Central Queensland Indigenous Development

Reconnection, Employment and Learning

Supporting First Nations people in custody to reconnect with culture, education, training, employment, and build a positive pathway after release

This service is available in:

Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL)

Our Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL) Program is an Australian Government funded initiative that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people transitioning from incarceration into the community.

The program provides culturally responsive mentoring and practical support to participants for up to six months prior to release, immediate high-intensity support on release and ongoing mentoring for up to 12 months following release. The program aims to strengthen connections to employment, education, training, culture, health services, family and community supports while reducing barriers to successful reintegration.

The REAL Program is underpinned by principles of self-determination, cultural safety, trauma-informed practice, strengths-based service delivery and participant-led goal setting.

Who is this service for?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals who:

  • 18 years and older
  • People who are currently incarcerated with a confirmed release date
  • Expected release date must be within the next 6 months
  • Support will commence up to 6 months prior release date and support can continue in community for up to 12 months post-release.

Referrals

Referrals are strictly only made by Correction Centres

How CQID can help you?

  • 1:1 mentoring
  • Cultural identity
  • Family and kinship connections
  • Pathways to employment/workforce opportunities
  • Education and training opportunities
  • Physical health
  • Social and emotional wellbeing
  • Community engagement
  • Establishing positive routines and basic life skills
  • Reconnecting with housing, Centrelink and other social services

Funding Body

The REAL Program is supported by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Meet our Reconnection, Employment and Learning team

Keisha Williams-Coveney

Keisha Williams-Coveney | CQID

My Mob

Darumbal, Iman and South Sea Islander

What I do

REAL Program Coordinator
Rockhampton

Peta Steedman

Peta Steedman | CQID

What I do

Therapeutic Clinical Services GM
Rockhampton

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