‘Distressed and Vulnerable’ Prisoners to Receive ’Trauma Teddies’

General view of signage outside of the Ravenhall Correction Centre in Melbourne, Australia on July 22, 2020. AAP Image/James Ross

Criminals in Victoria’s prison system are being given “trauma teddies” as a form of therapy in a bid to “better support” those who are vulnerable to mental health issues.

The toy bears, usually reserved for children as a form of comfort in times of pain, have been approved by Corrections Victoria for use across the state’s prison system.

Costing $12.50 each, “distressed or vulnerable” prisoners can purchase the toy bear, which comes in either standard or cultural form with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at its feet.

Speaking to Neil Mitchell on 3AW, Warren, an ex-Pentridge prison officer, said providing bears to inmates is an insult to their victims.

“You conduct an aggravated burglary, you terrify people in their own house, you beat the hell out of them, you traumatise them, perhaps destroy their peace and their life. You go to jail … you get a teddy bear to cuddle,” Warren said, adding that the bears could instead be used to hide contraband, such as drugs or weapons.

However, Brett Collins, coordinator of Justice Action, a prisoners’ rights advocacy group, who served 10 years in jail, told 3AW that the bears could be useful for some inmates.

“You have people who don’t touch each other because it could be misunderstood, so the idea of having something, especially for people who have some sort of mental illnesses, is actually a good thing,” Mr. Collins said.

Mr. Collins also acknowledged that some prisoners may be bullied and mocked by fellow inmates if they request a bear.

When asked by Mr. Mitchell whether he would have asked for a trauma teddy during his time in jail, Mr. Collins responded: “Who knows? ‘I’ve been in black cells with nothing to hold at all … I think others would laugh at me, though. I’d lose a bit of cred in the process.”

Move Described as ‘Bizarre’ By Top Radio Host

Mr. Mitchell told listeners on Aug. 3 that the move by the state prison system to provide trauma teddies to inmates was “bizarre.”

“But it’s true. Victorian prisoners are being provided with teddy bears—Trauma Teddies—to cuddle in their cells,” Mr. Mitchell said.

“You conduct an aggravated burglary, you terrify people in their own house, you beat the hell out of them, you traumatise them, perhaps destroy their peace and their life.

“You go to jail... you get a teddy bear to cuddle.”

Mr. Mitchell gave further commentary on what inmates would want next.

“The temptation is to say what the hell do they want next—cuddles from the prison officers?

“I guess it comes down to whether you want prison to punish or reform,” Mr. Mitchell said.

“I’d say this—if giving a traumatised prisoner a trauma teddy means they stop conducting armed robberies or aggravated burglaries, then bring in the bloody bears.

“But I know a lot of prison officers are doubtful about this. Some think the trauma teddies could be used to hide drugs or knives or anything else.”

Mr. Mitchell added that while the bears are meant to assist inmates with mental health issues, prisons are not meant to be places of leisure.

“Will it achieve anything, or is it just a bit of feel-good social engineering woke over-the-top indulgence of people who have hurt other people?

“Or is it actually positive and could help us by meaning the bloke who gets out tomorrow doesn’t go and conduct more armed robberies?”

Case by Case Basis

The Epoch Times understands that the trauma teddies will be used on a case-by-case basis and are based on individual risk and case management planning. It’s also understood that the toys are made from pre-approved materials already in use within Corrections Victoria facilities.

“Trauma Teddies are a 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,” a spokesperson from the Department of Justice and Community Service told The Epoch Times in an email.

The announcement of the bear rollout was made in Corrections Victoria’s recent weekly newsletter to staff, where they said that they hope the bears will provide inmates with an “additional level of comfort to prisoners in their time of need,” reported The Daily Mail.

“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.

In August 2022, the New South Wales government announced that it would provide prisoners with tablets for maintaining contact with family and friends following a successful trial at two correctional centres. The NSW government said the program has been “positively associated with enhanced prisoner wellbeing, improvements in connectedness, and improved reoffending outcomes.” These devices are tamperproof, allowing restricted access to approved websites, services, and applications, including an offender telephone system, the state government said.