An effective correctional system supports prisoners in a way that minimises the chance of re-offending.

This is the aim behind the Correctional Services Training and Employment (C-STEP) Program, a pre-vocational program and the first of its kind in Australia.

The South Australian program will train 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as Correctional Services officers who can provide a more culturally appropriate support to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander prisoners.

Murray Bridge-based Aninna Tarasenko, is one of the first trainees to be selected for C-STEP.

Aninna, part of the Raukkan community of the Ngarrindjeri people, said she jumped at the chance to learn new skills and get employment in her home city. And she believes she could make a positive difference for Indigenous prisoners.

‘If they see an Indigenous person in a place like that, they are going to feel instantly more comfortable,’ Aninna said.

‘I have had relatives go through different prison systems and the one thing they always do say is it’s a very lonely place. I feel like if they can have people they can connect with, they will feel comfortable.’

The program is delivered by Maxima, a leading national provider of employment and training services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Maxima’s Special Programs Manager, Natasha Christie, said she had been encouraged by the high level of interest in the C-STEP program.

‘We have been inundated with applications and have been steadily working through them to select the most suitable candidates and begin working with them,’ Natasha said.

‘There has been a lot of interest because the program may lead to a great employment opportunity, but we have also been really encouraged by the desire of candidates to make a difference with Indigenous prisoners.’

The program includes one-on-one tailored support and training and develops pathways into possible employment as Correctional Officers in South Australia’s Adelaide, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Mobilong and Cadell prisons.

On completion of the C-STEP program, participants will achieve a Certificate II in Justice Studies and be job-ready to apply for work with the South Australian Department for Correctional Services.

Participants who successfully apply for Correctional Services jobs will then undertake a one-year training program in a Certificate III in Correctional Practice.

Story adapted from Maxima media release.