approval to survey the entire area; the appointment of a permanent Farm Manager at Si.mbury; a freeze on farming funds at the end of January 1978. As a result of the freeze, seed and fertiliser were not able to be purchased for the farms. The effect of this is expected to be felt at least the the next two years - particularly at Beechworth which has experienced a severe drought. The establishment of a Central Farming Account is considered to be of the utmost importance as a means of rationalising farming expenditure.

Total farm production for the year was valued at approximately $166,900. Expenditure was $19,808 making a profit of nearly $150,000. Most of the money came from the sale of meat to the Melbourne and Geelong prisons.

PRISON BY PRISON

PENTRIDGE

Her Majesty's Prison, Pentridge, is the largest and most secure prison in Victoria holding more than half the number of male,prisoners in the State.

Pentridge is divided into three separate sub-prisons (Northern, Central and Southern) which share general administration and supply services. Each sub-prison is autonomous and administered by a Governor who is responsible to the prison Superintendent.

The Northern Prison comprises three Divisions -

J Division caters specifically for offenders under 21; A Division mainly holds first offenders who are serving longer terms; H Division holds prisoners who are considered to be a security risk or who have been sent for disciplinary or safety reasons from other Divisions or prisons.

The Central Prison comprises two Divisions -

E Division provides dormitory accommodation for medium term prisoners; B Division is a high security Division.

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The Southern Prison comprises three Di visions

D Division holds trial and remand cases; G Division is a psychiatric and med:ical clinic; F Division holds short term prisoners.

PRISON WORKS

The year 1977-78 has been characterised by major building works at Pentridge. Details of some of this work are outlined in the general introductory section on prisons. Other work associated with the three separate sub-prisons is outlined under the relevant section below.

Weekly meetings are being held between Public Works Department staff and the Superintendent's Office to discuss current work projects. TI1ese meetings have led to a co-operative working relationship in which the responsibilities of both sides are better understood.

STAFFING

Greater emphasis has been placed on staff development during the year with programs geared towards both personal and professional development. A Prison Officers' Welfare Committee has been established and is active in providing welfare assistance to Prison Officers and their families. The Committee also raises funds to support its various activities.

INDUSTRIES

Weekly meetings are being conducted between the Supervisor of Industries and the Superintendent's Office. These meetings have contriuuted to a more positive interaction between overseers in industries and sub-prison Governors.

NORTHERN PRISON

PRISON WORKS

The conversion of "J" Division from dormitories to single cell accollliiK)dation is proceeding satisfactorily and it is hoped the cells will be ready for occupation in September 1978.

Following re-wiring of the radio system in "H" Division, radio speakers are now installed in the labour yards, both industry yards and both exercise yards.

Both industry yards in "H" Division have had television sets installed.

Considerable damage was caused to the cells of 17 "H" Division prisoners during disturbances on the nights of 15 April and 17 April .

WELFARE SERVICES

Contact vi si tors for "ll'' Division prisoners were introduced in October 1977. Subject to good conduct and industry, prisoners may receive a contact visit every four weeks.

Weekly visits were introduced for all prisoners on a trial basis in April 1978. It is considered regular visits are important in the maintenance of family ties.

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RECREATION

The "A" Division drama group - the Mess Hall Players - was awarded third prize in the Moomba Festival of Drama for its staging of the Royal llunt of the Sun. It is the first time the group has taken part in the compet1t10n. From the proceeds of the play, $5,000 was donated to the Prisoners' Welfare Amenities Account.

Four prisoners who received tuition from Vie Swim and the Royal Life Saving Society of Victoria have qualified as swimming instructors.

CENTRAL PRISON

SECURITY

New security wire has been placed around the yards of "B" Division ensuring more adequate security for a Division which contains a number of high-risk prisoners. It is also planned to place extra re-inforced concrete in the ceiling of "B" Division as an added precaution against escape attempts.

Night acti vi ties in "B" Division have been cancelled following the chapel fire. These activities have proved to be a worthwhile management tool and it is hoped that the necessary work can be speedily carried out so that they can be re-instituted.

OTHER PRISON WORKS

Demolition work on the notorious "C' Division was completed during the year. TI1e extra space made available by the demolition has been redeveloped to provide a bitumen basketball, tennis and volleyball court.

The Administration Block adjoining the main gate of Pentridge is being re-modelled. Stage 1 of the interior section has been completed and the Security Squad area is now ready for occupancy. The telephone switchboard has also been relocated to the main gate area overcoming the problems of vehicular traffic and pollution associated with the previous location.

The new "B" Division shower room is nearing completion.

Education

Plans are well advanced for a new school building to be located on a site adjacent. The new building together with its surroundings will provide a more suitable educational environment particularly for the various educational programs presently conducted in "E" Division.

There has been considerable interest shown in non-formal educational activities such as pottery, leatherwork and driver education. It is expected that programs like these will develop further in the new facility.

Recreation

Excavation work for a new swimming pool for the Central Prison is nearing completion and final plans for the pool itself are being drawn up.

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A swimming program for the 150 or so prisoners who would use the pool would be particularly worthwhile.

SOUTI-lERN PRISON

SECURITY

Construction of the new 1-ligh Security Unit is ahead of schedule.

Security screens have been installed on all cell windows of "D" Division.

;!THER PRISON WORKS

"D" Division cells have been renovated.

"G" Division has been repainted.

Industries

New machinery has been installed in the number-plate workshop.

The kitchen refrigeration equipment has been updated.

Recreation

Work has begun on an in-ground swimming pool for "D" Division and an aboveground pool for "G" Division has been completed.

FAIRLEA

Fairlea is Victoria's only prison for women. It has a capacity for 67 prisoners.

NUMBERS

There were 34 prisoners in custody at the start of the year. At 30 June 1978, there were 42 prisoners and one baby at the prison.

PRISON WORKS

Inspections carried out by the Fire Brigade during the year indicated that Fairlea was a severe fire hazard. To overcome the fire risk, water mains, hydrants and hoses are in the process of being replaced.

In other respects, the work of the prison service at Fairlea is severely hampered by the inadequate buildings.

ARARAT

Ararat is the largest prison in Victoria outside Melbourne with a capacity of 191 prisoners. It is a medium security prison in which ~ost prisoners are housed in four-bed cells.

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NUMBERS AND TRENDS

During the year, the daily average prison population was 168 - an increase of 33 per day in relation to the previous year. Prison strength at the end of the year was 187.

SECURITY

The number of escapes from Ararat has fallen consistently in recent years. The four escape incidents in 1977-78 involved four separate prisoners. Only one of the escapers is still at large. The four escapes compare to five the previous year, eight the year before that, and 18 in 1974-75.

New security measures include -

installation of an electronically operated boom gate, closed circuit television and electronic beam at the entrance to the prison to prevent unauthorised entry by vehicles; introduction of closed circuit television surveillance of prison compound and walls; installation of two 1000 watt spotlights capable of covering most of the prison property; installation of a standby generator connected to five floodlights around the prison compound and the electronic boom gate. The generator is an important security safeguard in the event of power failure; a wire race is being installed in the Industry Yard to give improved security coverage of the Tubular Steel and Silkscreen Industries.

In addi t hm, new revolvers, shotguns and a rifle were received during the year to replace the existing stock of weapons.

These new measures have been a valuable aid in the maintenance of security at the prison. Just as important, however, is the provision of adequate staff. In this respect, the practice of having two officers patrol the prison has proved its worth. Since this practice was instituted, there has been only one escape and the escapee was recaptured by prison staff within ten minutes of effecting the escape.

WELFARE SERVICES

The small Work Release Unit in the previously unused section of the Officers' Mess area operated successfully during the year. A total of six men were placed on the program during the year and all but one (who became ill) completed it.

A pilot scheme of allowing selected prisoners private visits has proved an unqualified success. The visits usually last a full day and take place in a special comfortable unit. Prisoners must meet strict criteria before being accepted on the program but, as a general rule, the facility is made available to those long term prisoners whose type of crime and length of sentence mitigates against them being granted unescorted temporary leave. Prisoners, on average, are able to receive one private visit every four weeks. At the start of 1978, some ten prisoners were granted private visits. Three of these have since been placed on the temporary leave program.

Difficulty is being experienced in coping with the numbers of normal contact visits - particula~ly with respect to accommodation and security.

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INDUSTRIES

The prison assists the Forests Commission in undertaking forestry 1vork.

The Tubular Stee 1 and Si lkscreening industries have functioned h'e 11 throughout the year. The new wire race being installed around the industry yard will make it possible to leave the workshop doors open during the summer, improving working conditions during the hot l>'eather.

Prisoners at Ararat also undertake community service work for local schools, institutions and pensioners.

BEECH WORTH

Beechworth is a medium security prison of the old walled type. Normally it has a capacity for 103 prisoners but since the fire in December 1977, the prison muster has been limited to 52.

PRISON WORKS

A committee has been formed to plan the rebuilding of the prison following the fire.

It is planned to build a small remand centre at the prison to serve the needs of North-Western Victoria.

Maintenance of the prison, including repainting the interior, is a major task.

INDUSTRIES

A new, more modern dust extractor has been installed in the carpentry workshop with resultant improvements to working conditions.

Improvements have been made to machinery to meet safety standards.

The vegetable garden produced sufficient spare vegetables to enable donations to local institutions. Because of the drought, hay had to be brought from Dhurringile for stock feeding.

Prisoners at Beechworth take part in community service projects most notably the training and care of guide dogs.

A new course in farm practice has been introduced at the prison and is being taken by a teacher from 1\'angaratta Technical School .

BENOIGO

Bendigo is a medium security prison of the old walled type. for 77 prisoners.

PRISON WORKS AND FACILITIES

It has a capacity

The year under review saw the completion of many projects, among them -

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the antiquated telephone system has been replaced with a modern switchhoard operated from the front office; "Porta Potties" have been installed in all cells replacing the outdated and unhygienic commode and bucket system; security has been improved with the installation of further security mirrors in the Recreation Yard, the front courtyard and in the Circle of the prison.

Erlucation

There has been a higher incidence of course completion and better overall application to assignments.

The Education Department has provided a large amount of new furniture improving the educational facilities and study environment,

Recreation

Grants from the Department of Youth Sport and Recreation were used to purchase a much-needed movie projector and a set of carpet bowls.

A swimming pool and snooker table were paid for out of welfare funds.

The prison drama group has been active and staged the play "Touch It Light" during the year.

CASTLEMAlNE

Castlemaine is a medium security prison catering for both short and long term prisoners. It has a capacity for 93 prisoners.

PRISON WORKS AND FACILITIES

A new amenities store has been built using prisoner labour and constructed from bricks rnade at the Dhurringile Rehabilitation Centre.

The old staff quarters • previously used by the l-tedical Officer • has been converted to an office complex.

The old staff tea room has been demolished allowing greater space for beautification of the front courtyard area.

WELFARE SERVICES

The Temporary Leave Program continues to operate successfully at the prison. During the year. 93 temporary leave applications were granted.

A Prison Support Group has been formed by local residents. Facilities have been made available for prisoners' visitors to make use of a room between visits and while waiting for the return train to Melbourne.

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INDUSTRIES

An Incentive Payment Scheme was introduced on a trial basis into the matmaking industry at Castlemaine on February 6, 1978. Under the scheme, prisoners are paid $2 for each mat they produce. 'f11i,; compares with the usual system of payment in prison industries where the rate is limited to a maximum of $1 a day irrespective of productivity. To date, the scheme has operated satisfactorily at Castlemaine. It is considered the worth of the scheme will become increasingly apparent as time progresses.

Work has begun on extending the matmaking workshop. The extensions are necessary to house the Cricket. matmaking machine which, when operational, will considerably expand the industry's value.

Education

The Education Unit has been expanded with the use of two rooms in the converted Office Complex as an Office and studyroom.

The Unit now has formal Education Department recognition as a Registered School, As a result, individual funding is now available and the Unit has a potential staffing of one Principal and two assistants.

Recreation

Improvements to the exercise yard have made it possible for prisoners to take part in a wider variety of court competitions including tennis, volleyball and basketball.

The prison enters a team in the district cricket competition.

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DHURRINGILE

The Dhurringile Rehabilitation Centre is a minimum security "open" prison farm catering for short term prisoners. It has a capacity for 58 prisoners.

An additional 232 hectares were purchased during the year to improve the farming capcity of the Centre.

Prison Works

Renovations to the manager's residence on the newly acquired property has enabled three officers to move from their accommodation in the Dhurringile mansion. This has increased the capacity for prisoner accommodation from 55 to 58.

Local Receptions

Dhurringile began receiving prisoners from local courts in March 1977. Since then 104 prisoners with sentences ranging from 7 days to 12 months have been received from the local courts. This reception program has had the full support of magistrates and police in the area and, together with increased escorts from Pentridge, has led to the highest musters at the Rehabilitation Centre for several years.

Farming

The additional land has provided for greatly increased farming and stock holding capacity. During the year, 19,500 bales of hay were harvested. Of this, 2,400 bales were transferred to Beechworth and a further 180 bales to Ararat to help alleviate a shortage of fodder caused by drought conditions in these aTeas.

Fruit Canning

During the year, 960 ten-litre cans of apricots, 4880 cans of pears and peaches and 60 cans of tomatoes were processed at the Dhurringile cannery. Surplus raw fruit was also sent to other prisons.

GEE LONG

Geelong Prison is the second most secure prison in Victoria. Its construction is of the old walled type and it has a capacity for 117 prisoners.

Number and Trends

The daily average prison population at Geelong during the year was 100 -an increase of four on the previous year. The highest lock-up muster was 119 on 1-farch 2, 1978 or two more than the prison • s official capacity. There were 793 receptions and 772 discharges during the year.

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Prison Works

The tiling of the passage way and resu:Hacing of the food. preparation rooms has improved cleanliness in this area. A new shower and toilet has also been installed near the kitch~n for the use of the cooks.

An outdoor contact visit section has b~en established in a little used section of the prison. New lawn and shrubs have been planted and work has begun on a children's playground.

Industries

The new tailor's shop building will be:ready for occupation as soon as telephones and security alarms have been installed.

A pennanent officer in charge of the laundry has greatly improved the efficiency of this industry.

t-10RI'IELL RIVER

Morwell River Reforestation Prison is a 1!llnlmum security open prison camp. It has a capacity for 80 prisoner$.

Prison Works

Extensions and improvements to the sewerage treatment plant are expected to be completed shortly.

Tenders have been called for the supply of additional security lighting around the prison.

The installation of an additional telephone line, together with several extensions, has improved communications.

Welfare Services

Family Days have been successfully held on two occasions during the year. On each day, more than 100 visitors attended. There were no incidents on either occasion and, from the point of view of all concerned -including staff they were thought to be particularly worthwhile.

Industries

The main industry at Morwell River is fo~estry work. The District Forester reports that since December, consistently high numbers of prisoners in the bush gang have meant that progress with the forestry program has been greater than planned foT.

86.

Emergency Situations

During June 1978, gale force winds and heavy flooding caused the isolation of the prison on several occasions. Power and telephone lines were cut and roads were impassable leaving the prison without communication, lighting, heating or cooking facilities.

SALE

Sale is a medium security prison catering for prisoners serving both short and long terms. It has a capacity for SO prisoners.

Security

A new main gate constructed of steel has replaced the old wooden gate. A new steel gate has also been fitted to the senior staff entrance.

Several new cyclone fences have been erected throughout the prison to improve security and to cover blind spots.

Mesh screens have been fitted to all cell windows.

The sentry box in the exercise yard has been re-located for better visibility. An internal telephone and electricity have also been connected.

An automatic emergency lighting unit has been installed in the Officers' duty room and prisoners' messroom which operates immediately on a power failure.

A new external telephone terminal has been installed.

Welfare Services

Improvements have been made to the facilities and conditions for prisoner visits. A maximum of 9~ hours is now available for visiting on weekends. Picnic tables, umbrellas and children's play equipment have been provided, and for visitors awaiting entry, seats have been provided outside the main entrance. The recreation hall is used for visits during inclement weather.

Industries

The pilot Incentive Payment Scheme introduced at Sale Prison in February 1978 has been particularly successful.

In the five months since the scheme was industry, 410 mats have been produced. produced in the previous seven months. time before and after the introduction increased by 210%.

introduced in the matmaking This compares with 213 mats Based in equivalent periods of

of the scheme, production has

87.

The scheme has been carefully monitored and inspections by overseers at Sale and Castlemaine the two prisons at which the scheme is operating have assisted in improvements being made to production methods.

Prisoners taking part in the scheme are also involved in other prison industries sign writing and painting, and picnic table manufacture -and increased activity has also been noted in these industries.

Apart from the obvious improvement in production, it is considered that the Incentive Payment Scheme has contributed to greater prisoner involvement in their work and a higher level of morale.

Prisoners at Sale are also actively involved in community service work. Community service projects undertaken during the year include -

contributing to the fund raising effort for the Desailly Remedial Childrens' Centre; repairing building modules for Sale kindergartens; repairing toys for children of Heyfield families who were adversely affected by industrial strikes in the Latrobe Valley. The toys were given to the children at Christmas.

Prisoners also assisted in the general renovations and fencing of "Friendship House" operated by the Sale Prisoners' Aid Group. The house was opened in early 1978 and functions as a creche and refreshment centre, and provides overnight accommodation for prisoners' VISitors. It also provides emergency housing for members of the local community.

Recreation

The introduction of the incentive payment scheme has given prisoners greater resources to purchase hobby materials and hobbies are encouraged as a useful way of spending spare time.

Hobby work is of a consistently high standard and Sale prisoners took off two first prizes and two second prizes in the 1977 Sale Show.

A new hobby workshop in the rear of the recreation hall is nearing completion providing better facilities for hobby activities.

A variety of popular sports are played at Sale and the sealed exercise courts are suitable for tennis, basketball, volleyball and cricket and football practice.

WON WRON

lvon Wron Reforestation prison is a mm1mum security prison and one of Victoria' most modern prisons. It has a capacity for 90 prisoners.

Numbers and Trends

The number of prisoners at Won Wron at the end of the financial year is the highest since the prison was established in 1963. Most of the prisoners were received during the latter part of the year.

88.

The influx of prisoners, partly due to the major redevelopment works at Pentridge and the transfer of prisoners elsewhere, has led to a substantial increase in administrative work.

The classification scheme of transferring low security rating prisoners to minimum security prisons is considered to be operating very well with the central and regional classification committees endeavouring to select only those prisoners who are suitable for placement at such institutions as Won lvron.

As a result of the influx two major factors have emerged -

the average stay at Won Wron is now down to three months; about one third the prisoners are under the age of 21.

Prison Works

The installation of a public address system, involving 20 speakers, has greatly improved communications around the prison.

Welfare Services

A bus service to the railway stations for prisoners' visitors has been well used.

ATTENDANCE CENTRES

The Attendance Centre Program began operating in Victoria in June 1976.

Four Attendance Centres have now been established - at Thornbury, Geelong, Prahran and Spotswood. Each Centre can cater for up to 40 offenders at any one time - or 160 in all.

Most of the community service work undertaken by attenders is now done on behalf of individual pensioners and other needy individuals.

Other projects undertaken by attenders during the year include -

• activities associated with spastic and retarded children from the Illawarra Community Centre;

• restoration and redecoration of the Prahran Multicultural Community Centre; construction of a flood retaining wall at the Kardinia Boys' Home; delivery of Bricquettes to pensioners;

• painting the interior of the Institute of Social Welfare; grounds development at the Prahran Primary School.

Community service projects undertaken by attenders during the year represented around 4,800 day's work.

The cost of operating the program is about $45 per attender per week. This can be compared with the cost of keeping a person in prison which is about $180 per prisoner per week.

89.

INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WELFARE

TI1e Institute of Social Welfare - also known as "Loyola" - is the Department's training facility. Situated in the Melbourne suburb of Watsonia, the Institute provides training programs for people working or intending to work in the welfare field in either govcrnemnt or nongovernment agencies.

Specifically, the Institute provides the following courses and services -

In-Service Training

Qualification courses at base and advanced levels for personnel of the Social Welfare Department and non-statutory agencies - in particular, Prison Officers, Youth Officers and Child Care Officers.

Non-qualification courses conducted regularly or on ah occasional basis. Courses of this type include training for FACS personnel and hostel workers.

Pre-Service Qualification Courses

Certificate courses are currently offered in Welfare Work and in Residential Child Care. The Diploma Courses in Youth Works and Child Care - offered at the Institute since 1965 and 1975 respectively - are being phased out at the end of the 1978 academic year.

Community Volunteer Programs

Training courses are provided for people undertaking welfare work in the community in a volunteer capacity including Honorary Probation Officers and staff of Citizens' Advice Bureaux, welfare centres, voluntary agencies and community self-help groups. It is expected that the Institute's role in the training of volunteer workers will expand considerably in the fU1:ure.

Facilities and Support Services

The Institute makes facilities and support services available for seminars and conferences sponsored by the Social Welfare Department, other Government Departments and bodies, and non-statutory agencies.

Interstate and Overseas Liaison

Liaison is maintained with authorities which deal with areas relevant to the Institute's courses in other States,and overseas as a means of pro-moting the exchange of information and ideas. Foreign groups, and individuals sponsored by the Australian Development Assistance Bureau have, for example, attended the Institute for consultations with staff. Overseas and interstate students have also been accepted for courses.

90.

Library Service

A comprehensive library and information service is based at the Institute for use by all sections of the Department.

Regional/Institutional Training Projects

Institute staff are available to assist in the development of training programs in institutions and at a regional level. This decentralised role is a relatively new one for the Institute but its importance is likely to increase substantially as the Department regionalises more and more of its services.

In addition to the more traditional areas of responsibility outlined above, the Institute has been moving into a number of new service areas. At the same time, existing programs are being improved and expanded -

New In-Service Training Programs

"Make-up" programs to enable officers to move into other classifications - for example, Child Care Officer to Welfare Officer.

Special qualification courses for community welfare workers, ethnic minority groups - Aboriginal and migrant.

Regional/Institutional Training Projects

"Package" programs - including audio visual and printed materials, and guideline note for use in regions and institutions. A facility for the acquisition, production and distribution of these training packages, and for the training of staff in using and evaluating them, is planned.

Participation by regional or institutional Training Officers in Institute staff training programs will have a high priority.

Periodic Refresher Programs

These are supplementary to in-service and pre-service training for personnel of the Social Welfare Department and non-statutory agencies.

Departmental Staff Development Program

The Institute is to become involved in Departmental staff development programs. Plans are underway to make use of Institute staff, equipment and facilities for this purpose.

Training of Personnel from Other Agencies and Departments

Sponsorship and support of training programs conducted by other community welfare agencies - including programs which aim to promote informed public awareness of social welfare issues.

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91.

Support for basic training and staff development programs for other Departments could be provided by the Institute and might include the provision of rooms, equipment and facilities, and assistance from staff as requested. The Institute would not accept responsibility for the content or conduct of such courses, but would be ready to assist in the provision of facilities.

In summary, the Institute services the Department and the voluntary welfare sector in the provision of a wide range of training programs, short courses and seminars.

The ability of the Institute to further improve and expand its services is, however, limited by an outdated organisational structure and problems in relation to position specifications and anomalies in classifications. A non-competitive salary structure has posed further problems for the Institute. These problems, and others, have arisen because of a tendency over many years to establish positions at the Institute in a piecemeal fashion responding to specific course needs rather than establishing an organisation with the flexibility to meet new training requirements.

For the first time since the Institute was established, a comprehensive review of the organisation, management and operations is being undertaken. This review will provide a number of detailed proposals to

formalise organisational arrangements; provide for greater flexibility in staffing; deal with seasonal and changing training needs of the Department and the welfare sector; redesign the salary structure and designations of positions assigned to the Institute.

IN-SERVICE COURSES

Prison Officer Training

Prison Officers may obtain a Certificate in Penology after successfully completing three states of training.

Part 1 (Basic Training, 24 week course) The first two weeks of the basic training course is spent on theory followed by ten week's practical training in various prisons. During the final 12 weeks, further instruction in theory and practice is given at the Institute. Successful completion of this course is necessary for permanent appointment as a Prison Officer within the Victorian Public Service. Of the 101 officers who took the Part 1 course in 1977, 91 have now completed all requirements. Six Part I courses are scheduled for 1978.

Part II (Promotional Training, 10 week course) Officers taking the Part II course spend six weeks in class work, three weeks practical training - of which two weeks are spent at a country prison - and one week revision and examinations in three· subjects. Completion of this stage of training enables a Prison Officer to be promoted to Senior Prison Officer. There were two courses conducted during 1977 and all of the 24 Officers who were enrolled were successful. Another two courses are scheduled for 1978.

92.

Part III (Promotional Training, 10 week full-time course in advanced Penology and Institutional Management). Officers taking the Part III course are required to research and prepare a major paper and deliver it to a seminar audience. Successful completion of this course qualifies an Officer for a Certificate in Penology enabling promotion to Chief Prison Officer, or a similar senior position within the Correctional Services Division. Two courses were conducted during 1977 and another two are scheduled for 1978. Eighteen Officers graduated in 1977.

In addition to these courses, the Institute is developing a series of one and two day seminars to meet the specific needs of Prison staff -for example, special workshops are planned for Prison OVerseers.

Courses in Residential Child Care

The Certificate in Child Care (In-Service) can be obtained by successful completion of two stages of training •

• Part I (Basic Training, 24 week course) Students taking Part I of the course spend three months in full time study, plus an additional three month's full-time practical work. For statutory employees, completion of this course is a necessary pre-requisite for permanency in the Victorian Public Service. Three Part I courses were conducted during 1977 and, of the 64 enrolled, 62 have completed the course. Three courses are planned for 1978.

Part II (Advanced Training, 12 week course) Students spend eight weeks at the Institute plus four week's field training. Fourteen students successfully completed Part II in 1977 qualifying for a Certificate in Child Care.

Courses for Youth Officers

Youth Officers are employed at Reception Centres, Youth Training Centres and Youth Welfare Services.

Part I (Basic Training, 22 week course) Part I of the Certificate for Youth Officers course aims to provide basic training for people working with young people (14-21 years) who have appeared before the courts. The course involves 11 week's theory and 11 week's field training. For statutory employees, completion of this course is a necessary pre-requisite for permanent appointment in the Victorian Public Service. Five courses were conducted in 1977 and of the 71 Youth Officers enrolled, 66 have completed all requirements. Three courses are planned for 1978.

Hostel Workers Course

A new part-time, in-service course, for staff working in Youth Hostels was introduced in 1978. The initiative for establishing the course came as a result of discussions between the Hostels Task Force of the Children's Welfare Association and the Institute. The course format is based on the expressed needs of workers in the youth hostel field, and seeks to meet these needs by following a strong practice orientation. Students attend

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93.

classes on two days a week over a period of 12 weeks continuing their normal hostel duties during the remainder of the week. This allows for the immediate application of the knowledge which is acquired. Seventeen students the majority of whom were employed in non-governm<.'nt agencies -took part in the first course.

PRE-SERVICF COURSES

Most students taking pre-service courses at the Institute will later be employed in agencies other than the Social Welfare Department -including voluntary agencies, hospitals and similar institutions, local government authorities, private enterprise, and a few in other Government Departments. In fact, on past trends, less than 15% of graduates 1~ill take employment with the Social l'lelfare Department.

The courses are open to adults only and selection is based as much on aptitude and testing as on academic achievement.

Certificate in Child Care

TI1e Certificate in Child Care is a one-year full time course designed for people interested in making a career in the field of Residential Child Care. About 40~• of the course is spent on supervised and directed field training. In 1977, 18 students completed the Certificate course. There were 120 applicants for the 1978 course, of which 18 were offered a place.

Diploma in Child Care

Students may obtain a fliploma in Child Care after completing the Certifi cate course and a further year's full-time study. In 1977 11 students graduated with the Diploma in Child Care. This course will no longer be offered after the end of the 1978 academic year.

Both the Certificate and Diploma courses aim to develop the students' understanding of the philosophy of child care programs as well as providing practical experience in this field of work. Graduates may be employed in voluntary or government children's homes generally caring for children in the 3-15 year age group.

Diploma in Youth Work

The Diploma in Youth Work is a three year full-time course aimed at training students to work in group situations with young people. Students learn techniques of working directly with client groups; working with committees; administering a recreational youth community

• centre or other agency; recruiting. supervising and evaluating work of voluntary workers and other staff; and working with graduates of other disciplines.

In 1977, 15 students graduated with a IHploma in Youth l~ork. Students currently enrolled for the Diploma Course at the Institute will complete their studies at the end of 1978. Thereafter, the course will no longer be conducted at the Institute.

94.

Certificate in Welfare l~ork

This is the basic qualification for Welfare Officers in Victoria. The intensive 42 week course is designed to train welfare workers in the principles and methods of their work. Students spend 90 days in supervised field training in approved welfare agencies and, at the completion of their training are expected to be able to work either autonomously or with a team in voluntary or statutory agencies.

There were 27 graduates from the 1977 course. Of the 300 applicants for the 1978 course, there were 23 enrolled.

Field Teacher Course for Welfare Officers

This advanced course is open to qualified Welfare Officers who have had at least two years experience and who will be undertaking field teaching and supervision of welfare officer students on placement. The course deals with the field teaching process and places particular emphasis on student/teacher relationships. Of the 12 people enrolled on the course in 1977, 11 have completed the requirements.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Honorary Probation Officers Course

This course is intended to provide orientation, background, training and opportunities for discussion for Honorary Probation Officers and those who intend to volunteer for work in this area. The course has recently been restructured to provide two stages of training -

an induction course for new volunteers; an on-going training program for experienced HPO's.

These courses are held at various locations and, during 1977, were successfully completed by 71 people.

Welfare Volunteers Course

This course is designed to prepare volunteers for work in a Citizens' Advice Bureau, or similar social welfare agency, The course aims to introduce the volunteer to a wide range of information on community services. Emphasis is placed on the process of working with people to make the volunteer aware of the complex range of different people's needs and the various situations which might be encountered. Fourhour training sessions are conducted on a weekly basis over a period of 13 weeks and at a variety of locations. Of the 373 people who enrolled for the eight courses conducted during 1977, 334 successfully completed the requirements. Nine courses are scheduled for 1978.

Special programs in volunteer training in conjunction with community groups and Regional Centres were also conducted during the year.

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95.

STUDENT ASSIST~NCE

Residential accommodation is available at the Institute for up to SO students. At 30 June 1978, there were 40 students in residence.

Departmental officers who are attending in-service courses at the Institute receive their normal salary while undertaking full-time training. Some private students are enrolled and receive free tuition. Students taking pre-service courses also receive free tuition and, where eligible, may obtain financial assistance under the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Assistance Scheme. Some pre-service students receive bursaries from the Minister for Social Welfare and, during the year ended 30 June 1978, 89 students received such bursary assistance.

LIBRARY SERVICES

During the year, a comprehensive study of the Department's library services was commissioned. The study indicated that the Departmental library service was inadequate and inefficiently organised for present and future programs. Resources are poor and outdated, and internal information retrieval and other systems are poorly arranged. The consultant's recommendations cover all aspects of library service and are currently under consideration. Mr Barry Mclntyre - a lecturer with the RMIT Department of Librarianship - acted as consultant for the study.

USE OF INSTITUTE'S FACILITIES

The Institute's facilities are suitable and available for conferences, seminars and meetings.

Among the Departmental meetings held at the Institute during 1977-78 were -

the Regional Services Division Annual Conference; the first conference of the Family and Adolescent Services Division; a conference on senior correctional staff; two courses for Chaplains; other courses dealing with specific issues, for example, training of FACS workers, children in residential institutions, youth policy, teachers in welfare centres, management development, and meetings on volunteers and ethnic groups.

The grounds and the building have also been made available to community organisations for recreational and educational purposes. Among the groups who have used the facilities on a regular or occasional basis are -

The Diamond Valley Learning Centre; The Childbirth Education Association; The Northern Melbourne Regional Organisation of Councils (Region 14); the Diamond Valley and El tham Early Childhood Development Compl,ex; the Heidelberg Youth Orchestra; the Diamond Valley Gem Club; a "Contact" Group.

96.

The extent to which groups such as these are making use of the Institute's facilities is a healthy indication of a good relationship existing with the local community.

WORKS AND SERVICES

An extensive program of renovations to the building is being carried out.

The provision of a new boiler-house and boiler, and extensions to the heating and hot water services have been completed at a cost of $98,200. Renovations to toilets, showers and changing facilities at an estimated cost of $145,000 is nearing completion. The provision of fire-protection services to cost $56,600 is also nearing completion.

There is, however, still a substantial amount of renovation, re-decoration and site works to be approved before the Institute's buildings and grounds can be regarded as completely satisfactory.

SOCIAL WELFARE TRAINING COUNCIL

The Social Welfare Training Council is a statutory body constituted under the Social Welfare Act. Its functions are to -

exercise general supervision over theoretical and practical training which it prescribes; prescribe courses of instruction and training in social welfare; conduct examinations; issue certificates of qualification; maintain a register of persons who have completed training.

The Council has met ten times over the past twelve months. Matters dealt with by the Council include -

consideration of the recommendations of the Monash University Consultancy study on Child Care and Youth Officer courses;

• the implementation of guidelines for course submissions to Council; a review of the Youth Officer courses; approval of the introduction of a Hostels Staff training course; termination of the Diploma in Child Care course - the one year Certificate in Child Care, however, will continue to be offered.

The future role and structure of the Council following the re-organisation of the Department has been considered in great detail and recommendations on these matters have been submitted to the Director-General.

STANDING COMMITTEE

This Standing Committee was set up as a means of liaising between the Social Welfare Department, the Education Department and the voluntary agencies. The Standing Committee has met five times during the past twelve months and has -

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97.

made recommendations on the employment of Education Liaison Officers in institutions; been involved with the Children in Residential Care Program; made recommendations to the Directors-General of Education and Social Welfare on its future role and structure including a proposal to reconstitute the present three sub-committees as two autonomous committees - one in Correctional Services and one in Family and Adolescent Services.

98.

APPENDIX 1 (a)

FAMILY & ADOLESCENT SERVICES DIVISION:

INSTITIJTIONS:

INSTITIJTION CAPACITY

1. CHILDREN"S RECEPTION CENTRES:

Allambie Reception Centre, Burwood, Superintendent, Mr R C Wi 11 ich, 230 Dip Soc Stud. approx.

Baltara Reception Centre, Parkville Acting Superintendent ~lr T Wi lmot, B Univ Studies, Dip Crim.

Warrawee Reception Centre, Ballarat Officer-in-Charge, Mr A Dowling, Dip Soc Stud.

Miralee Reception Centre, ~lildura Officer-in-Charge, ~lr J Beasy, Dip SW.

2. CHILDREN'S HOMES

Ashendene Boys' Home, Olinda Superintendent, Mr L Weigell

The Gables Children's Home, Kew Superintendent, Mrs D McAulay

Hillside Boys' Home,Glen Waverley Superintendent, Mr R Buckley

Illoura Children's Home, Balwyn Superintendent, Mrs J Dyer

Northcote Children's Home Superintendent, Mr T Taylor

110

18

12

28

25

39

36

48

DESCRIPTION

Allambie is the largest Reception Centre within the Family and Adolescent Services Division, and also provides assessment, classification and treatment facilities. Accommodation is provided for girls up to 14 years of age, and boys up to 10 years, deemed to be in need of care and protection.

Baltara is the Division's Reception Centre for 10 to 14 year old boys, and provides reception, assessment, cla'ssification and treatment facilities. It comprises five residential sections, each accommodating 20 to 22 boys.

This Reception Centre provides accommodation for children up to 15 years of age.

This Reception Centre provides accommodation for children up to 15 years of age.

This home cares for boys from 10 to school leaving age.

The Gables cares for children in three groups, each with its own cottage mother. The age range of the children is up to school leaving age for girls and about 12 years for boys.

Hillside cares for school aged boys who have special needs.

This home accommodates boys and girls in three individual groups.

Northcote Children's Home cares for for children up to school leaving age in cottages on a campus setting.

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----· -·---------------INSTITUTION CAPACITY DESCRIPTION

------------ ---------------Pirra Children's liome,Lara Superintendent, 1-liss N Mc.Donald

Sutton Grange Children's llome, f.lornington, Superintendent, Mrs V Missen

3. FAMILY GROUP UOtv'lES

56 FaJTiily Group Homes, Supervisor, ~lr P Anderson, B Sac Stud.

2ll

30

Pirra c:ues for needs

rls with special

This horn<.' cares for girls to ll·avi ng age, and boys to about 10 years.

The Family Welfare Division operates 8 large family group homes, each for 8 children and 48 small homes each for 4 children. The homes arc located in t·letropolitan and country areas as follows:

Large Homes

Ivanhoe (2) Thorn bury East Preston(3) Ararat (2)

Small liomes

Thornbury (2) East Preston (2) Tcmplestowe (3) Doveton ! :n llallam (2) Mooroolbark (2) llarnpton Pari-. flea t herd;Jl e Mitcham ~lulgravc ( 2) Parkdale (2) 1\-lorwell (2) Traralgun (.') Bendigo (2) Dandenong Geelong (2) Kilrnore (2) Vermont Forest Hill Noble Park Black burn Hopper's Crossing (2) St Albans (2) East Keilor Greensborough Ferntree Gully Boronia Ring wood North Croydon Bayswater Watsonia Fawkner Glenroy

INSTITUTION

4. YOUTH TRAINING CENTRES

Turana, Superintendent !-lr J Lyons BSc, Dip Soc Stud.

Acheron Superintendent, Mr J Lyons, BSc, Dip Soc Stud.

Winlaton Superintendent, Mr L S Owen, BA, Dip Soc Stud.

Langi Kal Kal, Superintendent, Mr J Montz BA, MEd.

100.

CAPACITY

230

45

116

112

DESCRIPTION

The Centre combines remand, classification and training facilities for male wards and trainees at Parkville. With the exception of the Remand Centre, where the upper age limit is 16, the institution is geared to the needs of boys in the 14-21 age group. The treatment program incorporates remedial, primary, and secondary education, trade training, and socialisation by individual and group methods. Considerable emphasis is given to community service projects and the constructive use of leisure.

On the Acheron River near Buxton, the Centre is administered from Turana as an adventure camp for male and female trainees. In this capacity, Acheron provides an ideal environment for relaxed communication between staff and trainees and as a base for constructive outdoor activities.

Located at Nunawading, Winlaton provides an education program similar to a girls' secondary school with emphasis on social and emotional development, and opportunity for academic progress, geared to individual levels of ability, maturity and interest. As the initial point of intake for female Wards and trainees, the majority of whom are 15-18 years, the Centre carries out remedial and classification functions for this age group.

A former training prison, 3 miles from Trawalla on the Western Highway, Langi Kal Kal now functions as a Youth Training Centre for male offenders of 17-21 years. In addition to the standard aspects of the treatment program, including community service projects and weekend camping, the Centre operates a general purpose farm on the 2,700 acre property and supplies farm produce to other institutions.

INSTITUTION

Malmsbury Superintendent, Mr BC Anderson BA, Dip Soc Stud, Dip Crim.

5. YOUTH WELFARE SERVICES

Hawthorn Superintendent, Ms L Davies B Comm, Dip Soc Stud.

Brunswick Superintendent Or C Slack BA, MA, PhD.

Windsor Superintendent Mrs Dean Johns, BA, Dip Crim.

Wl.

CAPACITY

152

Approx 100 per year

Approx lOO per year

Approx 100 per year

DESCRIPTION

Established in 1965 on 83 a~res of land, Malmsbury is the newest of the major Youth Welfare Institutions with accommodation for 152 trainees of 17-21 years. The Centre has achieved excellent relationships with the local collll:lunity and a high dcgn·e of trainee involvement in community service projects and sporting events.

Established in 1970 as an experiment in short-term, non-residential care for 14-17 year old youths, the service has now established that many young offenders, who would otherwise be detained in a Youth Training Centre may be helped successfully in a community setting. These lads, who are referred by the Children's Court as needing specialised assistance, participate in group discussions, and community service projects, as well as individual counselling, and are assisted in these and other ways to make a more satisfactory adjustment to community living.

The Brunswick Youth Welfare Service combines residential accommodation for 10 boys with a treatment program oriented towards assistance to State Wards, who experience problems in relation to school attendance, employment and the home situation. Youth Off.icers from the Service work closely with school teachers, employers and parents towards the solution of these problems. The principle aim is to assist the boys admitted to the Service to return to a normal life-style in the shortest po~sible period.

The Windsor Youth Welfare Service for adolescent girls is now operating along similar lines to the Burnswick Youth Welfare Service, with a small residential unit and a program designed to provide a graduated transition to community living for female Wards, many of whom have experienced long periods of institutionalisation. Group discussion and personal counselling form the basis of the treatment program, which is supplemented by a variety of weekend activities designed to promote social growth. Practical assistance in relation to employment, accommodation and general social functioning continue for as long as necessary after the conclusion of the residential phase of the Service.

102.

INSTI11JTION CAPACITY DESCRIPTION ---------·---------------------------------------------------------------Western, Superintendent Mr B Innes, Dip Soc Stud, B Soc Work , t.fS\~.

6. HOSTELS

Sunshine, Manager Mr M Bailiss Dip. Ed, BDSc.

Ivanhoe Manager, Mrs H Shoobrook

Approx 200 per year

10

10

The Western Youth Welfare Service is the largest community treatment facility so far established by the Division. It wa~ opened in Ascot Vale towards the end of 1974. The property, comprising a large residence, a smaller residence, and a factory, was purchased from Commonwealth funds, and is staffed and maintained by the State Government. In full operation now, it functions as a hostel/young welfare service complex combining separate day and evening programs for older and younger groups of boys and girls. Day programs involve special work with young people experiencing extreme school problems, and assistance to young working lads, along the pattern of existing youth welfare services. The service aims to match programs to the assessed needs of clients, and to achieve maximum involvement with local community resources and close liaison with Regional Services, particularly the Western and North Western Regional Centres.

This hostel was established in 1959 to provide care and accommodation for male Wards from Turana who require a period in a supportive environment before they are ready to cope emotionally and financially with the full pressures of community living. Boys are assisted in the fields of employment, constructive use of leisure, and with general fields of social adjustment.

The role of the Ivanhoe Hostel is to provide care and accommodation for female Wards from "Winlaton" - especially those with particular problems of social adjustment. Fully operational with eight girls at present.

APPENDIX 1 {b)

REGIONAL SERVICES DIVISION:

(i) Regional Centres and sub-offices -

These each have a staff of approximately 10-30 officers, and provide a broad range of Departmental services at a Regional level. Close liaison with other welfare organisations and Government Departments, and active involvement in all aspects of community welfare, are a feature of the Department's Regional program. (TI1e right-hand columns list the Local Government areas served by each Centre).

Metropolitan:

Inner Urban Regional Centre, 55 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000. Sub-offices, Suite 6, 232 Carlisle Street, St Kilda 3182. 33.3 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne 3205. Supt. ~lr D Hamilton, BA, BSI'/ (Hons.)

Inner Eastern Suburbs Regional Centre, 55 Swanston Street, t.1e 1 bourne, 3000. Supt. Mr G Mathers, BA, Dip Soc Stud.

Southern Suburbs Regional Centre 374 Highett Road, Highett, 3190. Supt. Mr W Joyce, BA, Dip Soc Stud.

North Eastern Suburbs Regional Centre, 12 Cramer Street, Preston 3072. Supt Mr G Pearce, B Comm, Dip Soc Stud.

North 1\'estern Suburbs Regional Centre, la Phillips Street, Broadmeadows, 3047. Sub-office, NOW Centre, Cnr Sydney Road & Harding Street, Coburg, 3058. Supt. ~lr J Halliday, B Comm, Dip Soc Stud.

City of ~!elbourne City of Fitzroy City of Prahran City of Richmond City of South Melbourne

City of Box Hill City of Doncaster &

Templestowe City of Kew City of l~averley

City of Brighton City of Malvern City of Mordialloc City of Sandringham

City of Heidelberg City of Preston Shire of Eltham

City of Broadmeadows City of Coburg Shire of Gisborne

City of Coli ingwood City of Port t•le l bourm' City of Richmond City of St Kilda

City of Camherwcll City of llawthorn

City of Nunawading

City of Caulfield City of Moorabhin City of Oakleigh

City of Northcote Shire of Diamond Valley Shire of Whittlesea

City of Brunswick Shire of Bulla

Outer Eastern Suburbs Regional Centre, 291 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood, 3134. Sub-office, Shop - Albert Hill Road, Lilydale, 3140. Supt. Mr K J O'Su1livan, Dip Soc Stud.

Westernport Regional Centre 138 Walker Street, Dandenong, 3175. Sub-office, 424 Nepean Highway Frankston, 3199. Supt. Mr J Leatherland, BA, Dip Soc Stud.

Western Suburbs Regional Centre Cr.Albert & Paisley Streets, Footscray, 3011. Sub-office, 27 Devonshire Road, Sunshine, 3029. Supt. Mr J Gadsden , B Comm, Dip Soc Stud.

Country:

Barwon Regional Centre, 68 Myers Street, Geelong, 3220 Sub-office, 83-85 Gellibrand Street Co1ac, 3250. Supt. Mr D J Richards, BA, Dip Soc Stud, Dip Crim. Sub-office, Corio Village Shopping Centre, Corio 3214.

Central Gippsland Regional Centre 37 Buckley Street, Morwell 3840. Sub-office, 37 Lloyd Street, Moe. 3825 Supt. Mr J Noble, Dip Soc Stud.

Central Highlands Regional Centre 8 Dawson Street, North Ballarat 3350. Supt Mr V Coull, B Div (Hons), BA, Dip Soc Stud, MSW.

104.

City of Croydon City of Ringwood Shire of Lilydale Shire of Upper Yarra

City of Chelsea City of Dandenong City of Springva1e Shire of Bass Shire of Flinders Shire of Mornington Shire of Phillip Island

City of Al tona City of Footscray City of Sunshine Shire of Bacchus Marsh Shire of Werribee

City of Colac City of Geelong West City of South Barwon Shire of Bannockburn Shire of Bellarine Shire of Corio Shire of Otway

City of Knox Shire of Healesville Shire of Sherbrooke

City of Berwick City of Frankston Borough of Wonthaggi Shire of Cranbourne Shire of Hastings Shire of Pakenham

City of Essendon City of Keilor City of Wi1liamstown Shire of Melton

City of Geelong City of Newtown Borough of Queenscliff Shire of Barrabool Shire of Colac Shire of Leigh Shire of Winchelsea

City of Moe City of Traralgon Shire of Alberton Shire of Buln Buln Shire of Korumburra Shire of Mirboo Shire of Morwell Shire of Narracan Shire of Sth Gippsland Shire of Traralgon Shire of Warragul Shire of Woorayl Shire of Yallourn Works Area

City of Ararat Borough of Sebastopol Shire of Ballan Shire of Bungaree Shire of Creswick Shire of Grenville Shire of Lexton Shire of Talbot and

Clunes

City of Ballarat Shire of Ararat Shire of Ballarat Shire of Buninyong Shire of Daylesford and

Glen lyon Shire of Ripon

•

East Gippsland Regional Centre 1st Floor, SSB Building, Cnr Main and Service Streets,Bairnsdale 3875 Sub-office: l'iestside Buildings, Raymond Street, Sale 3850 Supt. 1>1r J Davidson, BA, (Hons) (Adelaide), M Soc Admin (Flinders)

Glenelg Regional Centre 78 Hanna Street, Warrnambool, 3280. Sub-office: Thomson Street Hamilton, 3300. Supt. Mr R Jack.

Goulburn Regional Centre Welsford Street, Shepparton, 3630. Supt. Mr A M Goodman, BA., Dip Soc Stud.

Loddon-Campaspe Regional Centre "Hi lis Bazaar", Bath Lane, Bendigo, 3550. Supt. Mr J R Webb, Dip Soc Stud.

Mallee Regional Centre, Deakin House, 65 Oeakin Avenue Mildura, 3500. Sub-office: Suite 7, 270 Campbell Street, Swan Hill 3585. Supt. Mr J Beasy, Dip Tech Soc Work (S Aust) .

105.

Shire of Orbost Shire of Tambo Shire of Omeo Shire of Bairnsdale Town of Bairnsdale

City of Hamilton City of Warrnambool Town of Camperdown Town of Portland Borough of Koroit Borough of Port Fairy Shire of Belfast Shire of Dundas Shire of Glenclg

City of Benalla City of Shepparton Town of Kyabram Shire of Alexandra Shire of Bcnalla Shire of Broadford Shire of Cobram Shire of De akin Shire of Euroa Shire of Goulburn Shire of Kilmore

City of Bendigo City of Cast lemaine City of Echuca City of Maryborough Town of St Arnaud Borough of Eaglehawk Shire of Bet Bet Shire of Charlton Shire of Cohuna Shire of East Loddon Shire of Gordon Shire of Huntly Shire of Kara Kara

Shire of Swan Hill City of Swan Hill Shire of Kerang Borough of Kerang

Shire of Avon Shire of Maffra Shire of Rosedale City of Sale

Shire of Hampden Shire of Heylesbury Shire of ~tinhami te Shire of ~1ortlake Shire of Mt Rouse Shire of Portland Shire of Wannon Shire of Warrnambool

Shire of Mans field Shire of Nathalia Shire of Numurkah Shire of Rodney Shire of Seymour Shire of Shepparton Shire of Tungamah Shire of Violet Town Shire of Waranga Shire of Yen

Shire of Korong Shire of Kyneton Shire of Mclvor Shire of Maldon Shire of Marong Shire of Metcalfe Shire of Newham and Shire of New stead Shire of Pyalong Shire of Rochester Shire of Romsey

1\foodend

Shire of Strathfieldsaye Shire of Tullaroop

Shire of Mildura City of Mildura Shire of Wycheproof Shire of Walpeup

Upper Murray Regional Centre, Hovell Street, Wodonga 3690. Sub-office:Cnr.OVens & Reid Streets, Wangaratta, 3677. Supt. Mr B Burgell, Dip Soc Stud, DDA.

Wimmera Regional Centre 41-43 Roberts Avenue, Horsham, 3400 Supt. Mr N J Pell, Dip Soc Stud.

106.

City of Wangaratta Shire of Beechworth Shire of Bright Shire of Chiltern Shire of Myrtleford Shire of Oxley Shire of Rutherglen

City of Horsham Town of Stawell Shire of Arapiles Shire of Birchip Shire of Dimboola Shire of Donald Shire of Dunmunkle

Shire of Tallangatta Shire of Upper f.turray Shire of Wangaratta Shire of Wodonga Shire of Yackandandah Shire of Yarrawonga

Shire of Kaniva Shire of Karkarooc Shire of Kowree Shire of Lowan Shire of Stawell Shire of Warracknabeal Shire of Wimmera

(ii) Special facilities (under superv1s1on of Superintendent, Inner Urban Regional Centre).

Children's Court Advisory Service Mathew House, 108 Batman Avenue, Melbourne 3000. Officer in Charge, Mr D E Lord, BA, Dip Soc Stud.

This Section supervises all male offenders placed on probation or supervision orders by Children's Courts and provides reports on most children and young persons who are to appear before the Children's Court.

Liaison & Referral Unit, 55 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000. Officer in Charge, Ms S deWolff, BA, Dip Soc Stud.

This Head Office unit is the central point of contact for other Government Departments, inter-State Welfare Departments, voluntary Agencies and the community at large. It receives all general enquiries from members of the public, who come into Head Office, and provides a telephone service. It is also designed to facilitate communication between Regional Centres, Reception Centres, and Youth Training Centres.

Special Supervision Unit 444 Sydney Road, Coburg 3058. Officer in Charge, ~~ R Petch, B Comm, Dip Soc Stud.

Officers of this Section carry out pre-parole work with prisoners serving sentences with minimum terms and supervise selected prisoners released on parole, usually the more difficult and complex cases. They also prepare reports for the Parole Board, and on special category prisoners -Governor's Pleasure, etc., and have on-going contact with these prisoners, including when they move to country Institutions, although the more regular contact is under-taken by Officers from the Regional Centres. Section Officers also prepare pre-Sentence Reports.

APPENDIX 1 (c)

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DIVISION

(i) Prisons

PRISON

Ararat Prison Mr D M Kearney, Governor

Beechworth Training Prison Mr J F Gannon, Governor

Bendigo Training Prison Mr F McNeice, Governor

Castlemaine Prison Mr J McErlain, Governor

Corriemungle Prison Farm

107.

CAPACITY

191

103

77

93

DESCRIPTION

Ararat is the largest prison in Victoria outside ~lelbourne. It is a medium security prison in which most prisoners are housed in four-bed cells. Industries include the manufacture of tubular steel products, sign-writing, mat-making, silk-screen printing, forestry and market gardening. Educational facilities are available.

Beechworth is a medium security prison of the old walled type. Trade training, education and involvement in community service projects are all part of the rehabilitation program at Beechworth. Recreational activities include discussion groups, drama, music, toymaking, football, basketball, volleyball and cricket.

Bendigo Training Prison - small in area, is an old walled, medium security prison. At Bendigo, emphasis is placed on community involvement as an important part of the prisoner's rehabilitation. Training is also given in sheet-metal work, carpentry and building. Some prisoners at Bendigo are attempting full and part-time secondary education, and a number of school teachers are on staff. Among the sporting activities arc cricket, football, wieght-lifting and tennis.

A semi-hospital prison, Castlemaine has a medium security classification. Some Castlemaine prisoners work outside the prison for community organisations during the day, while mat-making is the main industry within the prison. Vegetable gardening also provides employment for a number of prisoners. Recreational activities include draughts, chess, cards and billiards.

All prisoners had been removed from this institution by July 1976. Cooriemungle closed in December 1977.

PRISON

Dhurringile Rehabilitation Centre Mr S Curll, Governor

Fairlea Female Prison, Miss W M Millar, Governor

Geelong Training Prison Mr J Kerr-Taylor, Governor

Morwell River Reforestation Prison Mr W Douglas, Governor

108.

CAPACITY

71

67

117

80

DESCRIPTION

Dhurringile is a minimum-security Centre which caters for short-term prisoners. Operated as a farm, prisoners can work in the vegetable gardens, the dairy, in the poultry section, or do general farming work. They can also work in the recently built cannery.

Victoria's only prison for women. Fairlea has a predominance of short-term prisoners. Fairlea consists of a group of aged buildings which are being supplemented by villa-type units. Prisoners can work in the laundry, in the kitchen or carry out general cleaning duties. Vegetable and flower gardens are maintained by the women, and they make and mend their own clothes. Recreational activities include art and craft, hobby groups. musical appreciation, guitar playing, swimming, basketball, and volleyball.

Geelong Prison is a maximum security walled prison, and is the second most secure prison in Victoria. Geelong's main industry is tailoring, and articles of clothing are manufactured for use in other Departmental institutions.· Other industries are painting and sign writing. Two Education Department teachers conduct classes and assist prisoners (undertaking correspondence courses).

Morwell River is a minimum-security prison, set in lush forest country in South Gippsland. Established in the early 60's Morwell River operates as an open prison camp, and prisoners sleep in un-locked cells. Close association is maintained with the Forests Commission in an ambitious tree-planting program which provides for about one million trees (eucalypts and softwoods) to be planted each year. Recreational activities include art, crafts, drama, a Jaycees Chapter, and a number of competitive sports.

PRISON

Pentridge Prison Mr G Myers, Superintendent

109.

CAPACITY DESCRIPTION

1,069 Pentridge at Coburg is Victoria's largest prison, and holds more than half the number of male prisoners in the State. The Prisoners' Classification Centre is also situated at Pentridge. Prisoners serving sentences of at least one year (or six months if they are under 21) and those eligible for parole are interviewed by the Classification Committee which endeavours to place them in the most appropriate institution. Prisoners can be employed in a wide variety of prison industries, including brush and broom making, tailoring of jeans and jackets, printing, matting, a laundry and an engineering shop for maintenance work. Opportunities are provided for prisoners to further their education and Education Department school teachers conduct classes at the Prison. Cultural activities are encouraged at Pentridge, and the Debating Club and the Drama Group have strong memberships. The Toymakers' Group has, over many years, made and supplied toys for children in hospitals and Children's Homes. Pentridge is divided into three separate sub-prisons, {Southern, Central and Northern) which share general administraUon and supply services. Each sub-prison is autonomous, and administered by a Governor, who is responsible to the Prison Superintendent. The Southern Prison comprises three Divisions: {i) D. Division holds trial and remand

cases. (ii) G. Division is a psychiatric and

medical clinic. (iii) F. Division holds short-term prisoners

convicted of minor offences. The Central.Prison comprises two Divisions: (i) E.Division provides dormitory

accommodation for medium-term prisoners.

(ii) B. Division is a high-security Division holding long-term prisoners.

The Northern Prison comprises three Divisions: (i) J. Division caters specifically for

offenders under 21. (ii) A. Division mainly holds first

offenders who are serving longer terms and offers a wide range of diversified activities.

(iii) H. Division holds prisoners who are considered to be a security risk, or who have been sent for disciplinary or safety reasons from other Divisions or prisons.

PRISON

Sale Prison Mr M Naylor, Acting Governor

Won Wron Reforestation Prison Mr K E Lewer, Governor

(ii) Attendance Centres

110.

CAPACITY

so

90

Thotnbury Attendance Centre 40 Mr Van Gruberg

Barwon Attendance Centre 40 Mr K McGrath, Acting Superintendent

Prahran Attendance Centre 40 Mr Ian Berry, Acting Superintendent

Western Suburbs Attendance Centre 40 Mr I Iaquinto, Superintendent

DESCRIPTION

Sale is a medium security prison, which caters for prisoners serving both longterm and short-terms. Mat-making is the main industry at Sale, and others include gardening, sign-writing, and the construction of out-door furniture. Most popular sports are played, some against outside teams.

Situated in South Gippsland, Won Wron, like Morwell River, is a minimum-security institution and is engaged mainly in forestry work. The recreational program includes craftwork, drama, and competitive sports.

Situated at 799 High Street, Thornbury, 3071.

Situated at Corner of Little Ryrie Street and Geringhap Street, Geelong.

Situated at 10 Porter Street, Prahran, 3181.

Situated at 59 Hudsen Road, Spotswood, 3015.

These Attendance Centres cater for offenders permitted by the Courts to serve a term of imprisonment of not less than one month, or not more than twelve months at an Attendance Centre. Offenders are required to attend for a period of eighteen hours per week, spread over two four hour periods, and ten hours on a weekend day. Under the direction of a Superintendent, voluntary community projects, such as work at homes for the aged and infirm, handicapped persons' institutions, educational and charitable institutions, are under-taken at weekends. Wherever practicable, these projects are undertaken in liaison with local service organisations.

• .

111.

APPENDIX 1 (d)

TRAINING DIVISION

Administrative offices and headquarters are at the Institute of Socinl Welfnre, Bungay Street, Watsonia.

The following courses are conducted -

Certificate in Child Care Parts I and I I Certificate in Penology, Parts I, II and lii Diploma in Child Care - two years Diploma in Youth Work - three years Certificate in Welfare Work - one year Courses for Honorary Probation Officers Courses for IVelfare Volunteers and Trniners Field Teachers' Course for Welfare Officers.

APPENDIX 2

WELFARE SERVICES FUND (VOTE) ALLOCATIONS - 1977/78 TOTAL $896,471

REGION ORGANIZATION

Barwon Geelong Health Resource Centre

Ministering Children's League

Central Salvation Army (West Victorian Highlands Divisional Head-Quarters).

Central Traralgon Benevolent Society Gippsland West Gippsland Social Worker Group

Winunera Nhill Hospital

Wimmera Base Hospital, Horsham

East Gippsland Bairnsdale Welfare Committee

Lakes Entrance Community Health Centre

! PURPOSE OF GRANT

Annual ~~intenance Grant I 5,000

Toward cost of operating Cottage-by-the-Sea

Total 25,000

Toward emergency relief

Total

Toward emergency relief 450

Toward operating costs I 14 ,ooo

Total 14,450

Toward Benevolent Fund 1,000

Toward emergency relief 1,000

Total 2,000

Special Grant 2,000


Total ,300

. . .

..... '"

i

.. APPENDIX 2 (Cont.)

REGION I ORGANIZATION I PURPOSE OF GRANT I $ J I .

Westernport

North l~estern Suburbs

Berwick Ladies' Benevolent Society ! Toward emergency relief 450 I City of Chelsea Benevolent Society Toward emergency relief 450 j

Frankston Benevolent Society Toward emergency relief 450 1

Grassmere Centre Toward operating c~osts 70,000 I Society of St Vincent de Paul,Chelsea Toward emergency relief I 450

Springvale Ladies' Benevolent Society Toward emergency relief

Springvale Citizens' Aid and Toward emergency relief Advice Bureau

Brady House CEMS Hostel 1 Annual ~laintenance Grant

Broadmeadows Welfare Advisory I Toward emergency relief Committee



Total

Brunswick Benevolent Society

Coburg Benevolent Society

Community Child Care, Fitzroy Toward child and family services development - North West Region

Community Welfare Foundation (Hartnett House

St Michael' s l'lelfare Fund

Society of St Vincent de Paul, Pascoe Vale

Toward operating costs

! Toward emergency relief


200

2,400

74,4001

:o~~ 1 ,40~ 1

450

450

7,000

110,000

500

I I I

I 45o 1

123,;;;--1

Outer Eastern Evangelical Laymen's Involvement

1

Toward operating costs (Sh~rbrooke Co:~:ct i 6,000 1

1 Suburbs Ministry Centre). j

Ferntree Gully Benevolent Society I Toward emergency relief : 450 I

Total

I I ' ~·laroondah Alcoholic Recovery Project j Toward operating costs ! 2 ,oou

I I ' Society of St. Vincent de Paul, · To"'·ard emergency rei ief ; 1 ,~00 Bayswater j ' --

, Total ! 9,850 I I

..... ..... :_,,

APPENDIX 2 (Cont.)

REGION ORGANIZATION I PURPOSE OF GRANT

Western Suburbs Western Regional Emergency Relief Committee 1 Toward emergency relief 8, 250

Inner Eastern Suburbs

Inner Urban Suburbs

. ~

Williarnstown Resource Centre

Box Hill Ladies' Relief Society

Doncaster Community Care and Counselling Centre

Mr A Robertson

St John's Homes for Girls and Boys

Society of St Vincent de Paul, Kew

Society of St Vincent de Paul,Glen Waverley

Waverley Benevolent Society

Action and Resource Centre

Action and Resource Centre

Carlton Project

Neighbourhood Resource Centre,Flemington

Neighbourhood Resource Centre,Flemington

North Melbourne Social Service

North Richmond Family Centre

North Richmond Family Centre

St Kilda Benevolent SocieLy

St Kilda Citizens' Advice Bureau

St Kilda Community Group




Toward cost of operations

Total

8,000

16,250

450

14,000

Special grant - young person's care 100 j'

Incidental expenses - Prof D Evans - 300 Foster Care Consultation I

Toward emergency relief j 1,400 I Toward emergency relief I 1,400 1

Toword •morg•noy roliof 1- ~ Total ~8,~~

Toward special staff exchange j 455 I

Toward cost of family centre

1

, 40,000

1

,

Toward operating costs 1,500

Toward operating costs ! 10,000

Toward emergency relief I 450

Toward operating costs I 30,000

Toward emergency relief 1,400 I

Toward Special Holiday Program j 950

Toward emergency relief 1 450


Toward operating costs 21,7(10

Toward Special Pilot Youth Program 11 '000

..... ..... .(;>.

~

APPENDIX 2 (Cont.)

REGION ORGANIZATION

Inner Urban Singleton Community Health Centre Suburbs (Con t) Society of St Vincent de Paul, Fitzroy

Society of St Vincent de Paul, North Melbourne

South Melbourne Ladies' Benevolent Society

Southern Children's Welfare Association Suburbs

Malvern Ladies' Benevolent Society

Moorabbin Citizens' Advice Bureau

Southern Family Life Association

Southern Volunteer Resource Bureau

' .

PURPOSE OF GRANT

Carryover Toward emergency relief




Total

Toward Southern Region Child Care Co-operative




Toward Pilot Program

Total

$

lll8 '355 450

I

I 1,400 I

450

450

121,105

10,000

450

12,000

8,000

22,488

52,938

I I

I

-Vl

APPENDIX 2 (Cont.)

STATE-WIDE:

ORGANIZATION

Australian/Jewish Welfare Society

Australian/Yugoslav Welfare Society

Brotherhood of St Laurence

116.

Catholic Family Welfare Bureau, Carlton

Children's Protection Society


Children's Welfare Association

Children • s IVelfare Association

Citizens' Welfare Service

Co-As-It

Community Welfare Foundation(Hotham House)

Council to Homeless Persons

Council for the Single Mother and Her Child

Drug Users Parents' Association

Ecumenical ~Ugration Centre, Richmond

Ecumenical Migration Centre, Richmond

Ecumenical Migration Centre, Richmond

Fairlea Women's Prison Council

Hanover Welfare Services

Honorary Probation Officers' Association of Victoria

(University of Melbourne) - Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research

International Social Service

Lifeline

Link Up Community

Link Up Community

Ozanam House

Red Cross

Second Australian Conference on Adoption

Task Force Community Volunteers

PURPOSE OF GRANT

Annual Maintenance Grant

Operating costs

Operating costs

Operating costs

Operating costs

Extension of preventive

Toward Children's lVeek


Operating costs'

Toward employment of Resources Officer

Operating costs

Research and Secretariat

Operating costs

work

Special Counselling Service

"Turkish Residents" Program

"One Parent Greek Families" Program

Emergency relief


AMOUNT

l 5,000

2,500

10,000

50,000

25,000

10,381

1,000

21,000

80,000

10,000

8,500

10,000

8,200

5,000

13,250

16,820

1,400

500

Annual Maintenance Grant- Day 15,000 Care Centre, Counselling Centre and General Relief \York

Operating costs

Research Project- Local Government in personal welfare service delivery

Operating costs

Operating costs

Operating costs of "Flying Squad".

Operating costs


Operating costs

Conference costs

Toward establishment of directorate

10,500

14,500

5,000

15,000

500

11,500

17,500

5,000

2,500

15,000

..

117.

STATE-1'/IDE (Cont.)

ORGANIZATION

Tenants' Advice Service

Uniting Church Department of Child Care

Victorian Association of Ladies' Benevolent Societies

Victorian Association of Ladies' Benevolent Societies

Victorian Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders

Victorian As'sociation of Citizens' Advice Bureaux

Victorian Consultative Committee on Social Development

Victorian Council of Social Service

Victorian Service Information Systems

Victorian Volunteer Development Centre

PURPOSE OF GRANT AMOUNT

$

Toward operating costs 12,500

Toward cost of inter-country 9,000 adoptions

Operating costs 5, 500


Operating costs 50,000

Towards expansion of 12,500 information support services



Toward establishment costs 5,000


I

----Total 535,42R

1--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

118.

APPENDIX 3

1977/78 1'/ELFARE SERVICES FUND (WORKS AND SERVICES) (GENERAL)

TOTAL $338,561

-------~----------------- --- ---------···--···· ORGI'..NIZATION PURPOSE OF GRANT A~!OUNT

---------·-··--~--

BAR WON

Mercy Family Care Centre

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

Ballarat Children's Home

Ballarat Citizens' Advice Bureau

Lisa Lodge Committee (Hayeslee)

Salvation Army Western Victorian Divisional Headquarters

St Joseph's Sebastopol

LODDON CAMPASPE

Good Shepherd Provincialate (St Aiden's) Bendigo

UPPER HURRAY

Bruarong Community Centre Steering Committee

Wandiligong Preservation Society

EAST GIPPSLAND

Sale and District Social Development Committee

GLENELG


Salvation Army

WESTERNPORT

Grassmere Centre

Menzies Homes for Children

Toward vehicle replacements and capital maintenance

Toward FGH maintenance

Toward purchase of answering service

4,279

4,09~

200

Toward minor capital maintenance 4l2

Toward soc ia 1 and emergency 4 5, ono centre, McArthur Street,Ballarat

Toward electrical maintenance, 17,737 painting and repairs

Toward FGH maintenance

Toward Community Centre project

Toward equipping of hall

Toward special accommodation facility

Toward capital maintenance (Currawong House).

Toward equipment for Warrnambool emergency accommodation hostel.

Toward purchase of microbus and erection of garage

Toward capital maintenance and repairs

1 ,:\93

5,100

2,000

3,000

1,369

7,000

4,500

3,517

..

•

-- ---·-·-----

tTH -:AST

ORGANISATION

!children's ProtPction Society

Sutherland Homes for Children

!NORTH \VEST

Community 1'/clfore Foundation

OUTER EAST

Baptist Union of Victoria

Solvation Army

WESTERN

St. Anthony's

INNER EASTERN

Beth El

Doncaster Community Care and Counselling Centre

Melbourne Family Care Organisation

Salvation Army

St John's Homes for Boys and Girls

Tally Ho Boys' Village

Uniting Church in Australia Peace Memorial Homes (Orana)

SOUTHERN

Church of England Diocesan t>lission to the Streets and Lanes

Gordon Homes

Victorian Children's Aid Society

119.

PURPOSE OF GRANT \MOUNT I

··--\ Toward Fami 1 y NC'I fare Facility (Alys 1\t'ys)

Towanf L·api tal m:ti nt<:nancc anJ repairs.

Toward rC'n ovation s and rep a i rs (llartnett !louse)

Toward capital maintenann' (t:GHs Hcathmont, Boronia)

-Toward erection of poultry shed (Bayswater YTC)

l!l,!lSh

1 s ',).J j

2,Sllh

-Toward fire services (Bays1•ater YTC) S .~J,JI

-Tmvard fire service (Bayswater Boys' llomc)

-Toward renovation (Bayswatcr Boys' Home Staff Quarters)

Toward purchase of vehicle

I , lbS

Toward m.inor capital maintenance hill

Toward plumbing maintenance l ,b:,o

Toward FGH capita] maintenance 24,L3K

Toward upgrading of staff 3,422 quarters (Hayville)

-To1vard extensions (Hind son House) 9, 9l ~l

-Toward FGH capital maintenance

Toward repairs and replacement equipment

Toward capital maintenance (FGHs ;md campus).

-T01~ard replacement gas heating (Unit 64), Brighton

-Toward capital maintenance (FGH, Male Street, Brighton)

Toward vehicle maintenance and repairs

Toward equipment and repairs

6,955

31 '104

20,041

1 '063

1,413

1,997

2,558

I I

120.

------·----------------ORGA.MlSATION

INNER URBAN

Antonian Children's Home

Children's Welfare Association

Citizens' Welfare Service

Link Up Community Ltd

Mission of St James and St John

Prahran Multicultural Community Centre


St Vincent's South Melbourne

Victorian Council of Social Service

PURPOSE OF GRANT MIOUt\T -~---··-·· -$----

Toward minor capital maintenance

-Toward purchase of property 313 Kingsway, Sth ~lelbourne.

-Toward purchase of offices

Toward repairs and maintenance (Counselling Centre)

Toward vehicle for Crisis Intervention Squad

Toward capital maintenance (FGHs and campus)

Toward renovations

Toward renovation of St Leonard's Avenue premises

Toward PABX telephone system, replacement vehicles and roofing repairs

Toward capital maintenance and repairs

I ,485

20,0110

14,000

11,812

4,000

4 '732

5,000

5,000

6 '728

121.

APPENDIX 4

WELFARE SERVICES FUND (WORKS AND SERVICES) (CONVERSION)

TOTAL $434,452

REGION ORGANISATION PURPOSE OF G~~T

Central Highlands Ballarat Children 1 s Purchase of FGHs Home Goderic Street,

Ballarat - Hurray Street

Ball a rat

tLO• Campaspe Mission of St James Toward purchase of and St John FGHs

Glencoe Street Bendigo,

- Haggar & Webster Sts, Bendigo.

North Western Salvation Army Toward construction (.Jacana) costs of complex

Outer Eastern Lutheran Children's Toward FGH conversion Home - Bennet Avenue

Heathmont.

Salvation Army (Bays- Toward renovation of water Boys 1 Home) on campus FGH

Inner East Tally Ho Boys 1 Toward purchase of land Home Guinevere Pde., for

conversion program

Inner Urban Berry Street Child Purchase of FGH and Fami I y Care - Murchison Street,

East St Kilda.

Berry Street Child Toward construction costs and Family Care of Berry St. complex.

TOTAL

,_ A!-IOUNT

$

68,184

104,925

169,909

141

12,556

11,000

30,000

37,737

434,452 I

I

SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT

FAMILY AND ADOLESCENT SERVICES DIVISION; REGIONAL SERVICES DIVISION

CORRECTIVE SERVICES DIVISION

REGIONAL SERVICES DIVISION (CORRECTIONAL FIELD SERVICES)

TRAINING DIVISION

TABLE NO.

4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 11 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 JO(a) )O(b) )l(a) ) l(b) 32(a) 32(b) JJ(o) 33(b) 34(0) )4(b) 35 J6(o) 36(b) 31 38 39 40

41 42 43 44 45 46 47

48 49 50 Si 52 53 54 55

56 51 58

STATISTICAL TABLES 1977-78

TITLE

Trends ln wards, youth trainees. prisoners and probationers

Admissir~ns and discharges of wards Admitted \\3rds analysed by age. religion and sex Location of wards, non-wards under remand or safe custody, and non--.·ards under sentent~e Trends in location of wards Number of children and young persons received on remand and safe custody orders Analysis of offences committed by childrC"n and young persons admitted as wards Wards in Foster Care analysed by age. relision and sex Adoptions-analysis of adoptions in Victoria Adopttons·····age at placement Adoprions~age at lc:gaJ finalisation Adoptions~~mothers' marital status Adoptions~~trcnds in departmental adoptions Relative adoptions --age at legal finalisation lntercountry adoptions-age at legai finalisation Family Assistance-dtlails of applications recei~r·ed

Family Asslstance--·e&penditure on assistance Family Assjstance ~type of cases Protection of Infants -trends in placements and discharges Child employment and street uading School Attendance-~exempttons and prosecutions School Attendance---- main reasons for granting exemptions Youth trainees received analysed by offence(s) . .age and sex Children's Courts Youth trainees received analysed by offence(s), age and sex -Adult Courts Youth trainees receiYed analysed by length of sentence, age and sex Chitdren·s Courts Youth trainees received analysed by length of sentence, age and sex Adult Courts Appeals against sentences of detention

Trends in population ·-prisons and attendance centres Location of prisoners and persons sentenced to attendance centres Receptions and discharges -prisons Receptions and discharges~attendance centres Prisons -ages of prisoners received Attendance centres ages of persons received Prisons-birthplace of prisoners received Attendance centres-birthplace of persons rectt\'ed Prisons -religion as stated by prisoners received Attendance centres~religion as stated by persons received Prisons-length of sentence of convicted prisoners received Attendance centres-.,.Jength of sentence of perSons received Offences committed by convicted persons received~prisons and attendance cen1res Number of known prior imprisonments of convicted prisoners received in prisons Number of known previous convictions of persons received in attendance centres Spe.cial leave granted to prisoners Prisoners transferred to Mental Health Authority Escapes by prisoners Prison offences

Adult pre~sentence reports Adults placed on probation analysed by courts Probationers analysed by length of probation, age and sex,~Aduh Courts Probationers analysed by offence. length of probation and sex- -Adult Courts Probationers analysed by offence, age and sex-Adult Courts Probationers analysed by Jength of probation, age and sex-Children's Courts Probationers analysed by reason for placement on probation, length of probation and sex Children's Cou11s Probationers analysed by reason for placement ·on probation. age and sex~ Children's Courts Breaches of probation notified Method of disposal of breaches of probation Period of probation completed before breach and age when admitted to probation Offence for which admitted to probation and offence breaching probation Supervision cases analysed by length of supervision. age and sex Supervision cases analysed by reason for placement on supervision, length of supervision and sex Supervision cases analysed by reaSon for placement on supervision. age and sex

Training courses Staffing schedule of Education Department teachers in Social Welfare Department institutions Staffing schedules of trade training instructors in Social Welfare Depanment institutions

~ .. i~ .E ~ E·-"0~

<:~:-6

1973-74 1,382

1974-75 1,396

1975-76 1,055

1976-77 922

1977-78 915

•

Wards

TABLE 1

Social Welfare Department

TRENDS IN WARDS, YOUTH TRAINEES, PRISONERS AND PROBATIONERS

From 1973-74 to 1977-78

Youth trainees Prisoners ----------

At end of year At end of year At end of year Placed during year

(0

c: .,_ ~

c: a;iii 0

.~ c: a~ m .2! c c: g ~ .g i3 0 .... oco .<:: 8 C;.S! c: c: c: 8 0·- u> ... ., u> li! ~ "' Ql Ql ....... ~ o .... «i 0 'i: n:J >

5 <.)«< c:., g.:~ -·~:;o C:c:n

·~ 'r" 2:; 0 1J .... :2 -:;::;; "'c: OlC: 3 ""'·- >c: .... > o.N ""·- ... (J Q. "0 :.c: ~ ... 0."0 C:'- ·- c: tfo &~ C:'- .<::

E. :o 8. 5 Ql::J -=~~ ~-5 c: :;; 8. ~ 0 (.) (1)1J -

6,677 5.4 771 561 1.5 5,331 1,771 0.1 3,136 1,502 4,172

6,493 5.3 816 540 1.4 5,087 1,581 0.6 3,056' 1,507 4,053

6,601 5.4 744 439 1.1 4,947l1,604. 0.6 2,792 1,646 3,924

6,395 5.3 696 510 1.3 4,415* 1,585* 0.6 2,312 1,824 3.492

6,037 t 5.0 688 460 1.1 4,954 * 1,762 * 0.1 2,077 t 1,651 3,426§ .. --.. ... -----

* Includes those sentenced to attend an attendance centre.

..

Probationers

At end of year

li; 1J c:

c: :l

.~ c o~o 8 0·-...... .. <.)(10 -;;3 ...

3 ~ 0.

~ &o 8.::

3.6 2,224

3.5 2,186

3.4 2,326

3.1 2,632

3.0 2,632 --· -----

t Of the 6,037 wards in care at the end of the 1977-78 year, 144 were also included in the youth training centre population.

r Of these, 413 were placed on orders.

§ Of these, 1,010 were under supervision.

c: ~

.~ c: ~ 0 ... 00 8 0·-- .~ 12 -g

>""' ~ 0.

cf 0 8.~ ----------

0.9

0.9

0.9

1.0

1.0

..... 1'-.) w

124

TABLE 2 Family and Adolescent Services Division

ADMISSIONS AND DISCHARGES OF WARDS 1977-1978

Type of admission and discharges Total

Males Females

Total wards at beginning of year 3,909 2.486

Admissions: By courts-

(a) On protection application-Found wandering or abandoned 24 22 Found begging or receiving alms - -No means of support or settled

place of abode 30 31 In a brothel, association with

known thieves, etc. - -Not provided with proper food, etc., ill-treated or ex posed 60 66 Unfit guardianship 93 72 Lapsing or likely to lapse into

a career of vice or cnme 158 18 Exposed to moral danger 5 56 Truancy 1 1

(b) For offences- 127 4

(c) On uncontrolled applications- 29 6 ··-·

Total by courts 527 276

By Director General of Social Welfare-On request of parents, guardian or person

having the care and protection of child or vounq person-Sect. 35 ( 1) & 100. 68 29

On request by children's home-Sect. 35 ( 1 0).

On non-payment of maintenance for infant placement-Sect. 73 (d) 1

Wards transferred-State-Sect. 45 (2) 7 7 ·····-···

Total by Director-General 75 37

Total wards admitted 602 313

Discharges-Legal adoptions 27 22 Time expired-

At 18 years 434 172 After time extended beyond 1 8 years 6 4

By direction of Director-General 424 177 Court appeal -Death 3 4

---

Total discharges 894 379 -----·----

Total wards at end of year 3,617 2,420

Total 01 /0

6,395

46 5.0 -

61 6.7

- -

126 13.8 I 165 18.0 l

176 19.3 61 6.7

2 0.2 131 14.3

35 3.8 --~---~-- . -·

803 87.8 -

97 10.6

- -

1 0.1 14 1.5

- -- -

112 12.2 -- ---

915 100.0 --

49 3.9

606 47.6 .. 10 0.8

601 47.2 I

-7 0.5

~- - ~

1,273 100.0 ------- -

6,037 I l

•

~----~ ~ ~ ----~ ~

Age Protestant

Male Female

Under 3 years 47 50

3 years and under 6 years 45 28

6 years and under 15 years 162 95

15 years and over 106 66

Total 360 239

TABLE 3

Family and Adolescent Services Division

ADMITTED WARDS ANALYSED BY AGE, RELIGION AND SEX

1976-77 and 1977-78

1976-77

Religion Religion Total ----

Rom. Cath. Others Protestant Rom. Cath. ----

'.

1977-78

Others

Male Female Male Female Male Female Total Male Female Male Female Male Female

10 9 5 6 62 65 127 66 40 12 10 - 1

13 15 1 1 59 44 103 39 22 9 5 8 7

95 45 4 4 261 144 405 224 107 100 47 15 9

59 24 22 10 187 100 287 66 53 38 22 15 -----

177 93 32 21 569 353 922 395 222 159 84 38 17 ----

Total

Male Female

78 51'

56 34

339 163

119 75

592 323

Total

129

90

502

194

915

1\) CJ1

126 TABLE 4


LOCATION, AS AT 30/6/78, of

WARDS NON-WARDS UNDER REMAND OR SAFE CUSTODY ORDERS NON-WARDS UNDER SENTENCE

Wards

Remand LOCATION Safe

M F Total % Custody

M F

Home Release 1,610 1,078 2,688 44.53 Foster Care 184 267 351 5.81 Hostel 114 47 161 2.67 Private Board 266 87 353 5.85 Placed for Adoption 25 27 52 .86 Departmental Reception

Centres 203 112 315 5:22 13 10 Departmental Family

Group Homes 124 110 234 3.88 Department Children's

Homes 100 56 156 2.58 Approved Childrens

Homes 763 507 1,270 21.04 Departmental Youth

Training Centres 84 56 140 2.32 30 9 Appointed Youth Training

Centres - 4 4 .07 - -Youth Welfare Services (Residential)* 16 15 31 .51 Mental Health Authority

Institutions 41 12 53 .88 Other Institutions 47 83 130 2.15 Prison - - - -Appeal Bail - - - -Absconded 23 20 43 .71 Abducted 2 - 2 .03 Whereabouts Not Known 15 39 54 .89

Total 3,617 2.420 I 6.037 100 43 19 -

Non-Wards

Under Sentence

Total

M F No. %

- - 23 6.78

220 9 268 79.06

45 3 48 14.16

265 12 339 100

• Another 203 children and young persons attended youth welfare services, of whom 158 were wards on home release and 45 were probationers.

127

TABLE 5

Family and Adolescent Services Division; Regional Services Division

TRENDS IN LOCATION OF WARDS From 1974 1978

At 30 June

Location 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978

No. % No. I % No. % No. % No. %

Home release 2,442 36.6 2,162 33.3 2,457 37.3 2,373 37.1 2,688 44.5

Foster care 586 8.7 559 8.6 502 7.6 425 6.6 351 5.8

Departmental-

Children's reception centre 325 4.9 387 6.0 305 4.6 296 4.6 315 5.2

Children's homes 406 6.1 417 6.4 441 6.7. 413 6.5 390 6.4

Approved children's homes 2,020 30.3 2,112 32.5 1,871 28.3 1,825 28.6 1,270 21.0

Intellectually handicapped children's institutions (M.H.A.) 100 1.5 91 1.4 80 1.2 72 1.1 53 0.8

Youth training centres-

Established 209 3.1 173 2.7 167 2.6 167 2.6 140 2.3

Appointed 31 0.5 27 0.4 15 0.2 14 0.2 4 0.1

Youth welfare services - - - - 150 2.3 268 4.2 31 0.5

Wards in after-care-

In hostel 198 3.0 244 3.8 120 1.8 111 1. 7 161 2.7

Residing with employer 16 0.2 21 0.3 28 0.4 21 0.3 20 0.3

In private board 248 3.7 205 3.2 358 5.4 322 5.0 333 5.8

Other 96 1.4 95 1.5 107 1.6 88 1.4 281 4.6

Total 6,677 100.0 6,493 100.0 6,601 100.0 6,395 100.0 6,037 1oo.o 1

...

128

TABLE 6


NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS RECEIVED ON REMAND AND SAFE CUSTODY ORDERS

1976-77 and 1977-78

1976-77 1977-78

Reception and remand centres Total number Total number received At 30 June

received At 30 June

Allambie Reception Centre 560 23 238 16

Baltara Reception Centre 253 9 131 7

Miralee Reception Centre 15 77 12 (Mildura)

Warrawee Reception Centre 41 - 55 8 (Ballarat)

Turana Remand Centre 979 24 833 21

Winbirra Remand Centre 474 7 505 9

Total 2,322 63 1,839 73

...

•

., ..

TABLE 7


ANALYSIS OF OFFENCES COMMITTED BY CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS ADMITTED AS WARDS

1 July 1977-30 June 1978

Offences ------- ~~,··~~ -----

I <;; "' .... "' > Cl > :;..0 a> "' Age at time of court appearance .... ... .... c: u a> a> <;; :I c: C .... Cl> c: 0 :5 ..c .... .... ~ Cl> 0>0-

a> G:l .... -c:

"' ..c x3 "' "' u o E.!:1 "' .... G:l !9~ ... X C: G:l .... .... ..c: -a> ..c: ... 0

G:l "' a> c: .... "' "' .... G:l "' .... .... o.,_ <( a: UlC: (/):I CD ..J ..Jo> LL.C. 0 t- 0

MALES-

8 years and under 10 years - - - - -10 years and under 12 years - - 4 14 - 1 19 12 years and under 15 years 5 19 - 1 114 24 8 35 206 15 years and under 18 years 3 10 - 23 - 18 - 33 87

. ~- .....

Total 8 29 - 1 141 38 26 - 69 312 1 .. . ~··· ,.. ...

Percentage 9.3 0.3 45.2 12.2 8.3 22.1 100.0 2.6 - -r- ------

FEMALES-

8 years and under 1 0 years - - - - - - -10 years and under 12 years - - - - - - -12 years and under 15 years 3 1 - 2 - - 10 16 15 years and under 18 years - 1 - 1 - - - 13 15

~~·~ ..... ~~-~

Total 3 2 - - 3 - 23 31

Percentage 9.7 6.5 - 9.7 - - 74.1 100.0 ------- ~~~· ~~~~··· -·~ ~···~~

! Total 11 31 - 1 144 38 26 - 92 343.'

·- ~~ ·~···-· ·-

Percentage 3.2 9.0 - 0.3 42.0 11.1 7.6 - ' 26.8 100.0 '--- ~~.L ..

Children and young persons

received -1 Per-

Number cent age

-~ ~~-·

- I 5 4.3 : 80 69.0! 31

,!:::J 116 I

~~·- ------~

-

~:~J 5 10

~~···-

15 100.~J

131 +--~~

~~___j

.... "-> CO

Religion and age

Protestant -

Under 5 years 5 years and under 15 years 15 years and over

Roman Catholic Under 5 years 5 years and under 15 years 15 years and over

Other -

Under 5 years 5 years and under 15 years 15 years and over

Total -Under 5 years 5 years and under 15 years 15 years and over

Total

/If

TABLE 8


WARDS IN FOSTER CARE ANALYSED BY AGE, RELIGION, AND SEX

1 July 1977-30 June 1978

Placed in foster care Trans. from foster care At 30 June 1978

Males Females Total Males Females Total Males Females

4 4 8 3 5 8 4 3 6 3 9 6 4 10 39 34 2 0 2 9 5 14 9 11

3 3 6 2 3 5 5 7 6 6 12 5 3 8 36 31 2 0 2 5 7 12 8 11

26 16 42 10 12 22 28 15 6 6 12 2 4 6 43 45

- - - - 1 1 9 13

33 23 56 15 20 35 37 25 18 15 33 13 11 24 75 65 4 4 14 13 27 26 35

55 38 93 42 44 86 138 125 --

..

Percentage Total

7 2.0 73 20.8 20 5.7

12 3.4 67 19.1 19 5.4 ~

43 12.3 88 25.1 22 6.2

62 17.7 228 65.0

61 17.3

351 1oo.o 1

! Details

Children availabte for placement at beginning .of veer

Children accepted for plecamont with view to edoption during year: (s) Requlltt from natural porentl•l

(b} Avolleble for placement by dispentatioh

(cl Referred from Social Welfare Department

(d) Referred from pri'"'lll adoption agency

(8) Referred from another State I

Ill Referred from another country

lgl Child returned from previous placement

Total available for placement during year

Children not placed during year:

lal Revocation of consent

(b) Returned to natural parantt•• 11 unoultllble for adoption

(cl Referred to Social Wolfere Department

(dl Referred to private edoption egancy

lel Aoferrod to another State

Ill Referred to enother country

lgi Referred to Mental Hulth Authority

lhl Admitted to werdlhip inoteod

fil Childdiod

(il Available for plecament et end of year

i (kl Term expired

T otel not placed during veer

Children placed during period Children in placement at beginning of

veer

Total in placement during yeer

Placements not finalised during year:

fsl Revocation of content

lb l Wilhes of applicant -medical reatons -incompatibility

jc) Wishes of agency -medical reasons -incompatibility

(d) Aefu .. l of adoption order by court refusel in child being returned from placement

{el Child died

1ft In placement at and of veer

i Total placements not finalilod during year

I Adoptions finalised du~ing year

TABLE 9


ADOPTIONS - ANALYSIS OF ADOPTIONS IN VICTORIA

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

Social We,lfare Department Private Agencies

Wards Non-wards Non-wards Me let Females Totlll Melet Females Total Mel .. Female• Totlll

59 46 105 8 7 15 21 11 32

22 15 37 58 53 111 144 123 287

6 4 10 - - - 3 - 3

- - - - - 15 8 23

- - - - - - 1 I

- - - i - -- -

! - - -

I - i -

2 - 2 1 - 1 - -.. -89 65 154 67 60 127 163 143 326

1 - 7 5 12 18 13 31

3 1 4 - - - - -- - - - - -

- - - 13 6 19 - -- - - -

- - - - - - -

- - - - - - - -- - - - - -

- - - - - - - -

49 29

I 78 17 8 25 19 13 32

1 - 1 - - - - - -54 I 30 84 37 19 56 37 26 63

25 27 52 36 ! 39 75 9 111 250 !

I 45 25 70 67 76 143 133 101 234

70 52 122 103 115 218 266 212 464

- - - 1 - 1

- - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - -- - - .,

1 -i

I I - - - - - - -- -

i - - - - -

49 47 96 43 55 98 112 81 193

49 I 47 96 44 55 99 113 81 194

27 22 49 51 54 105 159 131 290

Total I Melu

··-:-Female• .. ~

88 64 152

224 191 415

9 4 13

15 8 23

- 1 1

- -

I -

i 3 - 3

rl 339 268

28 18

3 1

-

- - -- -- -

I

I - -- -

- - -

85 50 135

1 - 1

128 75 I 203

200 I 177 I 377 1 I

245 202 I 447

445 379 i 824

1 - 1

-- -

- - -1 - 1

- - i --

204 183 I 387

I 206 183 I 389

237 207 444

Age of children

Under 1 month

1 month and under 2 months

2 months and under 3 months


6 months and under 1 year

Total under 1 year

1 year and under 2 years

2 years and under 6 years



16 years and over

Total 1 year and over

Total

"

TABLE 10


ADOPTIONS - AGE AT PLACEMENT

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978


Wards Non-wards

Males Females Total Males Females Total

- - - - - -

- - - 9 15 24

- - - 13 13 26

- 1 1 8 6 14

3 1 4 3 2 5

3 2 5 33 36 69

3 3 6 1 1 2

11 12 23 1 2 3

7 8 15 1 - 1

- - - - - -

1 2 3 - - -

22 25 47 3 3 6

25 27 52 36 39 75

Private agencies

Non-wards

Males Females Total

2 2 4

84 80 164

20 15 35

20 8 28

5 1 6

131 106 237

1 1 2

7 3 10

- 1 1

- - -

- - -

8 5 13

139 111 250

..

Total

Males Fema!As

2 2

93 95

33 28

28 15

11 4

167 144

5 5

19 17

8 9

- -

1 2

33 33

200 177

Totdl

4

188

61

43

15

311

10

36

17

-

3

66

377

w !IV

" ..

TABLE 11


ADOPTIONS AGE AT LEGAL FINALIZATION

1 July 1977-30 June 1978

Social Welfare Department Private agencies ,..------

Age of children Wards Non-wards Non-wards Total '· -------

Males Females Total Males Females Total Males Females Total Males Females Total

Under 1 month - - - - - -

1 month and under 2 months - - - - - - - -

2 months and under 3 months - - - - - -

3 months and under 6 months - 1 1 - - - 1 1 ~

6 months and under 1 year 9 3 12 114 87 201 123 90 213

Total under 1 year - - - 9 4 13 114 87 201 123 91 214

1 year and under 2 years 1 - 1 36 42 78 35 38 73 72 80 152

. 2 years and under 6 years 16 14 30 5 8 13 9 4 13 30 26 56

6 years and under 13 years 8 6 14 1 1 1 1 2 10 7 17

13 years and under 16 years 1 1 - - - - - 1 - 1

16 years and under 21 years 1 2 3 - - - 1 2 3

21 years and over - - - - - - - - -

Total 1 year and over 27 22 49 42 50 92 45 43 88 114 115 229

Total 27 22 49 51 54 105 159 130 289 237 206 443

Mothers' marital status

TABLE 12

Famiiy and Adolescent Services Division

ADOPTIONS- MOTHERS' MARITAL STATUS

1977-30 June 1978


Wards Non-wards

Private agencies Total

Non-wards I

I Males Females Total Males Females Total Males Females Total Males Females Total j

1. Mother married -

Father her husband 12 9 21 6 3 9 9 4 13 27 16 43

Father not her husband 1 2 3 1 1 2 7 8 15 9 11 20

2. Mother not married -

Divorced - - - - - - 1 1 2 1 1 2

Widowed - - 1 1 2 1 1 2

Single 15 8 23 50 49 99 126 121 247 191 178 369

3. Not known

Total 28 19 47 57 53 110 144 135 279 229 207 436 --------

NOTE: This table includes only those cases where the request was made by natural parent(s) or where the child was made available for adoption by dispensation.

• .

~

•

Year Wards

Males Females

1972-73 33 25

1973-74 32 17

1974-75 24 23

1975-76 19 9

1976-77 37 31

1977-78 25 27

'

TABLE 13


ADOPTION - TRENDS IN DEPARTMENTAL ADOPTIONS

From 1972-73 to 1977-78

..

Placed with view to adoption Legally finalised adoptions

Non-wards Total Wards Non-wards ---

Total Males Female! Total Number Index Males Females Total Males Females Total

I 58 161 130 291 349 100.0 23 18 41 I 142 119 261

49 62 74 136 185 53.0 26 21 47 113 90 203

47 85 79 164 211 60.5 27 22 49 75 85 160

28 42 31 73 101 28.9 30 19 49 61 63 124

68 53 68 121 189 54.2 24 26 50 55 53 108

52 35 39 74 126 36.1 27 22 49 51 54 105

Total

Number Index

302 100.0

250 82.8

209 69.2

173 57.3

158 52.3

154 50.9

-

w lTl

Age of Children

Under 1 year






21 years and over

Total

TABLE 14


RELATIVE ADOPTIONS - AGE AT LEGAL FINALISATION

1977-30· June 1978

Adopted by

Natural parent and spouse Relatives Non-relatives*

Males Females Total Males I Females Total Males Females

I ' 1 1 - - - - -

9 8 17 -I

- - -77 89 166 - 2 2 3 1

109 99 208 2 2 4 -25 77 42 - - - - -9 10 19 - - - - -

2 1 3 - -

232 224 456 2 4 I 6 3 1 I

Total

Total Males Females

- 1

- 9 8

4 80 92

111 101

25 17

- 9 10

- 2 1

4 237 229

NOTE: These adoptions are not arranged through an adoption agency. However, the Social Welfare Department is required to furnish a report to the court.

*Unauthorised placements, subsequently approved by Department.

c ..

Total ,

i

1

17 !$

172

212

42

19

3

466

•

TABLE 15


INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS- AGE AT LEGAL FINALISATION

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

-COUNTRY

---

Age of Children Bangladesh Cambodia India Korea Mexico Sri Lanka - --~ -----,--~ ,------ ----- --~ r-- ---- ---,----

M~'F T M F T M F T M F T M F T M F T ---

Under 1 year - - - - - - - - - - - -

1 year and under 2 years - 1 1 - - - - - - - - -

2 years and under 6 years - 3 3 1 1 2 - 1 1 - - 1 - 1 - 1 1

5 years and under 1 0 years - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

1 0 years and over - - - - 1 1 - - - 1 1 - - - - ------ j---- - r--~- ---- r-- -- - --- t-----

Total - 4 4 1 2 3 - 1 1 1 1 1 - 1 - .1 1 -----'-------- - -~-- L .. ---'------ ----'--- - ~- -

..

--

Thailand Vietnam Total

--- -- --- f----- ,--- ,--M F T M F T M F T

-- --- f---

- - - - - - - -

1 1 - - 2 2

- - 7 15 22 9 21 30

- - 3 4 7 3 4 7

- - - 2 2

- 1 1 10 19 29 12 29 41 --- j__L_ '-- -- -- --- L___ ---

_. (,.) -...J

Applications not finalised at beginning of year

Applications received

Applications withdrawn

Applications refused

Applications approved

Applications not finalised at end of year

'

TABLE 16


FAMILY ASSISTANCE - DETAILS OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED

From 1973-74 to 1977-78

1973-74 1974-75 1975-76 1976-77

Applica-Number of

Applica-Number of

Applica-Number of Applica-

Number o children children children children

tions involved tions

involved tions involved tions involved

126 219 78 127 61 112 17 36

5,481 10,208 6,909 12,839 7,967 14.217 8,665 15,986

5,607 10,427 6,987 12,966 8,028 14,329 8,682 16,022

776 1,501 774 1,509 854 1,649 763 1,445

512 1,004 566 1,064 551 1,016 406 7.89

4,241 7,795 5,586 10,281 6,606 11,628 7,470 13,711

78 127 61 112 17 36 43 77

't

1977-78

Applica- Number of children

tions involved

43 77

10,684 19,327

10,727 19,404

872 1,609

361 656

9.439 17,039

55 100

-" w CIO

I

TABLE 17


FAMILY ASSISTANCE- EXPENDITURE ON ASSISTANCE

From 1973-74 to 1977-78

Details 1973-74 1974-75

$ $

Payment subject to Commonwealth reimbursement 2,108,457 2,963,206

Less reimbursement received during year 1,573,762 1,241,726

534,695 1,721,480 ~~~~-

Other assistance payments 244,060 333,735

Emergency grants net of Commonwealth reimbursements received during year 12,918 18,851

Other emergency grants 1,693 259

Total 793,366 2,074,325

..

~~~~~~-

1975-76 1976-77 1977-78

$ $ $

4,031,472 6.542,202 8,786,723

1,999,976 2,824,047 4,517,005 -~~~~~~ ~-

2,031,496 3,718,155 4,269,718 I ~~~-~~~~-

437,261 596,283 726,880

19,642 50,226 75,841

135 4,804 733

2,488,534 4,369,468 5,073,172

NOTE: On 3 July 1973, the Supporting Mothers' Benefit scheme was implemented by the Commonwealth Government. As a result, the Commonwealth Government assumes responsibility for continuing payments when the child is six months old. For separated wives (including de facto and prisoners' wives} the Commonwealth assumes responsibility for payments six months after desertion or imprisonment.

w CO

140

TABLE 18


FAMILY ASSISTANCE - TYPE OF CASES

At June 30 1977 and 1978

At 30 June

Type of cases 1977 1978

Families Children Families Children

Married mothers-

Deserted wives 1,673 3,560 2,049 4,302

Wives of prisoners 44 111 37 77

Child not of marriage - -

1,717 3,671 2,086 •'"' "' I

Unmarried mothers-

Single mothers 376 383 471 475

Deserted de facto wives 310 448 349 522

De facto wives of prisoners 13 17 10 17

699 848 830 1,014

Special benefits* 11 21 6 12

Non-parent cases- **

Parent(s) deceased 260 380 295 426

Parent(s) deserted 338 496 373 542

Parent(s) in prison 52 76 86 121

650 952 754 1,089

Total 3,077 5,492 3,676 6,494

*Sole fathers eligible to apply for special benefits on the grounds of hardship. In 1977/78, supporting mothers benefit altered to include sole fathers.

**Non-parent cases refer to people who are bringing up a child other than their own with insufficient means of support.

' I

I

,~~~~

TABLE 19


PROTECTION OF INFANTS - TRENDS IN PLACEMENTS AND DISCHARGES

From 1973-74 to 1977-78

1976-77

Placements and discharges 1973-74 1974-75 1975-76 Males Females Total'

. In placement at beginning of year 123 139 170 56 74 130

Placed during year 285 296 217 83 62 145 f~~~~~~~~~~~~~

408 435 387 139 136 275

Discharged during year -

To, parents 187 224 227 90 74 164

On reaching 5 years of age 24 I 16 11 3 2 5

On becoming Wards of State 10 8 8 1 1

On de facto adoption 47 16 11 4 15 15

Child died 1 1 1 -

Total discharges during year 269 265 257 104 81 185

In placements at end of year 139 170 130 35 55 90

..

1977-78 I~~~

Males Females Total

35 55 90

46 53 99

81 108 189 .... ,.f>.

30 36 66

3 1 4

- 2 2

2 4 6

- -

35 43 78

46 65 111

142

TABLE 20


CHILD EMPLOYMENT AND STREET TRADING

From 1973-74 to 1977-78

Year Details

1973-74 1974-75 1975-76 1976-77

Child employment

Applications for permits 386 389 636 728

Permits issued 385 381 615 686

Applications refused 1 8 19 42

Permits cancelled - 3 2 6

Children involved 1,214 1.744 1,852 1,456

Street trading -

Applications for licences 104 93 115 137

Applications withdrawn 3 2 -

Licences granted 101 91 115 137

Applications refused - -

Licences renewed - -

Licences cancelled - -

1977-78

965

929

34

2

2,587

95

-

95

-

Year

Boys

1973-74 N.A.

1974-75 817

1975·76 720

1976-77 541

1977·78 430

TABLE 21


SCHOOL ATTENDANCE - EXEMPTIONS AND PROSECUTIONS

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

Exemptions

Granted Refused Authorised

Girls Total Boys Girls Total Boys Girls

N.A. 1,746 N.A. N.A. 45 N.A. N.A.

799 1,616 7 20 27 360 345

627 1,347 10 15 25 171 150

425 966 6 6 12 121 102

290 720 6 6 12 59 42

..

Prosecution of parent(s)

Conviction obtained

Total Boys Girls Total

968 N.A. N.A. 681

705 236 222 458

321 80 76 156

223 80 51 131

101 48 33 81

.... -llo w

Details

Boys -

Under 14 years

14 years

Total

Percentage

Girls -

Under 14 years

14 years

Total

Percentage

Total -

Under 14 years

14 years

Total

Percentage

TABLE 22


SCHOOL ATTENDANCE - MAIN REASON FOR GRANTING EXEMPTION

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

Main reason for granting exemption

Illness of Behaviour Lack of To attend

Financial business parent(s) problem progress college

- - - 1 -

34 15 79 39 -

34 15 79 40 -

7.9 3.5 18.4 9.3 -

- - - - -

49 28 53 21 6

49 28 53 21 6

16.9 9.6 18.3 7.2 2.1

- - - 1 -

83 43 132 60 6

83 43 132 61 6

11.5 6.0 18.3 8.5 0.8

To enter employment

-

262

262

60.9

-

133

133

45.9

-

395

395

54.9

.,

Total

1

429

430

100.0

-

290

290

100.0

1

719

720

100.0 I

.j>.

.j>.

---

TABLE 23


YOUTH TRAINEES RECEIVED ANALYSED BY OFFENCE(S) AGE AND SEX

(CHILDREN'S COURTS)

1 July 1977 30 June 1978

---------

..

Age at time court appearan

-~~1---- -~Offen:e(s) _ ~ -~·· r~- _1 r---i ln~:~i:u:l:tail~ _ -~ - u CO >.Id .. tf -8 .... 2': _ ~ g' > ..... :c; lll E en "'0 , ·a; mvo ve c

·- - a, l'O :l ·- C 0 Q,l U CO ·= C: CD ~ ! '- - "'0 ~ 0 \:I Ce .2 iiJ .0 5 1;i ~ ~ > > C "'0 .2= 0 .!: C ~ ~ GP- 'ij "' ~

E tl ..0 X ..- ' X C: ' GJ '- C "- i .! - ID ~ .=: ~ ...., 0 t) en ·- 'E 0

MALES

15 years and under

16 years and under

17 years and under

FEMALES-

15 years and under

16 years and under

17 years and under

0 <l: 0 I» "' I» c ~ j I» 0 - I» :;:, &l .0 ~ - 0 ..... ·- ..c: t;; > "' > :r:: c: (/) c (/) :;:, al ~ 0 tf C. :;: a; <l: 0 0 il: S No. % .: 6 3: .5

....JE 3: 8~ u...u ----~- --- ------ ------ --- --r-- - r--- - --- t-- ---

6 years - 16 1E 3 - 157 166 176 2 23 1 30 44 31 664 206 165 47.0 92 65

7 years - 42 Hi 5 - 243 153 201 13 39 6 54 105 14!: 1,025 234 174 49.6 99 75

8 years - 2 - 2 5 10 17 2 7 ~ 55 25 12 3.4 5 2

---- --- -- --- --- --- --- --- -- ,___ --- --r-- --

Total I - 60 31: 8 2 405 329 394 15 64 7 84 15E 18 1,744 455 351 100.0 196 142 --- ---- -----1--- ----- ;--- ----- -- --r----- --- -- - --- -r----- -r----- ,--------- -_,___ __

Percentage 3.4 2.~ 0.5 0.1 23.2 18.9 22.6 0.9 3.7 0.4 4.8 8.9 10A 100.0 ----t--------t---- --- -- --- ----- -- t-----J---t-----J-----t- ---

6 years - - - - 1 3 1 5 3 2 16.7 1 3

7 years 9 - - 1 10 4 - - - - 4 - 1 29 11 9 75.0 4 6

8 years - - - - - 1 - - - - - 1 - 2 1 1 8.3

-- - -- --- -- --- 1- ---- - -- ~-- --- --- - ---~ --- - --

Total 9 - - 1 12 7 - - - - 6 - 1 36 15 12 100.0 5 9 ---t------1r----t --- --- t-- ---- r-- -- --- --- -- r--- ----r--- -

Percentage - 25.0 - - 2.8 33.3 19.5 16.7 2.7 100.0 ---t-- -- --t--- -- t----- --r---- - -- -- - r------ I --- --- -

Total 69 38 8 3 417 336 394 15 64 7 90 156 183 1,780 470 363 201 151 r---- ---- --- --- r- --- -•-- 1-- --r--

Percentage - 3.9 2.1 0.4 0.!2 23.4 18.9 22.1 0.8 3.6 0.4 5.1 8.8 10.3 100.0 -~---~- - --- --- --

.... .... 01


YOUTH TRAINEES RECEIVED ANALYSED BY OFFENCE(S) AGE AND SEX

(ADULT COURTS)

July 1977 - 30 June 1978

--------~

MALES

Age at time court appe

Under 17 years

17 years and unde

18 years and unde

19 years and unde

20 years and unde

FEMALES

Under 1 7 years

17 years and u nde

18 years and unde

19 years and unde

20 years and unde

of arance

r 18 years

r 19 years

r 20 years

r 21 years

Total

Percentage

r 18 years

r 19 years

r 20 years

r 21 years

Total

Percentage --~

Total

..

Cl> :2 "' -·e ::>

"' 0 ~ I <(

-

11

- 12

1 18

- 1 -~~ ~~~~ 1------ -

> G;

..0

..0 0 a:

2

38

12

40

6

Jw "'"' "' (/) c: (/)

~ ::> ... ~ c: ::>

-

22

22 -

1

-'--~ - r-- ~ f--

Cl .5 .>1.

"' Cl> a:;

2

21 69

68

17

Offence(s)

r ~~~ \ 0~

> ' >> c: le:~ "' Cl> 0 tJ tJ -:u ! ~ 0

...J ...J E

,l,~

"' "' tJ c: 31~ -Q> "'~ u..a.

40!

1931 1631 48

101

22

48

19

7

1

"' Cl

"' E "' ~ .5 -g :; .::: 0

;t: ~ ~ 3: a: <(

2

5 6

15

I___! 42 ~' 45~ ~-~~ ~----~~ ~~-~-

0.1 2.9 6.8 3.1

444~~ 96 7 21

o~n11.9i 31.0~2~ 6.7_ 0.5 1.~1

- - -I - - - - 4

' - -[ -

-

- - - -

------ ~~--~-- -- ~- -

51

- - -- -

··---

11 42 98

--- ---

"' tJ c: Cl> ::: 0

g> :~ 0

lii .c: 0

41

-.; 0 1--

9

7

''

"' "E! No. I % "'

·---+------"!------+------!--- 3:

2

4

5 1.4

140 41.2

91 26.8

74 21.8

30 8.8

20.0

20.0

31 60.0

51

5

94!

65

51

16

2

2,

7

98

50

33

11

3

2

.... ~ en

-~

I

I

• ..

TABLE 25

Family arid Adolescent Services Division

YOUTH TRAINEES RECEIVED ANALYSED BY LENGTH OF SENTENCE, AGE AND SEX

(Children's Court)

July 1977 - 30 June 1978

Age - at the date of court appearance Total

Length of sentence 15 years 16 years 17 years Males Females ·~~· ~-~

Males Females Males Females Males Females No. % No. %

Under 14 days 10 - 5 1 1 16 3.8 1 5.0

14 days and under 1 month 19 1 18 - 1 37 8.7 2 10.0

1 month and under 2 months 20 - 27 6 1 - 48 11.3 6 30.0 I

2 months and under 3 months 18 1 15 1 2 - 35 8.3 2 10.0

3 months and under 6 months 36 - 45 3 3 84 19.9 3 15.0

6 months and under 9 months 29 1 45 3 1 - 75 17.7 4 20.0

9 months and under 1 year 18 - 17 1 4 - 39 9.2 1 5.0

1 year and under 1 'h years 29 34 - - - 63 14.9 - -

1'h years and under 2 years 5 - 8 - - - 13 3.1 - -2 years and under 3 years I 4 6 - - 1 10 2.4 1 5.0

3 years 2 - 1 - - 3 0.7 - -

~~~~~ ~~- ~~ -----

Total 190 3 221 15 12 2 423 100.0 20 100.0 r---~ - ~~~ ~-~ ~- ~-~ --

Individuals involved 165 2 174 9 12 1 351 12 ~~--~~ ----···--~~ -~ ~~~ -~~ -~~ --

.... ~ .....

TABLE 26

and Adolescent Services Division

YOUTH TRAINEES RECEIVED ANALYSED BY LENGTH OF SENTENCE, AGE AND SEX

(Adult Courts)

1 July 1977 30 June 1978

-------------

Age - at the date of court appearance ---------

Total

Length of sentence 16 years 17 years 18 years 19 years 20 years Males ------------ ------------

Males Females Males Females Males Females Males Females Males Females No. %. -----------

Under 14 days - - 1 1 1 - 2 0.5

14 days and under 1 month - - 3 1 1 1 - 5 1.1

1 month and under 2 months 2 - 11 - 4 6 3 - 26 5.9

2 months and under 3 months - - 10 - 7 1 6 3 26 5.9

3 months and under 6 months 2 - 41 - 20 22 5 - 90 20.6

6 months and under 9 months - - 40 1 29 18 10 - 9Z 22.2

9 months and under 1 year - 21 - 11 5 - 1 - 38 8.7

1 year and under 1 y, years - - 42 1 20 1 13 - 2 - 77 17.6

1 Y, years and under 2 years 2 - 10 - 9 9 - 5 35 8.0

2 years and under 3 years - - 19 - 5 4 1 29 6.6

3 years - - 2 - 7 1 3 - 12 2.7

The Governor's pleasure - - - - - -

Total 6 199 4 112 3 88 - 32 - 437 100.0

Individuals involved 2 - 140 3 84 2 66 - 28 320

'I

-------------

Females

No. %

1 14.3

1 14.3

1 14.3

-

1 14.3 -

2 28.5 -

-

1 14.3

-

7 100.0

5

""' 00

Sentence

Against sentences by children's courts-

Admitted as wards

Under 3 months




2 years and up to 3 years

Total

Against sentences by adult courts-

Under 3 months





Total

Total

TABLE 27


APPEALS AGAINST SENTENCES OF DETENTION

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

Result of appeals

Number of Allowed bail appeals Abandoned Dismissed Sentence Sentence reduced increased

Males Females Males Females Males Females Males Females Males Females Males Females

2 2 - - 1 2 - - - - - -

2 - 1 - 1 - - - - - - -

7 - - - - - 3 - 1 - - -

11 - 2 - 1 - 6 - 1 - - -

7 - 1 - - - 4 - 1 - - -

29 2 4 - 3 2 13 - 3 - - -

4 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - - -

12 - 4 - - - 4 - 2 - - -

30 - 13 - 2 - 7 - 6 - 3 -

36 1 8 - 1 - 10 1 7 - 3 -

11 - 2 - 2 - 3 - 3 - - -

93 1 28 - 6 - 25 1 19 - 6 -

122 3 32 - 9 2 38 - 22 - 6 -

,I

Sentence varied to

bond proba-tion etc.

Males Females

1 -

1 -

2 -

2 -I

2 -

8 -

1 1

6 -

12 -

14 -

3 -

36 1

44 1

Sentence

quashed

Males Females

- -

- -

1 -

1 -

- -

2 -

- -

- -

- -

1 -

- -

1 -

3 -

_. ~ CO

Year

Prisons

Attendance Centres *

---

TABLE 28

Correctional Services Division

TRENDS IN PRISON POPULATION

From 1968-69 to 1977-78

Daily average Number in custody at end of year

---

Convicted Unconvicted ---

Males Females Total Males Females Males Females

1968-69 2,261 54 2,315 2,161 38 120 11

1969-70 2,236 47 2,285 2,138 40 134 15

197(} 71 2,338 51 2,389 2,233 43 79 1

1971·72 2,325 41 2,366 2,164 28 123 3

1972-73 2,075 32 2,107 1,859 21 204 12

1973-74 1·,841 29 1,870 1,547 21 194 9

1974-75 1,627 24 1,651 1,472 16 89 4

1975·76 1,580 24 1,604 1,444 29 105 9

1976·77 1,452 32 1,484 1,299 25 189 10

1977-78 1,492 33 1,525 1,449 33 145 9 ---------

1975· 76 - - - 17 - -

1976-77 55 3 58 57 5 -

1977-78 72 4 76 125 1 - ---- -----

*Attendance centres opened on 7 June 1976.

..

Total

2,330

2,327

2,356

2,318 gJ 2,096

1,771

1,581

1,587

1,523

1,636

17

62

126

,----~~~

Location Purpose

Prisons

Pentridge General purpose prison Ararat Multi-purpose prison Beechworth Training prison Bendigo Training prison Castlemaine Semi-hospital prison Dhurringile Rehabilitation Centre Gee long Training prison Morwell River Reforestation prison Sale Long and short-term prison Won Wron Reforestation prison

Total males

Fair lea Female prisoners

Sub-total

Attendance Centres Barwon Community treatment Thornbury Community treatment Prahran Community treatment Western suburbs Community treatment

Sub-total

Total

TABLE 29


LOCATION OF PRISONERS

1 July 1977 30 June 1978

Accommodation available

923 191 62 77 93 58

117 80 50 90

1,741

67

1,808

40 40 40 40

160

1,968

----------

·'

Daily average Number 30 June 1978 ---------

820 851 166 186 63 57 70 68 85 91 48 55

100 107 48 61 41 43 51 75

1,492

I 1,594

33 42

1,525 1,636

26 30 34 40 14 37 2 19

76 126

1,601 1,762

Details

TABLE 30 (a) Correctional Services Division

RECEPTIONS AND DISCHARGES PRISONS 1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

r-~~-

Of detention

Avv;>1tm1a court hearing Awaiting deportation

1---~ ~---1- Males Females

188 ~ ~tM~I-e~-~+---To Males

At 1 July 1977

Reception*

Received during year Returned on pamle board warrants Transferred from youth training centre

New receptions Returned from bail to appeal Returned from hospital Returned from mental hospital Returned escapees Other

Discharges

Sentence expired or fine paid Released on parole

Total

Transferred from youth training centre Bailed and bailed on appeal left for court Released by court on appeal Released by special authority Released by Commonwealth Immigration

3,687 146 3,833 46 15

1---·~-----r-----+----+------r----

1,299

4,777 43 27

3,687 146 3,833 46 15 61 4,847 - - - 66

20 20 - 149 4 3 7 17

- - 18 - -

ty11 149 46-+-----1·~-5-+------t---'--~1 - I - I - I

606 3,121

48 I 654 101 3,222

42 12 54

3,979 557

27 110

71

Transferred to hospital 20 I I 159 Transferred to mental hospital 3 7 16

~~~~ped - 1 1 - - I =~ 2~ ~hm 8 - - -

- - -~ ~·--~ - -

Total 12 54 4,947 .... ,.,, .. , ~ '" . --~ E =, '"··l • (a) If an individual is received more than once during the year, each time a new reception is recorded.

25

177

177 4 2

183

144 8 3

12

3

2 2

175

33

--

Total in detention

Mat_:: f Fema~ Total

1,324 1.4!l_l!_j_3~ 1,522_

4,954 43 27

5,024 70

151 17 18

5,280

4,123 565 30

122

74 1

161 18 23

5

8,510 338 8,848 43 43 27 - 27

~- I 8,580 338 8,918

66 4 70 169 2 171

21 3 24 18 - 18

3,979 557

27 716

3,121 71

42 179 20 23

5 8

1441 4,123 8 565 3 30

60 776 101 3,222

3 74 1 1

12 54 2 181 5 25 1 24

5 8

(b) If an individual is received to await court hearing, after sentence is transferred to convicted, and if, after serving the sentence imposed, is kept in prison to await deportation, each time a separate reception is recorded.

NOTE Transfers within prisons system - 2.438 Under sentence out on order - 1,224 males and 101 females

.,

Ul 1'.)

153

TABLE 30 (b)


RECEPTIONS AND DISCHARGES ATTENDANCE CENTRES

1 July 1977 30 June 1978

As at 1 July 1977

Received during year 224 6 230 On appeal against prison 12 1 13 On appeal against youth training

centre 3 3 Transfer from prison Transfer from vouth training centre Other

New receptions - total 239 7 246

Discharges

Term expired 155 10 165 Breach resulting in prison 15 1 16 Released on appeal Died Other

Age

Under 16 years 16 years and under 18 years 18 years and under 21 years

Total under 21 years

21 years and under 25 years 25 years and under 30 years 30 years and under 40 years 40 years and under 50 years 50 years and under 60 years 60 years and over

Total 21 years and over

Total

154

TABLE 31 (a) Correctional Services Division

AGES OF PRISONERS RECEIVED 1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

Males Females

Number Percentage Number Percentage ·---

4 * -369 4.3 23 6.8

2,056 24.0 64 18.9

2,429 28.3 87 25.7 ·---

2,021 23.5 108 32.0 1,565 18.2 64 18.9 1,388 16.2 47 13.9

781 9.1 21 6.2 322 3.8 10 3.0 74 0.9 1 0.3

6,151 71.7 ~ 74.3

8,580 100.0 100.0

Total

Number Percentage

4 * 392 4.4

2,120 23.8

2,516 28.2

2,129 23.9 1,629 18.3 1,435 16.1

802 9.0 332 3.7

15 0.8

6,402 71.8

8,918 100.0

NOTE: Does not include those who have been sentenced to attend an attendance centre.

TABLE 31(b) Correctional Services Division

ATTENDANCE CENTRES - AGES OF PERSONS RECEIVED 1 July 1977 30 June 1978

Males Females Total Age

Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage '

Under 16 years - - - - -16 years and under 18 years 10 4.2 - 10 4.1

18 years and under 21 years 86 36.0 1 14.3 87 35.4

Total under 21 years 96 1 14.3 I 97 39.5



30 years and under 40 years !

31 13.0 - 31 12.6

40 years and under 50 years 13 5.4 - 13 5.3

50 years and under 60 years 5 2.1 - 5 2.0

60 years and over 3 1.3 - - 3 1.2

Total 21 years and over 143 59.8 6 85.7 I 149 60.5

Total 239 100.0 7 100.0 246 I 100.0

• I

I

•.

155

TABLE 32(a)


BIRTHPLACE OF PRISONERS RECEIVED

Birthplace ····--------------

Victoria Other Australian States New Zealand British Isles Germany Greece Hungary Italy Malta Netherlands Poland Yugoslavia Other

Total

1 July 1977 30 June 1978

Males Females Tota

Number Percentage Number ----~

5,497 64.1 175 1,366 15.9 66

94 1. 1 9 515 6.0 17 96 1. 1 12

101 1.2 22 49 0.6 1

102 1.2 3 37 0.4 49 0.6 59 0.7 3

229 2.7 1 386 4.5 29

8,580 100.0 338

Percentage Number f-~~-----

51.8 5,672 19.5 1,432 2.7 103 5.0 532 3.6 108 6.5 123 0.3 50 0.9 105 - 37 - 49 0.9 62 0.3 230 8.6 415

.. --- .

100.0 8,918 --··- -- -· -

Percentage

.. -

-

63.6 16.1

1.2 6.0 1.2 1.4 0.6 1.2 0.4 0.5 0.7 2.6 4.7

100.0

NOTE: Does not include those who have been sentenced to attend an attendance centre.

TABLE 32(b)


ATTENDANCE CENTRES BIRTHPLACE OF PERSONS RECEIVED

Birthplace

Victoria Other Australian States New Zealand British Isles Germany Greece Hungary Italy Malta Netherlands Poland Yugoslavia Other

Total

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

Males

Number Percentage

177 74.1 20 8.4

2 0.8 14 5.9

1 0.4 2 0.8 2 0.8 4 1. 7 1 0.4 1 0.4

-7 2.9 8 3.4

----------

100.0 --------··

----·- r- ·-

Females -----------1--~

Total

Number Percentage Nu m ber Percentage

5 71.4 -- -

1 14.3 -

1 14.3

-- -- -

- -

1-- -· -- --

71_ 1o~.o ___ ---

18 2

1

-

24

2 74.0 0 8.2 2 0.8 5 6.1 1 0.4 3 1.2 2 0.8 4 1.6

7

:[

0.4 0.4

2.8 3.3

100.0

Religion

Roman Catholic

Church of England

Presbyterian

Methodist

Orthodox

Baptist

Other Christians

Hebrew

Moslem

Other non-Christians

No religion

Not known

156

TABLE 33(a)


RELIGION AS STATED BY PRISONERS RECEIVED

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

Males Females

Number Percentage Number Percentage

3,226 37.6 103 30.5

2,895 33.7 97 28.7

671 7.8 10 3.0

315 3.7 16 4.7

220 2.6 22 6.5

83 1.0 5 1.5

457 5.3 18 5.3

6 0.1 2 0.6

2 * 3 0.9

96 1.1 5 1.5

221 2.6 55 16.3

388 4.5 2 0.6

Total 8,580 100.0 338 100.0

Total ~ Number Percen

3,329 37.3

2,992 33.6

681 7.6

331 3.7

242 2.7

88 1.0

475 5.3

8 0.1

5 0.1

101 1.1

276 3.1

390 4.4

8,918 100.0

NOTE: Excluding offenders who are serving imprisonment by way of attendance at an attendance centre

* Less than 0.1

..

157

TABLE 33 (b)


ATTENDANCE CENTRES - RELIGION AS STATED BY PERSONS RECEIVED

1 July 1977 30 June 1978

Males Females Total Religion

Number I Pe~~eent-Number Percent-

Number Percent-

age age

Roman Catholic 84 35_1 3 42.8 87 I 35.5 I

Church of England 72 30.1 1 14.3 73 i 29.7

Presbyterian 21 8.8 1 14.3 22 8.9

Methodist 11 4.6 - 11 4.5

Orthodox 9 3.8 1 I

14.3 10 4.1

Baptist 3 1.3 1 14.3 4 1.6

Other Christians 6 2.5 - - 6 2.4

Hebrew - -

Moslem 1 0.4 • - 1 0.4

Other non-Christians 3 1.3 - 3 1.2

No religion 22 9.2 - - 22 8.9

Not known 7 2.9 - 7 2.8

Total 239 100.0 7 100.0 246 100.0

•

TABLE 34(a)


LENGTH OF SENTENCES OF CONVICTED PRISONERS RECEIVED

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

Sentences without Sentences with minimum terms

Length of sentence minimum terms Full sentence Minimum terms fixed by courts Males Females Total % Males Females Total % Males Females Total %

Under 1 month 1,626 73 1,699 37.3 - - - - - - - -

1 month and under 3 months 1,423 54 1,477 32.4 - - - - 4 2 6 1.3

3 months and under 6 months 688 19 707 15.5 - - - - 37 5 42 9.0

6 months and under 1 year 419 9 428 9.4 5 - 5 - 136 6 142 30.5

1 year and under 2 years 114 - 114 2.5 147 11 158 33.9 120 3 123 26.4

2 years and under 3 years 3 - 3 0.1 99 5 104 22.3 43 4 47 10.1

3 years and under 4 years - - - - 61 - 61 13.1 40 1 41 8.8

4 years and under 5 years - - - - 26 4 30 6.4 21 - 21 4.5

5 years and under 6 years - - - - 33 - 33 7.1 17 - 17 3.6

6 years and under 7 years 1 1 * 15 1 16 3.4 11 11 2.4 - -


8 years and under 9 years - - - - 18 - 18 3.9 5 - 5 1. 1

9 years and under 1 0 years - - - - 7 - 7 1.5 1 - 1 0.2


15 years and over - - - - - - - - 1 - 1 0.2

The Governor's pleasure 5 - 5 0.1 - - - - - - - -

Natural life 8 1 9 0.2 - - - - - - - -

Indefinite 115 - 115 2.5 - - - - - - - -

Total 4,402 156 4,558 100.0 445 21 466 100.0 445 21 466 100.0

" ·' 't

U1 (X)

11

~~-

Length of sentence (all sentences without minimum terms)

1 month and under 3 months




Total

TABLE 34(b)


LENGTH OF SENTENCES OF PERSONS SENTENCED TO

PERIODS OF IMPRISONMENT BY WAY OF

ATTENDANCE AT ATTENDANCE CENTRES

1 July 1977-30 June 1978

Males Females

81 3

62 -

71 3

25 1

239 7

..

Total

84

62

74

26

246

\

Percentage

34.1

25.2

30.1

10.6

100.0

(J1 (0

Offences

Homicide: Murder Attempted murder 1\Aanslaughter Culpable driving causing death

AIS8ult: Causing grievou1 bodiiV harm Other

Robbery

Sex natural; carnal knowlediJe Incest Indecent auautt Rape Attempted rape WUful exposure

Sex unnatural: Buggery and bestiality Indecent a5UU1t Gross indecency Loiter with homosexual purposes

Breaking

Larceny: Motor vehicle Other

False pretences: False pretences Embezzlement Fraudulent conllet$ion Forgery and uttering

Drunk and disorderly Vagrancy Prostitution

Drug offences: Trafficking in Possession or use of

Driving without licence Driving while disqualified Driving under the influence Other driving offences Breac-h of parole Breach of bond or probation Breech of recognizance Arson Indecent, riotous. offensive or

Insulting behaviour

Receiving Escape from custody Wilful (malicious! damage Conspiracy Unlawful possession l.lnlawfully on premises Loiter with intent Firearms, offensive weapons Arrears ln maintenance Other

Total offences

Convicted persons recehted ·-------------

160

TABLE 35 Correctional Services Division

OFFENCES COMM!TTED BY CONVICTED PERSONS RECEIVED 1 July 1977-30 June 197B

Prisons Attendance Centres Males Females Total Males Females

No. %· No. % No. ~-· No. % No. % -· t--- --.. ·-~

6 . 1 0.2 7 . -5 . - - 5 . - -8 0.1 1 0.2 9 0.1 - - -

14 0.1 - - 14 0.1 -

163 1.2 13 2.6 176 1.2 17 7.1 1 14.3 719 5.3 37 7.5 756 5.4 16 6.7 1 -128 0.9 3 0.6 131 0.9 2 0.8 - -

29 0.2 - 29 0.2 - -7 0.1 - 7 . - - - -

69 0.5 - 69 0.5 - -34 0.2 - 34 0.2 -20 0.1 20 0.1 -10 0.1 10 0.1 3 1.3

20 0.1 20 0.1 - - -34 0.2 4 0.8 38 0.3 - - -15 0.1 15 0.1 - - -

6 . 6 . - -785 5.8 - 785 5.6 23 9.6 - -

515 3.8 1 0.2 516 3.7 20 8.4 -1,125 8.3 97 19.7 1,222 8.7 18 7.5 - -

860 6.3 16 3.3 876 6.2 2 0.8 -11 0.1 11 0.1 2 0.8 - -95 0.7 8 1.6 103 0.7 2 0.8

288 2.1 32 6.5 320 2.3 6 2.5 - -6Q8 4.5 6 1.2 614 4.4 - -

82 0.6 82 0.6 - - -- - 75 15.2 75 0.5 - -

89 0.7 6 1.2 '

95 0.7 1 0.4 - -137 1.0 14 2.8 151 1.1 2 0.8 1 14.3 595 4.4 11 2.2 606 4.3 3 1.3 - -

2,092 15.4 7 1.4 2.099 14.9 85 35.6 3 42.9 425 3.1 - 425 3.0 7 2.9 -

1,754 12.9 24 4.9 1,778 12.6 3 1.3 -58 0.4 1 0.2 59 0.4 - -31 0.2 2 0.4 33 0.2 - -

223 1.6 11 2.2 234 1.7 - - -B 0.1 8 0.1 1 0.4 2 28.6

159 1.2 26 5.3 185 1.3 2 o.a - -68 0.5 - - 68 0.5 1 0.4 - -

100 0.7 1 0.2 101 0.7 1 0.4 - -. 101 0.7 4 0.8 105 0.7 4 1.6 - -18 0.1 1 0.2 19 0.1 2 0.8 -

122 0.9 43 8.7 165 1.2 1 0.4 -209 1.5 2 0.4 211 1.5 4 1.6 -

45 0.3 - - 45 0.3 2 0.8 105 0.8 - 105 0.7 1 0.4

5 . - 5 . 1,608 11.8 45 9.1 1,653 11.7 8 3.3 -_ ....

492 I 100.~ G4.100 3,608 100.0 100.0 239 100.0 7 100.0 ·-

4,847 177 5,024 _j 239 7

* LBU than 0.1 NOTE: In the case of receptions in attendance centres only the major offence is shown.

Total - I No. %

- -- -- --

18 7.3 16 6.5

2 0.8

-- -- -- --

3 1.2

---- -

23 9.3

20 8.1 18 7.3

2 0.8 2 0.8 2 0.8 6 2.4

- -- -

1 0.4 3 1.2

3 1.2 88 35.8

7 2.8 3 1.2

-- --

3 1.2

2 0.8

1 0.4 1 0.4 4 1.6 2 0.8 1 0.4 4 1.6 2 0.8 1 0.4

8 3.3

246 100.0 I 246

..

•

TABLE 36(a)


NUMBER OF KNOWN PRIOR IMPRISONMENTS OF CONVICTED PRISONERS RECEIVED

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

* Number of known Prisoners received

prior imprisonments Males Females Total Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage

Nil 1,937 40.0 62 35.0 1,999 39.8

One 264 5.4 13 7.3 211 5.5

Two 198 4.1 17 9.6 215 4.3

Three 143 3.0 11 6.2 154 3.1

Four 116 2.4 7 4.0 123 2.4

Five 96 2.0 9 5.1 105 2.1

Six to nine 464 9.6 25 14.1 489 9.7

Ten to nineteen 680 14.0 18 10.2 698 13.9

Twenty and over 949 19.5 15 8.5 964 19.2

~---------

Total 4,847 100.0 177 100.0 100.0 --~---··-

• Prior imprisonment refers to each conviction which resulted in a new term of imprisonment in Victoria .

'

162

TABLE 36(b)


NUMBER OF KNOWN PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS OF PERSONS RECEIVED AT ATTENDANCE CENTRES

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

flersons received *Number of known

Males Females Total previous convictions Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage

Nil 28 11.7 3 42.9 31 12.6

One 30 12.6 2 28.6 32 13.0

Two 39 16.3 1 14.3 40 16.3

Three 26 10.9 1 14.3 27 11.0

Four 19 7.9 - - 19 7.7

Five 18 7.5 - 18 7.3

Six to nine 28 11.7 - - 28 11.4

Ten to nineteen 36 15.1 - - 36 14.6

Twenty and over 15 6.3 - - 15 6.1

Total 239 100.0 7 100.0 246 100.0

•

..

163

TABLE 37


SPECIAL LEAVE GRANTED TO PRISONERS

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

Individual leave Group leave

Number o~ Prison Temporary Work Number of Maximum

leave release occasions number in prisoners

group involved

Pentridge 120 7 NIL NIL NIL

Ararat 53 7 182 14 1,028

Beechworth 40 3 565 19 1,666

Bendigo 29 - 16 3 43

Castlemaine 106 2 111 6 301

Cooriemungle - - - -Dhurringile 59 4 103 7 277

Gee long 79 2 NIL NIL NIL

Morwell River 72 4 83 26 719

Sale 12 1 596 6 1,568

Won Wron 32 6 85 38 796

Fairlea 25 2 i 1 4 4

1---

Total 627 38 1,742 123 6.402 ~--··· ···--··---·· ··--~···

NOTE: Individual leave is granted for personal reasons mainly on compassionate grounds. Groups either participate in religious, sporting and cultural programs or assist in local community and charitable projects.

i

TABLE 38


PRISONERS TRANSFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY

From 1973-74 to 1977-78

Number of prisoners Year

Males Females

1973-74 24 2

1974-75 24 6

1975-76 10

I 2

1976-77 21 2

1977-78 20 5

i

Total

26

30

12

23

25

1973-74

Location Number of Number of

incidents prisoners involved

------- -----------

Prison -

Pent ridge 3 3 Ararat 7 10 Beechworth 6 8 Bendigo 3 3

Castlemaine 5 6

Cooriemungle 2 2 Dhurringile 3 5 Geelong - -McLeod 4 5 Morwell River 2 2 Sale - -Won Wron 5 5 Fairlea 1 2

Other

Hospital 1 1

Court 1 1

On leave - ----

Total 43 53

NOTE: Cooriemungle Prison was closed in August 1976

~ ~

TABLE 39


ESCAPES BY PRISONERS

From 1973-74 to 1977·78

---

1974-75 1975-76

Number of Number of

Number of Number of

incidents prisoners incidents prisoners involved involved

6 8 3 ' 3 4 10 5 8

2 2 4 5

3 4 1 1

3 4 6 9

2 2 1 2

4 5 5 7

1 2 1 4

3 6 -

4 6 -4 5 1 1

1 1 5 7 - -

1 1 2 2 - 2 2

1 1 2 2

39 57 38 53

-----------

1976-77

Number of incidents

----------

2 4

2 2 1

--

3 -

1 1 3

-

1

1 1

21

Nun pri! in~

5 5 2

2

2

5

1 6

1

L--

1-j ..

----- ---

1977-78

Number of Number of

incidents prisoners involved

1 1

4 4 1 1

-5 6

5 5 -

---

1 2 -

-

-

5 5

22 24

0'> ,l:>.

"

Offences

Dealt with by a visiting magistrate:-

Number of offences Number for which convicted Number of charges dismissed Number of charges withdrawn

Dealt with by a prison governor:-

Number of offences

Number for which discharge was postposed Otherwise disposed of Number of charges dismissed

of prisoners involved

Number of prisoners involved in the cases dealt with by:-

(a) a visiting magistrate (b) a prison governor

Total Number of prisoners punished

Number of prisoners not punished

TABLE 40


PRISON OFFENCES

From 1973-74 to 1977-78

203 n.a. n.a.

n.a.

978 n.a.

n.a. n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

88 n.a. n.a. n.a.

1 '1 08 n.a. n.a. n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

995 856 139

.. •

--

1975-76 1976-77

52 46 38 52 46 30

3 5

702 595 465 457 361 290 213 194 140

32 40

35 26 19 512 440 341

547 466 360 430 385 324 * 117 81 36

*Of these, 19 received additional prison terms, 148 had their discharge postponed, 140 lost privileges, and 17 \/\<ere put on a bond of good behaviour.

CD (11

City courts

Year Supreme Court County Court

Males Females Males Females

1973-74 8 1 80 1

1974-75 2 84 11

1975-76 4 78 2

1976-77 3 66 4

1977-78 3 - 78 4

TABLE 41


ADULT PRE-SENTENCE REPORTS

From 1973-74 to 1977-78

Magistrates' Supreme Court Court Total


149 20 259 1 1

210 40 347 4

233 41 358 -

208 29 310 -

203 32 320 2

Country courts

County Court Magistrates' Total Court

Total


i ......

6 - 49 6 63 322 ~

15 1 67 3 90 437

10 1 51 9 71 429

11 42 3 56 366

11 1 48 7 69 389

.•

Year Supr

Male

1973-74 7 2

1974-75 7 -

1975-76 1

1976-77 7 2

1977-78 9 2

TABLE 42


ADULTS PLACED ON PROBATION ANALYSED BY COURTS

From 1973-74 to 1977-78

"'

-City courts Country courts

Total Females

-"

243 24 742 108 1,126

-227 15 8oo I 118 1,167

837 I 268 26 129 1,271

230 ~ 1,014 ' 123 1.409

__ 926_L 130 1,265

Supreme Court ____. ___ Males Females

2 1

1

2

2 1

·1 ___ 1

County Court I Males

69 3

35 7

21 5

28 27

25 1

Magistrates' Court

Male;TFemales

260 41

278 19

290 57

327 j" 30

317 37

Total Total

.... Cl)

376 1,502 I -._)

340 1,507

375 I 1,646

415 1,824

385 1,650

168 TABLE 43


PROBATIONERS ANALYSED BY LENGTH OF PROBATION, AGE AND SEX

(ADULT COURTS)

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

Length of probation Pro-

Age One One and bat ion

a half Two Three Four Five orders year years years years years years

MALES-

17 years and under 144 59 377 181 14 13 788 21 years




35 years and under 6 1 17 10 - 8 42 40 years

40 years and over 5 - 13 20 - 6 44

Not known 23 8 44 25 3 1 104

Total males 245 89 681 369 27 56 1,467

Percentage 16.7 6.1 46.4 25.2 1.8 3.8 100.0

FEMALES -

17 years and under 17 3 21 7 3 - 51 21 years

21 years and under 8 1 13 1 - - 23 25 years



35 years and under 1 - 7 5 - 2 15 40 years

40 years and over 6 1 7 7 - 2 23

Not known 5 1 10 3 1 - 20

Total females 48 11 82 30 7 6 184

Percentage 26.1 6.0 44.6 16.3 3.8 3.3 100.0

Total 293 100 763 399 34 62 1,651

Percentage 17.1 6.1 46.2 24.2 2.1 3.8 100.0

NOTE: Percentages take account only of known cases

Per-cent-age

53.7

17.6

10.4

5.1

2.9

3.0

7.1

100.0

27.7

12.5

16.8

11.4

8.1

12.5

10.8

100.0

'

169

TABLE 44


PROBATIONERS ANALYSED BY OFFENCE, LENGTH OF PROBATION AND SEX

(ADULT COURTS)

1 July 1977 30 June 1978

Length of probation

Four I Total Per-

Offence • . I One and\ Two Three Five offences cent-

One year 1

a half . years years years years I age , years

MALES-I

Homicide - - - -Assault 28 10 105 58 6 21 228 8.5 Robbery 2 5 11 1 2 21 0.7

Sex natural 21 8 60 51 3 17 160 5.9 Sex unnatural 1 1 4 23 2 2 33 1.2 Breaking 45 28 221 84 14 14 406 15.1 Larceny 83 31 307 187 18 7 633 23.6 Motor vehicle 57 37 264 142 7 15 522 19.4 False pretences 1 1 1 - - 3 0.1 Drugs 10 4 48 38 2 1 103 3.8

Other 99 28 271 136 8 27 5691 21.2

I I

1,286 I I

Total males 345 149 731 61 106 2,678 I

Percentage 12.9 I 5.6 48.0 I 27.3 2.3 4.0 100.0 I

FEMALES-

Homicide - - 2 2 - - 4 0.9

Assault - 1 8 6 - - 15 3.6 Robbery - - 1 1 2 0.4 Sex natural 1 1 0.2 Sex unnatural - - - - - - 0.0

Breaking 5 2 11 1 - - 19 4.6 Larceny 29 9 87 77 1 2 205 49.8 Motor vehicle - 3 5 - - - 8 1.9 False pretences - - 1 15 16 3.8

: Drugs 4 1 8 4 23: 1 41 9.9

Other 16 :

18 1 37 25 3 100 24.3

i I

I 1

Total females 56 18 160 106 50 I

21 411 100.0

Percentage 13.6 4.4 39.0: 25.8 12.2 5.1 100.0

Total 401 167 1.446 837 111 127 3,089

Percentage 13.0 5.4 46.8 27.1 3.6 4.1 100.0

I i

Age

MALES 17 years and under 21 years





40 years and over

Not known

Total males

Percentage

FEMALES






40 years and over

Not known

Total females

Percentage

Total

Percentage

TABLE 45


PROBATIONERS ANALYSED BY OFFENCE(S), AGE AND SEX

(ADULT COURTS)

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

Offence(s)

Homicide Assault Robbery Sex Sex Breaking Larceny Motor natural unnatural vehicle

96 7 55 9 238 390 356

49 4 30 4 66 76 80

38 5 18 1 44 '56 39

13 2 15 9 10 28 9

- 21 6 - 4 19 3

10 1 21 10 4 9 8

- 13 2 15 - 40 55 27

240 21 160 33 406 633 522

- 9.0 0.8 6.0 1.2 15.1 23.6 19.5 -----------------

1 1 - - - 8 33 3

1 3 1 - - 1 16 -

- 3 - - 3 46 1

- 1 1 - - 2 12 3 1 3 - - 2 64

1 2 - - - 26

- 2 1 - 3 8 1

4 15 2 1 - 19 205 8

1.0 3.6 0.5 0.2 - 4.6 49.9 1.9 --

4 255 23 161 33 425 838 530

0.1 8.2 0.7 5.2 1.1 13.7 27.1 17.1

* Less than 0.1

False Drugs Other pretences

- 33 261

- 33 136

1 16 72

1 3 34

- - 8

1 2 21

- 7 33 -------- ---------

3 94 569 - --------- -

0.1 3.5 21.2

- 6 20

- - 18

10 10

1 20 28

15 2 8

2 1

- 1 15 --------- -----

16 41 100

3.9 10.0 24.3 -----------------

19 135 669

0.6 4.4 21.6

"'

Total

1,445

478

290

124

61

87

196

2,681

100.0

72

40

73

68

95

32

31

411

100.0

3,092

100.0

Pro-bat ion orders

788

262

152

75

42

44

104

1,467

51

23

31

21

15

23

20

184

.... ....... 0

171

TABLE 46


PROBATIONERS ANALYSED BY LENGTH OF PROBATION, AGE AND SEX

(CHILDREN'S COURTS)

Age

MALES

Under 8 years 8 years and under

9 years 9 years and under








17 years 17 years and over*

Total males

Percentage

FEMALES -

Under 8 years 8 years and under


10 years 1 0 years and under





15 years 15 years and under 16


17 years

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

1----,L_e_n_::g_th_o_fprob~tion ·~--·· J /

I One and 1

Two i Thre:-l Probationj Percentage i One Year a half years I years · orders

years

2 0.1

11 12 0.8

19 2 3 24 1.5

89 8 17 115 7.3

140 15 17 2 174 11.0

166 19 18 3 206 13.0

458 38 30 8 534 33.7

431 19 29 2 i 481 30.4

34 2 - 36~ r----+--·--1--------~+-----+---+- .

1,348 104 116 16 1,584 .

I 85.1 6.6 7.3 1.0 100.0

2

4

27 5

25 2

48 6

45 6

2

3

3

1 3

5

34

27

57

54

0.5 1.6

0.5

0.5

2.7

18.1

14.4

30.3

28.7

17 years and over* 3 1 I 1 5 2.7

+-------:Pe :-r:c-:e:_ntf_aeg.:::..me_al-es-_j--\~--1 · 8.:._3_0

5

.o

6

4 __ -'! __ 11

1;.:.-·:--.'-·--:-::. ~~~~~1~ e~~~O_~ •. : I

'----- Perc~ntage ... .. 84.9_1_,._6_.9_·-' ~~~-7_._2_-L_~- ...

*Those "17 years and over" admitted to probation by children's courts have committed the the offence before reaching their seventeenth birthday and appeared before the court before their nineteenth birthday.

172 TABLE 47


PROBATIONERS ANALYSED BY REASON FOR PLACEMENT ON PROBATION,

LENGTH OF PROBATION, AND SEX

(CHILDREN'S COURTS)

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

Length of probation

Reason for placement One and Two Three

Total Percentage on probation One year a half offences

years years years

MALES-

Offences -

Assault 85 10 2 - 97 3.7 Robbery 12 5 - - 17 0.7 Sex natural 10 1 - - 11 0.4 Sex unnatural 6 - 5 - 11 0.4 Breaking 492 55 102 3 652 25.2 Larceny '655 49 60 11 775 29.9 Motor vehicle 565 33 38 4 640 24.7 False pretences 12 - - - 12 0.5 Drugs 14 - - - 14 0.5 Other 282 9 10 - 301 11.6

Care and protection-

Likely to lapse 21 7 2 - 30 1.2 Exposed to moral 5 - - - 5 0.2 Other danger 25 1 - - 26 1.0

Total males 2,184 170 219 18 2,591 100.0

Percentage 84.3 6.6 8.5 0.7 100.0

FEMALES-

Offences

Assault 1 - 1 - 2 1.0 Robbery - - - - - -Sex natural - - - - - -Sex unnatural - - - - - -Breaking 10 - - - 10 4.8 Larceny 46 4 2 1 53 25.2 Motor vehicle 7 1 - - 8 3.8 False pretences 5 - 4 - 9 4.3 Drugs 3 - 1 - 4 1.9 Other 12 6 - - 18 8.6

Care and protection -

Likely to lapse 18 4 - - 22 10.5 Exposed to moral 58 3 6 - 67 31.9 Other danger 14 1 2 - 17 8.1

Total females 174 19 16 1 210 100.0

Percentage 82.9 9.0 7.6 0.5 100.0

Total 2,358 189 235 19 2,801

Percentage 84.2 6.7 8.4 0.7 100.0

Ordinary condition* --------

TABLE 49


BREACHES OF PROBATION NOTIFIED

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

-------

Special condition** Following further

conviction for offence(s)

Males Females Males Females Males Females I M 3les --------- -

Supreme Court - - 4

County Court 14 1 1 84 4

Magistrates' Courts 61 5 3 - 341 22

Total 75 6 4 - 429 26 ----- ----------

*Ordinary conditions are:-

Report to the Chief Probation Officer within 48 hours after being released on probation Carry out lawful instructions Report and receive visits as directed Notify change of address or employment within 48 hours

4

99

4 05

5 08

Total

**Special conditions are those conditions added by the Court; repayment of money, live in hostel, and so on

" • •

------~

Females

5

27

32

--

Total

4

104

432 ---~----

540

.... -..J ...

.. •

Orders by

Supreme Court

County Court

Magistrates' Courts

Director of Probation in cases from:-

Supreme Court

County Court

Magistrates' Courts

Total

TABLE 50


METHOD OF DISPOSAL OF BREACHES OF PROBATION

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

1

: ---Further '' -lprobation

n order

.. ·~---~,. ~-- -~I ~ ~ E ~ u.~ ~ - Cl) ~ ~ u..

4 2

2 29 31 49

~ (;;

~ u..

Method of disposal

training centre --,.-

.. ~ (;; ~

6

31 22

.. Cl)

(;;

E ~

u.

-;-----

11

27 2

~

No action Total

11 . ll .. ..!!! E ..!!! ~ Cl) "' ~ u.. ~

_. "'-l U1

I 17 1 43 4 47

31 361 21 18 3 239 15 254

22 22 22

132 21 132 21 134

221 458

Period of b

Under 3

3 months

6 months

9 months

year an

2 years a

3 years a

TABLE 51


PERIOD OF PROBATION COMPLETED BEFORE BREACH AND AGE WHEN ADMITTED TO PROBATION

1 July 1977 - 30 June 1978

probation completed Age (in years) when admitted to probation

----------,---- -

efore breach 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 I 26-30 31-35 36-40 -----

nonths 6 19 11 10 5 4 2 2 6 4 4 1

and under 6 months 9 17 24 15 12 11 - 3 1 6 3 1

and under 9 months 1 15 17 9 9 8 1 4 13 2 3

and under 1 year 1 1 16 7 2 3 2 1 1 9 6 2

d under 2 years - 5 21 20 14 10 12 6 6 11 3 2

1d under 3 years - - 1 9 5 4 - - 1 3 1 1

1d under 5 years - - - - - - 1 - 2

Total 17 57 90 70 47 40 17 16 15 47 19 12

.. .. 4

-40 and

over

3

2

2

1

3

-

-

11

-

Total

77

104

84

52

113

25

3

458

....

...... 0')

..

------------"

Offence

MALES-

Homicide Assault Robbery Sex natural Sex unnatural Breaking Larceny Motor vehicle False pretences Drugs Others

Total males

FEMALES

Homicide Assault Robbery Sex natural Sex unnatural Breaking Larceny Motor •Jehicle False pretences Drugs Others

Total females

Total "--~~" -"

"' TABLE 52


OFFENCE FOR WHICH ADMITTED TO PROBATION AND OFFENCE BREACHING PROBATION

1 July 1977-30 June 1978

Main Main offence breaching probation offence

""""""""~"""""""""

for which admitted Homicide Assault Robbery Sex Sex Breaking Larceny Motor False Drugs

to natural unnatura.l vehicle pretences

probation

- - - - - - -- B 1 - - 6 3 3 10 - - - - 2 4 2

- - 3 - - - 5 -- - - 5 -

I 6 - 4

- - 5 3 1 1 29 10 16 2 16 - 5 - 1 8 22 15 2 17 - 8 1 2 - 9 11 56 5 12 - - - - 2 2 2 1 - 2 1 1 - 6 6 7 1 B

- - - 1 - - 4 1 1 - 2 -

437 - 31 7 4 7 64 57 115 11 61 ,-------"

- - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - -

- - - - - - 2 - - - - - 1 4 - -

- - - - 1 - -- - - - - 3

- - - - - - 2 - - 1 - - -

- - - - - - --- - "-""

21 - 1 1 5 3 4 ""------

458 - 32 7 4 7 65 62 115 14 65 ---·-- "--- """- -""

Breaches of

Other conditions of

probation

-2 5

- -1 2

- 4 4 9 2 9

11 13 - 2

.... -...!

1 5 -...!

8 1

29 50

-- 1

--

- 1 - 3 - -

- 1 - -

-

2 6

31 56 "" _____

178

TABLE 53 Regional Services Division

SUPERVISION CASES ANALYSED BY LENGTH OF SUPERVISION, AGE AND SEX

1 July 1977-30 June 1978

Length of supervision Super-Age ' One and a Two years Three vision Percentage

One year h If years orders a years

MALES-

Under 8 years 34 2 1 2 39 24.2 8 years and under 9 years 1 - - - 1 0.6 9 years and under 10 years 5 - - - 5 3.1

10 years and under 11 years 5 1 4 - 10 6.2 11 years and under 12 years 5 1 1 - 7 4.3 12 years and under 13 years 16 1 3 - 20 12.4 13 years and under 14 years 21 4 1 - 26 16.1 14 years and under 15 years 16 2 3 1 22 13.7 15 years and under 16 years 19 1 1 - 21 13.0 16 years and under 17 years 8 - - - 8 5.0 17 years and over 2 - - - 2 1.2

Total males 132 12 14 3 161 100.0

Percentage 82.0 7.5 8.7 1.9 100.0

FEMALES-

Under 8 years 37 6 7 3 53 21.0 8 years and under 9 years - 1 - - 1 0.4 9 years and under 10 years 1 - - 2 3 1.2

1 0 years and under 11 years 8 2 1 - 11 4.4 11 years and under 12 years 8 - 1 - 9 3.6 12 years and under 13 years 18 - - - 18 7.1 13 years and under 14 years 18 2 1 - 21 8.3 14 years and under 15 years 39 4 1 - 44 17.5 15 years and under 16 years 65 3 2 1 71 28.2 16 years and under 17 years 21 - - - 21 8.3 17 years and over - - - - - -

Total females 215 18 13 6 252 100.0

Percentage 85.3 7.1 5.2 2.4 100.0

Total 347 30 27 9 413

Percentage 84.0 7.3 6.5 2.2 100.0 .

179

TABLE 54


SUPERVISION CASES ANALYSED BY REASON FOR PLACEMENT ON SUPERVISION, LENGTH OF SUPERVISION AND SEX

1 July 1977-30 June 1978

······-··

Reason for placement Length of supervision

One and a! Total on supervision One year h If • Two years Three years offences a years

~

MALES-

Offences~

Assault - - - -Robbery - - - -Sex natural - - -Sex unnatural - - - -Breaking 1 - - - 1 Larceny 2 1 - - 3 Motor vehicle 1 4 - 5 False pretences - - - -Drugs - - - -Other - - - -

Care and protection-Likely to lapse 51 6 3 - 60 Exposed to moral danger 27 2 5 - 34 Other 49 3 4 3 59

-··

Total males 131 12 16 3 162

Percentage 80.9 7.4 I 9.9 1.9 100.0

FEMALES-

Offences-Assault - - - -Robbery 1 ~ 1 Sex natural - - -

Sex unnatural - - - -Breaking - - -Larceny 1 - - 1 Motor vehicle - -False pretences - - - -Drugs - -Other - - 2 - 2

Care and protection-Likely to lapse 18 - - 18 Exposed to moral danger 122 9 3 - 134 Other 73 9 8 6 96

·-~··

Total females 13 6 252

Percentage 5.2 2.4 100.0

Total 29 9 414

Percentage 7.0 2.2 00.0

Percentage

--

0.6 1.9 3.1

37.0 21.0 36.4 ·-·--···-

100.0

-~

0.4 ---0.4

-

0.8

7.1 53.2 38.1

100.0

··-----~

··~-·

'

TABLE 55 Regional Services Division

SUPERVISION CASES ANALYSED BY REASON FOR PLACEMENT ON SUPERVISION, AGE, AND SEX 1 July 1977-30 June 1978

Age

MALES-

Under 8 years 8 years and under 9 years 9 years and under 1 0 years

10 years and under 11 years 11 years and under 12 years 12 years and under 13 years 13 years and under 14 years 14 years and under 15 years 15 yearsand under 16 years 16 years and under 17 years 17 years and over

Total males

Percentage

FEMALES

Under 8 years 8 years and under 9 years 9 years and under 10 years

10 years and under 11 years 11 years and under 12 years 12 veers and under 13 years 13 veers and under 14 veers 14 veers and under 15 years 15 years and under 16 years 16 years and under 17 years 1 7 years and over

Total females

I

... :; ~ <(

Offence

~ - ~ ~ > .Be .a:;z c '8 x.a x:!' !B ~ a: c8:!! c85 tXi j

~ .. ou ~i

~ c .... .....

-a> ., ~ LLCl

.. g' 0

1 5

= _u .,c ..... 0 .... 1-0

ii£ ..., o~ 1-0

Care and protection ~~~~~~~~~1---~T~~~~~~~~~~,~~ < ~~T~~

I l

2 >

~~

9

2 4

oi +"C

i~ s.e .;j~

11

2

1 5

'ii E 1-

t J

.. :..~ !"E ao -c g~ 1->

19 39 25.5 39 1 1 0.7 1 3 5 3.3 5 4 10 6.5 10 7 7 4.6 7

1 1 12.5 13 2 4 19 12.4 20 1 - - - - 1 1 12.5 13 3 9 25 16.3 25

- 3 - - - 3 2 25.0 8 7 5 20 13.1 22 1 - - - - 1 1 12.5 9 7 4 20 13.1 21

- I - I - 1 1 1 - - - 3 3 37.s 2 2 1 s 3.3 8 - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 2 1.3 2

- I - I - 1 3 s - - - 9 a 1oo.o oo 341 s911s3 11oo.ol161

- I - I - 11.1 33.3 ss.6 - - - 1oo.o 39.2 22.21 38.611oo.o

2

2 i 4

25.0

25.0

2 50.0

4

4 1 3 1 1 3 1

4 100.0 18 1

10 1 1 2 3

10 15 31 46 15

39

2 5 4 5 4

12 20

5

53 1 3

11 8

18 20 44 69 21

21.4 53 0.4 1 1.2 3 4.4 11 3.2 9 7.3 18 8.1 21

17.7 44 27.8 71 8.5 21

248 1100.01 252

Percentage - 25.0 - - 25.0 - - - 50.0 100.0 7.3 54.0 38.7 100.0

Total - 1 - 1 4 5 - - 2 1.3 12 78 168 155· 401. 1413 ,----~ -- '------ ~~~~~~~--j

Percentage - 7:7 - - 7.7 30.8 38.5 - - 15.4 100.0 19.5 41.9 38.7 '-------

... •

~

-------

COURSE

---------- --------

Diploma in Youth Work, 2nd Year

Diploma in Youth Work, 3rd Year

Certificate in Welfare Work

Diploma in Child Care, 1st Year

Diploma in Child Care, 2nd Year

Certificate in Child Care, Part I

Certificate in Child Care, Part 11

Certificate for Youth Officers, Part I

Certificate for Youth Officers, Part 11

Prison Officers, Part I

Prison Officers, Part 11

Prison Officers, Part Ill

Welfare Volunteers

Honorary Probation Officers

Field Teachers Course for Welfare Officers

TABLE 56

INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WELFARE

TRAINING COURSES

1977

ENROLLED

Males Females Total

13 9 22

9 13 22

9 21 30

5 17 22

3 8 11

12 52 64

10 4 14

48 23 71

23 10 33

94 7 101

24 - 24

18 - 18

40 382 422

33 38 71

1 11 12

..,

COMPLETED --------

Males Females -----

9 7

5 10

8 19

5 13

3 8

12 50

10 4

45 21

23 10

84 7

24

18

29 305

33 38

- 11

Courses in Child Care and Youth Work are attended by employees of both statutory institutions and voluntary organizations.

----Total

16

15

27

18

11

62 (X)

14

66

33

91

24

18

334

71

11

--------

TABLE 57

STAFFING SCHEDULE OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TEACHERS IN SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT INSTITUTIONS

At 30 June 1978

Institution - Filled Positions Unfilled Positions

Allambie .. . . . . . . 16

Hillside .. .. . . . . . . 7

Baltara .. .. . . . . . . 18 ------

41

Youth Training Centres -

Langi Kal Kal .. . . . . . . 3 1

Malmsbury . . . . . . . . 2

Turana .. . . . . . . . . 13

Winlaton .. . . . . . . 13

Prisons 31 1

Ararat .. . . . . . . . . 2 1

Beechworth .. . . . . . . 3 3

Bendigo .. .. . . . . . . 5

Geelong .• .. . . . . . . 3

Pentridge .. . . . . . . 8

Fairlea .. . . . . . . . . 2

---

23 4 --- ----·- -------- ---

~ r ...

Total

16

7

18

41

4

2 .... CIO

13 "" 13

32

3

6

5

3

8

2

27

·"' -- .. TABLE 58

Training Division

STAFFING SCHEDULE OF TRADE TRAINING INSTRUCTORS IN SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT INSTITUTIONS

At 30 June 1978

Youth training centres Prisons -------------------

Trade Langi Kal Kal

Malmsbury Turana Winlaton Bendigo F airlea Gee long

-----------

Bricklaying - 1 1 - - - -

Building constructions 1 1 -· - --

Carpentry - 1 - -

Cookery 1 - - - -

Domestic economy - - 1 -

Dressmaking - - - - 1

Gardening 1 1 - - -

Motor mechanics 1 1 1 - - -

Painting decorating 1 1 1 - - -

Sheet metal/welding 1 1 1 - 2 -

Woodwork 1 1 - -

Laundry 1 1 - - - -

Commercial subjects - 1 -

Physical education teacher - - -

(part-time)

Total 7 8 6 1 2 2 -

Total

2

2

1

1

1

1

2

3

3

5

2

2

1

-

26

00 VJ

No. 28~8960/79~$3.80

I Annual Report of the SOCIAL WELFARE … No. 28 VICTORIA Annual Report of the SOCIAL WELFARE...

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