Congratulations to everyone involved in the Corrections Futures initiative, who were team finalists the Premiers Excellence in public value Awards 2017.

The awards recognise public sector individuals and teams who apply the principles of public value to deliver exceptional outcomes, put South Australians at the centre of their work and who consistently demonstrate the Public Sector Values.

The Corrections Future pilot program was focused on increasing employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Port Augusta area and was led by DCS in partnership with TAFE SA and the Department of State Development (DSD).

The initiative has delivered some fantastic results with five of last week’s graduating group of Trainee Correctional Officers having taken part in the program.

The Corrections Future pilot program was  designed to build on participants’ existing skills, and to enable them to reach their best potential to being job ready.

Across a 14 week programs the nine participants studied a range of areas including:

1.Contribute to Achieving the Goals of the Organisation
2.Support offender services
3.Communicate Effectively
4.Monitor People in Care or Custody
5.Maintain Security
6.Use Safe Work Practices
7.Write Routine Workplace Materials
8.Screen access to and exit from premises.

Participants were also provided with mentoring and a tour of Port Augusta Prison. Upon successful completion each of the nine participants were awarded with a Certificate II in Justice Service.

The success of this program has leveraged additional funding over the next three years, announced in July by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion.

Well done to everyone involved.