Women in Prison

Profile of women prisoners

• Sentences usually two years or less.
• Numbers are rising, to in excess of 450 from 370 since 2004.
• Typically unemployed prior to prison.
• Low levels of educational achievement.
• High incidence of mental health issues.
• If parent, usually single childcare provider prior to prison.
• Histories of abuse and trauma.
• High incidence of alcohol and drug issues.
• High health needs.

Mothers in prison

• A small number of women give birth while serving a sentence of imprisonment and some others have young children at the time of sentencing.
• Some prisoners with babies may be eligible to live in self-care units where they have greater ability to manage their own living arrangements
• Mothers with babies cared for in the community that are less than nine months old who are not eligible for a self-care unit, are permitted daily visits in secure, purpose-built facilities where they can feed and bond with their child.
• Some women with young babies may also be eligible to apply for home detention, either at the time of sentencing or if serving sentences longer than two years three months before their parole eligibility date.
• The Parole Act 2002 allows the New Zealand Parole Board to grant early release on compassionate grounds to a prisoner who has given birth during her sentence. Prison management first assesses the offender's suitability taking account of security classification, welfare of offender and child and the views of Child, Youth and Family. A report will then be submitted to the Parole Board for decision.

Other initiatives for women

• Tikanga Maori programme for women operating nationally.
• Kowhiritanga multiple need programme to help women address their offending is operating nationally.
• Structured Individual Programme for individuals or small groups developed and piloted.
• Reintegrative caseworkers roles being implemented in the women's prisons.
• Staff training package on working with and understanding women offenders.
• New security classification system for women under development and will be implemented in 2007.
• Skill and developmental programmes operate across all three prisons offering activities such as weaving, religious groups, cultural groups and education programmes.

Women's Prison Facilities

• A laundry and kitchen operates at each prison, these are staffed by prisoners. Commercial enterprises vary across the women's prisons.
• Each prison has a gym, chapel, at risk unit, self care units, visitor areas, feeding and bonding areas and health centres
• ARWFC and Christchurch prisons have outdoor playing fields
• ARWFC has a Papamauri unit

Auckland Region Women's Corrections Facility (ARWCF)

• 286 beds prison in Wiri, Manakau City
• Opened in June 2006
• To read more see the ARWCF fact sheet

Christchurch Women's Prison

• 140 Bed prison 20 km South of Christchurch
• To read more see the Christchurch Women's Prison fact sheet

Arohata Women's Prison

• 154 bed prison at Tawa north of Wellington.
• To read more see the Arohata Women's Prison fact sheet