Lotus Glen Correctional Centre

Infobox_Prisons
prison_name=Lotus Glen Correctional Centre
location=Mareeba, Queensland
status=Operational
security=High, Medium, Low and Open Security. (Male Only)
capacity= Main - 396; Farm (Open Security) - 115
opened=1989
closed=
managed_by=Queensland Corrective Services Commission|

Lotus Glen Correctional Centre is an Australian prison facility located 25km south of Mareeba and 20 km north of Atherton in Far North Queensland. Lotus Glen provides a correctional service for high, medium, low and open classification inmates. Including a Prison Farm with a capacity for 115 "open security" inmates.

Population

Lotus Glen's "catchment area" for its inmate population includes Cairns, The Cape York Region, The Torres Strait Islands and other isolated communities. 60% - 70% of the population of the centre are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons [http://www.dcs.qld.gov.au/About_Us/The_Department/Custodial_Corrections/Lotus_Glen_Correctional_Centre/index.shtml] .

Facilities

The centre is used as a remand and reception facility and provides the programs necessary to induct both first time inmates and repeat offenders into the correctional environment. The facility runs work programs in the fields of both farming and industry, providing useful skills to the inmates in preparation for their release.

Programs

Cultural programs are conducted at Lotus Glen in response to the centre's high Indigenous population. Specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff including correctional officers are employed to meet the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners. These needs are met through cultural programs, Elder visits, regular community visits, and ensuring that family ties are maintained.

The facility also runs a prison farm for low and open security inmates. Although not necessary put to "hard labour" the inmates are expected to work the farms, allowing them time to develop skills and escape the daily routine of the prison.

ee also

* List of Australian prisons

External links

* http://www.aic.gov.au/research/corrections/facilities/qld.html#lotusglen
* http://www.dcs.qld.gov.au/About_Us/The_Department/Custodial_Corrections/Lotus_Glen_Correctional_Centre/index.shtml