The rate of women imprisoned is increasing and women’s experience of incarceration and reintegration has changed. This round table discussion invites funders, sector leaders and front line workers to conversed with three members of ACSOs Lived Experience Advisory Panel who have first hand experience of what it means to reintegrate post release, with and without support. The discussion will invite an open dialogue to inform policy, service design and practice and will be moderated by ACSOs Equity and Inclusion Manager. Gain firsthand insights from women who have navigated the journey of reintegration, providing a deep understanding of the unique challenges they face. Members of ACSOs Lived Experience Advisory Panel will speak to their vasty different reintegration journeys in a round table discussion moderated by ACSOs Equity and Inclusion Lead, Claire Noone . Jen Nicholls, Criminology and Criminal Justice academic who has complimented her lived experience of the justice system with research into Womens healthcare within prison locations. Cheryl Rowe, a 60 year old women supported by a post release reintegration program on release and Stephanie Maher, Lived Experience Advisory Panel member and think tank advocate. Panel members will bring with them their experiences of being older women, women classified as high risk offenders, PHD candidates, small business owners, single mothers and experiences of being supported in a post release program and those who were not provided this reintegration assistance.
Presenters
Jen is a Federation University PhD Candidate, Criminology and Criminal justice lecturer and tutor and member of ACSOs Lived Experience Advisory Committe. She brings a passion for creating inclusive spaces for people affected by the justice system is evident in her strategic leadership and innovative approaches to fostering collaboration. Jen Nicholls, Criminology and Criminal Justice academic who has complimented her lived experience of the justice system with research into Womens healthcare within prison locations. Panel members will bring with them their experiences of being older women, women classified as high risk offenders, PHD candidates, small business owners, single mothers and experiences of being supported in a post release program and those who were not provided this reintegration assistance.
Cheryl Rowe, a 60 year old women supported by a post release reintegration program on release and a member of ACSO Lived experience Advisory Panel. Panel members will bring with them their experiences of being older women, women classified as high risk offenders, PHD candidates, small business owners, single mothers and experiences of being supported in a post release program and those who were not provided this reintegration assistance.
Stephanie is an ACSO Lived Experience Advisory Panel members and think tank advocate. Panel members will bring with them their experiences of being older women, women classified as high risk offenders, PHD candidates, small business owners, single mothers and experiences of being supported in a post release program and those who were not provided this reintegration assistance.
Pattie is deeply committed to creating positive change within the criminal justice system, driven by her genuine care for individuals affected by it. As a Lived Experience Panel Member for Prison Network and Beyond The Stone Walls Advisory Collective (BSWAC), she passionately shares her unique perspectives and insights, driven by her desire to see meaningful reform take place. In her new role as a Forensic Lived Experience Worker with Australian Community Services Organisation (ACSO), Pattie shares her personal journey to support and drive positive outcomes for individuals involved in the CJS.
Pattie firmly believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their past experiences.
In addition to her advocacy work, Pattie is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Criminology, furthering her understanding of the complexities within the criminal justice system.
