161: Inspection of Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women

This is the seventh report of an announced inspection of the Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women (Boronia) by the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services (the Office). Boronia opened in May 2004, replacing Nyandi Women’s Prison as Western Australia’s only dedicated minimum-security female facility. Based on international best practice, this Office has consistently found …

A substantive senior management team provided stability  During this inspection, we were pleased to find that Boronia had a substantive management team in place, providing much-needed stability to the centre. In the past, the two most senior roles—Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Security—had been filled by acting staff, following a series of non-permanent …

Recommendation 1 Provide permanent funding for education support positions. Recommendation 2 As part of the review of the Long-term Custodial Technology Strategy, the Department should re-assess opportunities to introduce controlled, secure internet access to tertiary students in custodial facilities. Recommendation 3 In consultation with residents, develop and provide more voluntary programs to meet their needs. …