Prisoners are being given ‘Trauma Teddies’ to cuddle in their cells as part of a new program providing support to ‘distressed and vulnerable’ inmates in Victorian jails.
The toys – usually used to comfort children suffering from illness and other painful experiences – have been approved by Corrections Victoria for use in prisons across the state.
The Department of Justice and Community Safety did not answer inquiries about whether the bears were being offered to prisoners serving sentences for crimes such as murder or rape.
Trauma Teddies for inmates come in two types: a ‘standard bear’, and a ‘cultural bear’ which features the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on the toy’s feet.
Prisoners are being given ‘Trauma Teddies’ to cuddle in their cells as part of a program to provide support to ‘distressed and vulnerable’ inmates in Victorian jails. ‘Cultural bears’ have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on their feet
The Department of Justice and Community Safety did not respond to questions about whether the bears were being provided to prisoners serving sentences for crimes such as murder or rape. Stock image of a man in prison
There has been no public announcement about the introduction of Trauma Teddies but their use was revealed in a recent issue of Victoria’s Corrections Weekly.
‘Corrections Victoria, our Health Teams and our Yilam are very excited about this new prison based initiative to better support our more distressed and vulnerable men and women in our prison system,’ the newsletter states.
‘We hope Trauma Teddy will offer an additional level of comfort to prisoners in their time of need and assist each prisoner in reaching better outcomes.’
Yilam refers to Corrections Victoria’s Cultural Integrity and Resilience Unit, previously known as the Aboriginal Programs Unit.
The move has been met with ridicule on a Facebook page used by serving and retired correctional officers from around Australia.
‘Oh for crying out loud what next?’ one former officer wrote. ‘Do staff give hugs and cuddles as well?’
A second user said: ‘Does it traumatise prisoners when their beloved teddy is subjected to a cavity search looking for contraband???’
Other comments included ‘WTF? Bet the poor victims get sweet FA’, and, ‘Is it by any chance April Fool’s Day? Because this has to be a joke’.
The teddies, made from ‘pre-approved’ materials already used within the prison system, are provided on a case-by-case basis after considering individual risk
The bears can be issued if their use has been deemed appropriate by a Risk Review Team (RRT) and documented in a risk management plan for each approved inmate.
If a cultural bear is to be provided there should be consultation with Aboriginal Wellbeing Officers during Risk Review Team meetings and inmate case conferencing.
‘There is additional opportunity for Trauma Teddy to be used more broadly across the system for prisoners with dementia, acquired brain injury, significant trauma etc,’ the newsletter states.
Trauma Teddies history
Australian Red Cross has given away more than one million Trauma Teddies since 1991
Australian Red Cross has been giving Trauma Teddies to children since 1991.
They are used to comfort children fleeing a disaster, as a welcome gift to refugee children and as company during ambulance trips.
Trauma Teddies are also used to offer ‘friendly security in hospital’ and ‘a happy face in a lonely time’.
The toys were sent to New York children after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and to Bali after the 2002 bombings.
More than one million Trauma Teddies have been knitted by volunteers since 1990 and about 50,000 are made each year.
National Trauma Teddy Day is held on November 23.
‘Discussions on the appropriateness for usage should occur through prison’s local Case Conferencing processes.’
Some online critics questioned why prison authorities had bothered producing a Trauma Teddy with the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander flags.
‘I’m sorry but why does there need to be a cultural bear?’ one wrote. ‘It’s the exact same thing but with the flags.
‘Why does a “special” category need to be made. Or more to the point why only indigenous/TSI. If you’re going to go down that road then where is the Muslim and Jewish one too?
‘The whole concept is ridiculous but creating “two types” is an absolute joke.’
The teddies, made from pre-approved materials already used within the prison system, are provided on a case-by-case basis after considering individual risk.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice and Community Safety said Corrections Victoria ‘takes the safety and wellbeing of staff and prisoners very seriously’.
‘Trauma Teddies are a newly introduced sensory tool available to help staff supporting complex prisoners who may be a risk to themselves or others, including those with significant trauma and intellectual disabilities,’ she said.
Corrections Victoria did not explain why there was a need for a cultural bear that was almost identical to the standard one.
Some Facebook users could see benefit in providing Trauma Teddies to inmates with cognitive problems.
One health worker said use of the toys could help staff manage inmates suffering from acquired brain injuries and dementia.
‘Can confirm dolls help dementia patients in the community immensely both as a tool for distraction when the patient is in danger of injury… and a way of comforting them.’ he wrote.
‘Would not imagine these being carried around by your average prisoner in the yard.’
Another user wrote: ‘From someone who has clients in prison who have disabilities – can totally be a positive thing for them to help self regulate.’
The Trauma Teddies can be bought by jails for $12.50 each through Prison Industries.
‘It is recommended that each prison purchases some Trauma Teddies to keep in stock and collaboratively discuss and support the appropriate usage for prisoners through RRT and Case Conferencing meetings,’ Corrections Weekly states.
Inmates in other states including Queensland have knitted Trauma Teddies for the Red Cross to be given to children.
One health worker said use of the toys could help staff manage inmates suffering from acquired brain injuries and dementia. Stock image of an inmate in an observation cell
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk