Community Restorative Centre

The Community Restorative Centre (CRC) is a New South Wales community organisation dedicated to supporting people affected by the criminal justice system, particularly prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families and friends. The CRC offers personal and practical assistance such as post-release transitional programs for people being released,  a court support service, a family support program and information, advice and referrals.

Services Provided By The CRC

CRC runs a number of post-release support services for people with complex needs around the time of their release from custody.  Most programs operate on a pre-release engagement model, with caseworkers beginning to work with people three months before release and around one year post-release.  Most programs require a pre-release referral from a parole officer, Services and Programs Officer (SAPO) or Case Management officer (CMO) within the correctional centre.  Details of these programs can be found on the CRC website.

CRC also has an alcohol and other drugs counselling service.

Resources For Former Prisoners

Life for former prisoners can be extremely difficult. Many experience problems with housing, employment, finances, relationships, drugs and alcohol and rebuilding relationships. Former prisoners are  welcome to call the CRC’s Telephone Information and Referral Service to discuss resettlement issues any time after their release.

Families Of Prisoners

When a family member goes to jail, it can be extremely traumatic for those left behind. Whether you’re a partner, parent, friend or another relative, life can become very difficult emotionally, financially and socially. It can be difficult to know where to get information and assistance.

The CRC can help by providing information, advice and support to families from the courts through to release.  Some limited financial assistance is available for families to contribute towards the cost of visiting a loved one in a correctional centre far from home.

Training For Community And Government Workers

The CRC provides specialised, bespoke training to organisations, government departments and community workers engaged in supporting or working with post-release prisoners and families of prisoners.

Training workshops are tailored to the needs of workers and organisations and provide practical information about the NSW prison system and how imprisonment affects the families and impacts on the post-release needs of prisoners.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.